Introducing the toledano&chan B/1 Dazzle and Double Dazzle (Live Pics)

toledano&chan Tread Unexplored Waters with B/1 Dazzle and Double Dazzle

By Blake Buettner

toledano&chan continue to push the boundaries of their B/1 platform in interesting ways with a new concept dubbed the Dazzle. Presented in titanium with a pair of dial options, the B/1 Dazzle and Double Dazzle make an immediate impression thanks to the unconventional source of inspiration: dazzle camouflage. This is a brutalist design that leans into a brutalist theme and does so with a surprisingly deft hand through the use of textures, and while it may look and sound over the top in just about every way, it manages to come together with level of grace that makes it, well, approachable.

Dazzle camouflage was used by the Navy during WWI in an effort to obfuscate the speed, size, and direction of travel of war ships at sea. Think of it a bit like the camo you see on unreleased cars testing prior to the debut, only with higher stakes. The camouflage consisted of high contrast geometric shapes set at angles, which creates the disorienting effect when applied to a familiar shape. With this B/1, Toledando & Chan have brought this concept into a new venue, applying it to the case, bracelet, and dial through contrasting textures rather than contrasting colors. 

To achieve this effect, the production involves a multi-step process that cuts into the grade 5 titanium case and bracelet, so the lines are set deeper into the material than you might expect. They can be felt, though not in a manner that intrudes on ergonomics. The rough texture of the recesses stands in stark contrast to the satin finish on the surface, thus rendering the dazzle design. The shape of the B/1 lends itself well to this application, as it makes use of flat, angular surfaces much the same as you might see in the design of a battleship. 

The dazzle pattern extends into the dial itself, under the asymmetrical crystal, allowing for an unbroken experience of the effect. There are two dials on offer here, the standard Dazzle, and the Double Dazzle, which welcomes a layer of natural diamond pave consisting of about 350 stones. This dial introduces a different kind of contrast, both visually and thematically, and comes off a bit punk in the process. Co-founder of the brand, Phil Toldedano, calls it “very Sex Pistols in nature”. Edgy is a word that comes to mind, both literally and thematically. 

Being crafted from grade 5 titanium, this B/1 is quite light and effortless on the wrist, despite its appearance. The asymmetric case and integrated bracelet wear in a cuff-like manner, making it a distinctly different experience from your average watch on the wrist. That’s a big part of the appeal of the B/1 in general, it’s novel in approach and provides something that no other watch in your box can approximate. Unless of course you own an old King Midas, or even something in the haute jewelry space. 

Inside the B/1 Dazzle watches sits a Sellita SW100, which is required for the unique size constraints of this case. The B/1 Dazzle will be limited to 200 pieces, while the B/1 Double Dazzle is limited to just 12 pieces. Available at collectivehorlogy.com.