The world of horology is often defined by its solemnity—a domain of austere metals, rigorous complications, and a relentless pursuit of micro-mechanical perfection. Yet, there is a refreshing counter-movement gaining momentum, one that remembers that the objects we strap to our wrists should, on occasion, simply make us smile.
Asterisk serves as a vibrant playground for this exact artistic endeavor. By modernizing illustrative timepieces and collaborating with distinctive artistic voices, they bring a much-needed breath of fresh air to traditional watchmaking. Their latest marvel, the Asterisk Charley Harper Limp on a Limb Jump Hour Automatic Watch, is a perfect encapsulation of this joyful philosophy.
Drawing upon the beloved “minimal realism” of renowned wildlife artist Charley Harper, this timepiece translates his iconic, geometric vision of nature into a functional piece of wrist art. The dial itself is a masterful display of clever design and gentle humor. It features a lazy calico cat, perfectly content and snoozing on a tree branch, surrounded by swirling autumn leaves catching the breeze.
But this is not merely a static painting; it is the time display itself. In a brilliant stroke of integration, the jump hour mechanism reveals the current hour within one of the cat’s distinct calico spots. Meanwhile, the minutes glide by, indicated discreetly by a single, revolving yellow leaf drifting through the foliage. It is an utterly charming and unconventional way to track the passing of your day.
Beneath this playful exterior lies a surprisingly robust set of specifications. Asterisk brings over 50 years of combined watch industry experience to the table, ensuring that the whimsical design is anchored by genuine quality. The hand-finished 316L stainless steel case boasts highly wearable proportions that will suit virtually any wrist.
Measuring a classic 38 millimeters in diameter, with a refined 11-millimeter thickness and a concise 46-millimeter lug-to-lug distance, the watch sits with elegant restraint. The illustrative dial is protected by an ultra-scratch-resistant sapphire crystal complete with an anti-reflective coating, guaranteeing that the artwork remains pristine and legible in any lighting condition.
Powering this clever display is the Seagull TY2709 Jump Hour Automatic movement. It is a reliable 20-jewel engine beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour, offering a solid 42-hour power reserve and hand-winding capabilities.
The movement features built-in shock resistance and is regulated to an accuracy of -10 to +30 seconds per day, keeping the calico cat on schedule. This mechanism offers the delightful “snap” of a jump hour complication—a feature typically reserved for timepieces exponentially more expensive.
Securing the watch to the wrist is an 18-millimeter calf-skin leather strap, equipped with a tool-free quick-release springbar system that makes swapping bands an effortless affair. Weighing in at a mere 51 grams, it practically disappears on the wrist until you need it, and with 50 meters (5 ATM) of water resistance, it can handle the occasional splash without issue.
Perhaps the most astonishing detail of the Asterisk Charley Harper Limp on a Limb Jump Hour Automatic Watch is its accessibility. Priced at just £257, it delivers high-quality construction and a uniquely engaging mechanical complication without the extreme price tag that usually accompanies artistic horology.
It is a testament to the brand’s mission: delivering creative, high-quality timepieces that celebrate both mechanical ingenuity and the simple joy of exceptional illustration.
