London-based independent watchmaker Mr Jones Watches has long challenged the rigid conventions of traditional timekeeping by treating the wrist as an artistic canvas.
With the launch of the Mr Jones Watches Time Warp (£245), the brand collaborates with acclaimed illustrator Sam Taylor to transform daily time-reading into a vibrant, psychedelic story.
Limited to strictly 300 pieces worldwide, this 37mm black PVD-coated stainless steel watch presents a chaotic ensemble of surreal figures—from a serene blue frog and a pastel gummy bear to a chilled green worm resting beside a spotted mushroom.
Victorian Optical Tricks on the Wrist
Rather than utilizing traditional hour and minute hands, time is tracked through the playful rotation of the characters across the dial. The whimsical blue frog circles the outer track to indicate minutes, while the mushroom steadily points to the current hour.
At the absolute centre of the display sits a bright yellow skull that continuously rotates throughout the hour. Drawing direct inspiration from 19th-century Victorian optical illusions, the skull transforms upside down into a goofy, smiling cartoon face, serving as a witty visual metaphor for changing personal perspectives.
Once every hour, the rotating character discs align to temporarily clear the perimeter, granting the wearer a momentary window of visual calm before the colourful narrative resumes.
Protected beneath a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and backed by 50 metres of water resistance, the 37mm case features a compact 46mm lug-to-lug footprint that sits effortlessly across a wide variety of wrist sizes.
Powered by a reliable single-jewel quartz movement, the Time Warp arrives fitted on a soft 18mm black silicone strap. It stands as a brilliant reminder that horology can be joyful, thought-provoking, and delightfully unconventional without demanding a five-figure investment.
