Tiam Harlan Chromachron Color Time

TIAM HARLAN CHROMACHRON Color Time Watch, 1970s.
Made of steel. Manual-winding movement. It does not work. Dyed leather strap with buckle clasp.
The strap is fading.
Measurements: 41 x 36 mm (total case size including crown).

An authentic vintage design piece created by German artist Tian Harlan. Conceived in 1971 and first released in 1973, this innovative watch marked a turning point in the way we understand time.

This model, called “Color Time,” does away with traditional hands. Instead, a black disc rotates slowly over the dial, completing one full rotation every 12 hours. The time is read through a wedge-shaped opening that reveals a colored triangle, allowing for an approximate reading of the hour and minutes. Only when the opening aligns exactly with the colored triangle is it possible to read the time precisely.

This unique way of measuring time has earned it the nickname “The Philosopher’s Clock.” Tian Harlan argued that time is, by nature, a relative and approximate concept. Its design invites users to let go of the obsession with second-by-second precision and to enjoy the passage of time in a more relaxed and mindful way, making it the true antithesis of the digital watch. In addition to its innovative approach, it is a piece that inevitably sparks curiosity and conversation.

In the descriptions of the watches, when it states “it works,” it means the watch is functioning. Since collector’s watches typically have delicate and complex mechanisms, the buyer is responsible for any general servicing, inspection, battery replacement, adjustment, or repair that may be necessary. We do not guarantee the perfect functioning of any watch. All photographs of our watches are original and have been taken by our photographers; in other words, we do not use stock photography, which is why the photographs are considered part of the catalog listing.