What is designed in Switzerland, manufactured in Russia and works using Cold War era technology?  The Gelfman IN-16 Nixie, of course!!

In the world of horology, where tradition often reigns supreme, the Gelfman IN-16 Nixie takes a bold stance, as a testament to the meeting of tradition, innovation and individuality. 

This watch was actually officially nominated for the esteemed Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2022 in the “Petite Aiguille” category, which is quite an achievement, considering all the available options (specifically of “normal” watches) to choose from across the price range between 4,000 – 10,000 Swiss Francs.

Russian born founder and all round watch industry entrepreneur (Ilya Gelfman) explains the inspiration behind the Nixie IN-16 and what may be the beginning of a longer term project:

I always liked movies like “Back to the Future” which were in the retro futurism genre.  Also, during childhood I had a calculator made of Nixie tubes at home, which I actually used since school.  These 2 factors probably influenced the fact that I decided to make the IN16 watch.  I was also lucky to find and purchase a large stock of different Nixie tubes about 10 years ago, so I intend to continue with the theme and there will be several more models being released. 

Gelfman Nixie IN-16

Face & case

Measuring 45.9mm in width, 47.8mm in height and 20.5mm in thickness, a highly polished stainless steel case in a rather unorthodox shape, encapsulates two vintage Nixie tubes side by side.  The shape is unlike any other watch; taking the individual Nixie tube shapes and adding design features and contrasts here and there, including matt black engraved areas at the top and bottom of the tube areas and hollowed out areas behind the sides and lugs.

The Nixie tubes do not show anything and are blank (off), until activated by pressing the “crown”, which is a button where 6 o’clock would traditionally be; at which time each tube displays a number, emitting a warm orange glow.  Sapphire crystals protect the tubes, enhancing durability and clarity.

In case you didn’t know, a Nixie tube is a glass tube filled with a low-pressure inert gas (typically neon, sometimes with argon or mercury), which has multiple cathodes, each shaped like a digit (0–9) or a symbol.  In front of the cathodes is a fine wire mesh anode, which completes the circuit to activate the gas when current is applied.  Each digit is physically present and stacked behind one another, so what you’re seeing when you can see a number, is actual shaped metal glowing.

Gelfman Nixie IN-16 Case Back

Movement

There is no movement as such – the Nixie IN-16 operates on a microprocessor based movement made up of over 100 components, which is controlled, programmed and charged, by connecting to a computer via USB connection at the PC end and a magnetic connector at the watch end.

It is powered by a rechargeable 320 mAh lithium-ion battery, which after charging for a couple of hours, provides 12 days of use on a full charge and around 10,000 hours of use.

Gelfman Nixie IN-16 Strap & Buckle

Strap

The watch is secured to the wrist with a premium black rubber strap and double pin buckle (there are actually 2 sets of holes, with a unique single piece of steel which separates into 2 pins to secure). 

The buckle itself is solid, made of brushed stainless steel (with polished pins) and with engraved areas on the sides and the logo on the end; both of which are filled with a satin black coating.

Gelfman Nixie IN-16 Control Panel

Other stuff

Beyond its bold aesthetics, the Gelfman IN-16 Nixie is also a fairly technologically advanced piece of kit.

It comes with its own proprietary software control panel, which owners must use to update and change the watch’s settings.  Users can connect the watch to a PC or Mac to customize settings such as time, time format, brightness, and Nixie tube backlight colors. An accelerometer allows the display to activate with a simple wrist shake, adding a layer of convenience. 

A list of simplified control panel functions/settings can be found below:

• Battery – Battery life can be monitored as charging takes place, as well as details on last charge and voltage
• Indication – Brightness can be changed, as well as time digits are shown.  There is also a flash setting, which send the numbers rolling through each other before stopping on the current time 
• Time and Date settings
• Button settings – 1st Click, 2nd click and 3rd click can all be set with different functions, as well as the possibility of setting a scheduled switch on
• Accelerometer – This is a setting which, if a wearer shakes their wrist, it will display one of time, date, battery % remaining, or it can also be disabled
• Backlights – There are a choice of backlights (red, blue, green or purple) and the backlight can also be disabled
• Statistics – Full statistics of the historic usage can be seen here

The watch features a USB magnetic charging system, streamlining the charging process.

Gelfman Nixie IN-16 On the Wrist

Our verdict

I had seen (and been intrigued by) the Gelfman Nixie IN-16 for a while and seeing it in person, I was actually quite surprised at the impact created when seeing and feeling it in real life.  The packaging is shaped like a bomb (with a viewing window to see the watch inside) and everything is so well thought about and put together, that the opening experience probably created more of an impact than if someone had perhaps just handed to me.

It is a remarkable fusion of past and present, offering a unique blend of retro individuality and cutting-edge technology; a watch that is as much a conversation starter as it is a functional accessory. 

It’s a crazy love child creation, resulting in a mix of futuristic, 3D, vintage, steampunk aesthetic that would definitely be hard to replicate using modern technology to tell the time.

On the wrist, it fairly big and is also quite heavy in hand, so you don’t forget you’re wearing it and everyone else knows that it is there – The Nixie IN-16 is bold and in your face; and at 20.5mm thick, it is unlikely to be fitting under many cuffs.  If you’re wearing it, it’s being seen….. but isn’t that the point?

With only 999 pieces being made, its limited production, innovative design and fusion of vintage and modern technologies make it a standout piece in any collection.  The price is 6,250 GBP (plus taxes) or equivalent, so whilst not in everyone’s budget, it’s definitely a sensible price for collectors who want to be wearing something different, perhaps even for a one off, special occassion.

For those seeking a timepiece that defies convention and stands out in both design and functionality, the IN-16 Nixie is an exceptional choice.  It is more than just a watch; it’s a collector’s item. Knowing that there are more pieces to be added to the current single piece collection, I’m fairly confident that anyone to get their hands on the IN-16, will no doubt add more Gelfman Nixie pieces to their collection.

 https://gelfman.ch/     

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