The First Iteration of the Carbon Abyss Blue

Every watch starts somewhere, and this was the first physical prototype of what would eventually become the Carbon Abyss Blue.

This early build was created mainly to test the dial in a complete watch. I wanted to see how the blue carbon pattern behaved under different lighting, how clearly the details could be read, and whether the overall concept had enough presence on the wrist.

The dial was the main focus, and it immediately confirmed that the idea had potential. The carbon texture changes depending on the angle and light, giving the watch a lot more depth than a flat printed dial. Each dial also forms differently, meaning the pattern and colour distribution will vary slightly from one watch to another.

What worked

The prototype proved that the blue carbon dial could be both distinctive and wearable. Despite the amount of texture, the dial remained readable, and the blue tones worked well with a stainless-steel sports-watch design.

It also gave me a much better understanding of how the dial should be paired with the rest of the watch. Sometimes a design can look balanced in a render or as individual components, but assembling the complete watch quickly reveals what needs to change.

What needed improvement

This version was never intended to become the final production model.

I was not satisfied with the case, bezel or handset. While they allowed me to test the dial, they did not give the watch the identity or refinement I wanted for the finished Carbon Abyss.

The hands in particular competed too much with the dial rather than complementing it. The bezel and case also pushed the watch toward a more familiar style, while the goal for the final version is to give it a clearer identity of its own.

The original Prestige Minutes logo seen on this prototype will also be replaced. Since completing this first version, the brand has evolved into Vosper Watch Co., and future prototypes will carry the new Vosper branding.

What comes next

The next iteration will focus on refining the complete package rather than only proving the dial concept.

That means:

• a more considered case and bezel combination
• improved hands for stronger balance and readability
• updated Vosper branding
• better integration between the dial, case and bracelet
• a design that feels more individual and intentional

This first prototype is not the final Carbon Abyss Blue, but it played an important role in shaping what the watch will become.

It confirmed the strength of the dial while also showing exactly where the rest of the design needed to improve. That is the purpose of a prototype: not to be perfect, but to provide something real to assess, refine and build upon.

The Carbon Abyss Blue is still evolving, and this was the first step.