The RPM watch is one of Tokyoflash Japan’s most popular and most stunning watches available in the current range of limited edition watches from Tokyoflash Japan. The RPM has spawned many variations, I would assume due to the popularity of the original design. Tokyoflash Reviews had the opportunity to speak with James Fursedon, the mastermind behind the watch’s design. Here is what he had to say.
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| Kisai RPM |
Tokyoflash Reviews: What was your initial reaction to having your watch made a reality?
How did your friends and family react?
James: I was really excited, just having my idea drawn up on the blog was awesome. It felt great to be the first fan submitted idea to get published too. I found it hard to believe it was going on sale and still had thoughts that it was a wind-up until it was actually in my hands. My friends were really supportive, I'm known as a bit of a gadget fan so everyone knew this was a dream come true for me! It was great to have my name on my favourite tech blogs too; I have made a list of these on my Facebook page so I have something to show the grand kids in the future. My Mum and Girlfriend are still holding on to hope that Tokyoflash make a pink version so they can wear it too!
Tokyoflash Reviews: Did you submit any conceptual drawings or pictures of the RPM or did you send in the idea by itself?
James: I sent in a few paragraphs, I have very limited knowledge of 3D software and I'm completely useless with a pencil so I had to make sure my idea was as descriptive and clear as possible. I sent ideas for the face, time telling technique, LED animation and materials used. The drawn up design was instantly recognisable as my own suggestion but the design team added a few changes to my concept. My original idea was to have two different colour LEDs for the hours and minutes, I'm glad they changed this to one, it makes the design a lot sleeker. They had to change the touch sensitive button on the face to a button on the side during the technical design process, I was a little disappointed by this at the time but I think it makes the watch more user friendly.
Tokyoflash Reviews: How did you come up with the idea for the RPM? Did you have any specific inspiration?
James: I saw on the blog that they were willing to take suggestions so I got to work; first I set some boundaries to give myself the best chance of getting published/produced. It had to be realistic, technically similar to other Tokyoflash watches but of a style that hadn't previously been made, so I knew it would be IP coated steel with LEDs. I wanted it to be less cryptic than other watches to give it a more mass-market appeal, hence the similarities to a traditional watch face. The LEDs meant the centre of the face would be empty, I thought it would be an ideal place for the main button and drew on my experience in the steel industry for the design. I have always loved the look of brushed steel and the patterns that are created as light reflects off the surface and thought it would be just enough detail to make the watch look interesting. The 'RPM' name and DJ theme weren't my ideas but I think they work well and I can really see the likeness with turntables.
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| Kisai RPM, Kisai RPM SS with blue LED, Kisai RPM SS with green LED |
Tokyoflash Reviews: How long did you work on the design?
James: Are you sitting down? About half an hour! I set myself the boundaries, had a 20 minute power-nap and woke up with the concept. Simple.
Tokyoflash Reviews: How many designs have you submitted to the Design Studio Blog?
James: Just the one
Tokyoflash Japan: How long have you been a fan to Tokyoflash Japan?
James: Since 2004, my first Tokyoflash watch was the PIMP 'Trip the light fantastic'.
Tokyoflash Reviews: What do you do for work?
James: I'm an Electrician
Tokyoflash Reviews: Besides the RPM, out of current and past watches, what is your favorite Tokyoflash Japan watch?
James: 'Pimpin' ain't easy' IP black, I love this watch, a classic design and completely baffling to Joe Public. It needs new batteries though.
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| Pimpin ain't easy IP black |
Tokyoflash Reviews: Do you feel the royalties you have received are reasonable?
Tokyoflash Reviews: Can we look forward to any future designs being submitted by you?
James: I have one more good idea but I think I'll leave it up to everyone else, I'm not greedy.
Tokyoflash Reviews: Out of all the different variations of the RPM, which is your favorite and why?
James: My favourite is the original as it was my concept but aside from that, I love the white acetate. It is lightweight and really eye-catching, much nicer to wear in the summer. I think it is great that Tokyoflash keep coming back with more variations, I hope they are still working on more!
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| Kisai RPM Acetate White |
Tokyoflash Reviews: How long did it take for the RPM to be fully produced from the time Tokyoflash contacted you about the RPM? Would you care to elaborate on the communication that took place between you and Tokyoflash?
James: I first sent my idea in February 2010 and it was on sale in November 2010, so 9 months. I have a contact at Tokyoflash who is great; he has been really open with me, giving me advance notice of new variations and stock deliveries. Also a sneak peek at the webpages before they are launched and press packs etc. I didn't have any communication during the design process; the first I heard was a week before launch so it was a real surprise.
Tokyoflash Reviews: Finally, since you have the attention of Tokyoflash Japan fans, is there anything you would like to add about yourself or the RPM?
James: I'd like to thank everyone who commented and voted, without you the RPM wouldn't have been made! Good luck to anyone who has sent in ideas, it's a great feeling to be published and awesome to go into production, I hope many of you get to join the club soon. Finally thanks to Tokyoflash and everyone who has bought the RPM, you have made a geek very happy!
Tokyoflash Reviews: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me James! I wish you the best of luck with all of your future endeavors and I know I am not the only one who is hoping that you decide to submit that one more good idea you have for a watch!
Not too long ago, Tokyoflash Japan released a few variations that were extremely limited editions of the RPM. Three of those extreme limited editions are being re-released soon. The three variations are: Tempest, Graphite, and Saturn. There is currently no indication of the date these are being released, so if you want one, keep your eyes peeled. You can see what they look like at this link.
The Kisai RPM Acetate White can be found at
this link.
It is worth noting that all the Kisai RPMs qualify for free shipping! Don't forget to comment, subscribe, and share Tokyoflash Reviews! Stay tuned for more news about Tokyoflash Japan!
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