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This $440 Watch Has a Secret That Could Save Your Life in the Wild

The relationship between timekeeping and celestial observation stretches back to humanity’s earliest attempts to measure the passage of days and seasons. Modern watchmaking has maintained this connection through various complications: moonphase displays track lunar cycles, GMT functions acknowledge our planet’s rotation, and some haute horlogerie pieces even show planetary positions. The Boldr Polaris Moonstone Limited Edition takes a different approach entirely, putting actual constellation navigation directly on your wrist rather than simply displaying astronomical data. Forget smartwatches with GPS, this one presents you with the most foolproof analog tool to help you locate the true north.

Aventurine glass isn’t commonly found in field watches, typically reserved for dress pieces or high-end complications where visual drama takes precedence over legibility. Boldr’s decision to use this shimmering, star-flecked material as the foundation for a tool watch feels both bold and surprisingly logical. The countless metallic particles suspended within the glass create a depth that genuinely evokes the night sky, transforming what could have been mere decoration into something that feels authentically connected to the watch’s navigational purpose.

Designers: Boldr & WatchGecko

The true genius of the Polaris Moonstone becomes apparent when you examine the constellation details. Two of astronomy’s most recognizable star patterns, the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia, are traced across the dial in bright Super-LumiNova. These aren’t merely decorative elements but serve as a genuine navigation aid. For centuries, these constellations have been the key to locating Polaris, the North Star, and Boldr has positioned them with astronomical accuracy on the watch face.

The practical application is elegantly simple – by drawing an imaginary line from the outer stars of the Big Dipper’s bowl, your eye naturally lands on the 12 o’clock position, representing Polaris. Cassiopeia’s distinctive ‘W’ shape on the opposite side of the dial confirms your bearings. This transforms the watch into an actual orientation tool, allowing wearers to find true north using the same celestial navigation techniques employed by explorers throughout history. It’s a feature so brilliantly conceived that it seems obvious in hindsight, yet no other manufacturer has executed it with such precision.

The 38mm titanium case strikes an ideal balance between presence and wearability, with the material’s lightweight properties making extended wear comfortable while providing exceptional durability. Titanium’s resistance to corrosion proves particularly relevant given the watch’s 200-meter water resistance rating, positioning it well beyond typical field watch specifications into serious diving territory.

Inside, the Seiko NH38A automatic movement provides the reliable foundation that adventure watches demand. This Japanese caliber has earned respect for its 41-hour power reserve and consistent timekeeping, qualities that matter more in real-world use than exotic complications or higher beat rates. The movement’s robustness aligns perfectly with Boldr’s practical philosophy, prioritizing dependability over prestigious provenance.

The flat sapphire crystal features anti-reflective coating that ensures legibility under various lighting conditions, while the screw-down crown and caseback contribute to the impressive water resistance. Even the strap selection reflects thoughtful design: black polyester with custom titanium PVD buckles that complement the case material while providing comfort and security during active use.

Perhaps most impressive is how Boldr has managed to keep the price accessible despite the premium materials and limited production run. At just £327 ($442 USD), the Polaris Moonstone delivers exceptional value in a market where titanium cases and sapphire crystals typically command significantly higher prices. This pricing strategy reflects Boldr’s commitment to making quality timepieces available to serious users rather than just collectors.

The limited edition aspect adds appropriate exclusivity without feeling contrived. With only 100 pieces produced through the collaboration with WatchGecko, the watch achieves genuine collectibility while maintaining its tool watch credentials. The numbered caseback features embossed artwork that reinforces the celestial theme without compromising the practical, utilitarian aesthetic.

What emerges is a watch that succeeds on multiple levels. Collectors will appreciate the unique dial material and limited production, while outdoor enthusiasts can rely on the robust construction and genuine water resistance. The constellation navigation feature provides a conversation starter that actually serves a practical purpose, bridging the gap between novelty and utility.

The post This $440 Watch Has a Secret That Could Save Your Life in the Wild first appeared on Yanko Design.

Rolls-Royce Phantom: 100 Years of Music, Myth, and Design

The Rolls-Royce Phantom reaches its 100th anniversary as both a design icon and a symbol of creative power. For generations, musicians and artists have considered the Phantom a form of self-expression. Across decades, genres, and cultures, this car has appeared not as a backdrop but as a collaborator in visual and sonic storytelling.

Designer: Rolls-Royce

Tomorrow marks what would have been Keith Moon’s 79th birthday, and the legend connected to his wild celebration remains part of Phantom lore. Although no photograph was ever captured of a car in a pool, Rolls-Royce decided to create their own tribute. They placed a Phantom body shell, otherwise bound for recycling, at Tinside Lido. This Art Deco site carries its own history, including a famous Beatles shoot during the Magical Mystery Tour era. The new images offer a fresh perspective and a clever nod to the stories that surround the Phantom.

Design as Visual Storytelling

The Lido scene doesn’t try to copy the past. Instead, it creates a playful visual moment. Chrome meets water, and reflections move across the car’s body like stage lights. The Phantom becomes part of the setting, not just an object but a participant in a new work of art.

Photography from this project highlights the sharp lines of the car, the patterns of the pool tiles, and the interactions of color and light. Each image invites you to see the Phantom as more than a luxury product. It becomes a flexible platform for personal and cultural stories.

Behind-the-scenes material shows the process and effort required to make this vision real. The team coordinated logistics and design choices that let the car interact with its environment. The end result is a series of playful, thoughtful images that celebrate the Phantom’s place in music and design history.

A Century Alongside Creative Icons

From Marlene Dietrich’s green Phantom to John Lennon’s psychedelic vision, the car has always attracted creative energy. Sir Elton John commissioned his own color scheme. Each ownership tells a story, sometimes even becoming part of a new legend, as with Ray Cooper picking up a young Damon Albarn in a Phantom in the years before Blur.

Hip-hop brought the Phantom into videos and album covers, making features like the Starlight Headliner famous through lyrics and visual cues. Each era and genre finds its own use for the car’s design, continually shaping and reshaping its image.

In every case, the Phantom acts as a true extension of the artist’s identity. Custom details, unique colors, and personalized interiors become part of the artist’s toolbox. The car is not a prop. It functions as a partner in the construction of public image and personal myth.

Art, Heritage, and Moving Forward

By choosing to reimagine the Keith Moon legend at Tinside Lido, Rolls-Royce demonstrates once again that design remains alive and adaptable. The project uses both location and legend to create new material, sparking conversations about how design interacts with culture.

Each photograph and story element continues the Phantom’s legacy as a bridge between music, art, and technical craft. The car’s story is always unfinished. It continues to shape and be shaped by the artists and dreamers who choose it, generation after generation.

The post Rolls-Royce Phantom: 100 Years of Music, Myth, and Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Biophilic Villa In The Sahyadri Mountains Embraces Nature, & Becomes Its Partner

Hidden among the forested slopes of India’s Sahyadri Mountains sits something truly captivating. Villa Prakriti isn’t your conventional mountain retreat—it’s unTAG’s love letter to the landscape around Igatpuri. The name alone tells the story: “Prakriti” means Mother Nature in Sanskrit. This 418-square-meter farmhouse doesn’t fight the hillside; it flows with it, stepping down the natural contours like water finding its path through ancient rock formations over centuries.

Most architects see a sloping site and immediately think about how to flatten or tame it. unTAG took the opposite approach entirely. They let the 4,500-square-foot house cascade down the mountainside, each level finding its unique relationship with the forest floor below. The result feels less like construction and more like discovery, as if the building had always been there, waiting patiently beneath the dense canopy for someone to simply brush away the accumulated leaves.

Designer: unTAG

The real magic happens in how plants become architecture here. Green walls don’t just decorate spaces; they actively define them. Courtyards punch through the interior, bringing generous chunks of sky and forest canopy right into daily life. Earthen textures wrap every surface, their warm tones perfectly matching the rich mountain soil outside. Walking through these interconnected spaces feels like moving through layers of a living ecosystem rather than traditional, compartmentalized rooms.

Light becomes another essential building material in Pranit Bora’s stunning photographs. His images capture how sunshine filters through carefully positioned openings, painting shifting patterns across interior walls throughout each day. The interplay between shadow and brightness changes constantly, creating a living artwork that responds sensitively to weather patterns and seasonal changes. Every surface seems to breathe with the surrounding forest, expanding and contracting in perfect natural rhythm.

unTAG challenged everything about conventional shelter concepts here. Instead of protecting inhabitants from nature’s elements, they designed constant conversation with the environment. Covered terraces stretch living areas into open air while indoor courtyards pull the outside world deep into the home’s heart. The boundaries between interior and exterior dissolve completely, creating spaces that feel simultaneously enclosed and completely open to the mountainside’s ever-changing moods.

Villa Prakriti offers an impressive vision for contemporary mountain living; one where buildings enhance rather than compete with natural beauty. The house ages gracefully within its forest context, developing rich patinas and textures that deepen its connection to the Sahyadri landscape. It’s architecture that truly understands its place, respecting the ancient rhythms of this remarkable corner of Western India.

The post This Biophilic Villa In The Sahyadri Mountains Embraces Nature, & Becomes Its Partner first appeared on Yanko Design.

Wireless Mouse with built-in TWS Earbuds? Honor’s latest $37 gadget is either genius or insane

Designers tend to chase sleekness when they redesign products – it’s why the iPad Pro is some paltry 5mm thin, it’s why the MacBook Air could fit in a Manila envelope when it first released, it’s why Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S25 Edge… but there are some products you just can’t make sleek, because their unique design and form plays an important role in ergonomics. Your mouse, for instance, is shaped the way it is because the bulbous form is comfortable to hold. You can, however, use that format to your advantage. You could make the bulbous part modular, you could even create a flat-pack mouse that uses origami to become ergonomic, or you could do what Honor did – chuck a pair of TWS earbuds into the mouse’s posterior area.

The Honor Select Yuewo Wireless Mouse Ear Pro (we’ll just call it Select Yuewo for short) is a weirdly creative wireless gadget that comes with a dual purpose. Tucked away inside the mouse’s body are two TWS earbuds that you can casually use with either your desktop or even with your phone. Why bother splurging on a Magic Mouse AND a pair of AirPods when you can just buy both together? Spotted online on Honor’s China website, the Select Yuewo starts at a mere $37, and I can’t really decide whether it’s the most creative gizmo I’ve seen this year, or the most absurd.

Designer: Honor

The mouse looks, well, normal. It’s designed to be ambidextrous, comes with a satin ‘excimer’ skin-feel finish that feels great to the touch, and ships in two colors – Champagne Gold and Stargrey. However, the most interesting aspect about the mouse is what lies under the hood… literally. Look at the back and you’ll spot an icon denoting two earbuds. Dig your nail into the parting line running horizontally across the mouse and the hood pops up to reveal two earbuds that you can pop in and wear. They’re styled like AirPods, which mean they sit in your ear without the silicone tip that seals the ear canal. The best part? Oh, there are a bunch of best parts…

For starters, the mouse and the earbuds use the same receiver. Plug it into your desktop and once your mouse is paired, your earbuds are paired too. There’s no separate process, making the entire setup routine seamless. Use the mouse when you want – if you’re taking a meeting or you want to watch a video, pop your earbuds in and they’re already connected thanks to the mouse. Except, you can use Bluetooth too, connecting just your earbuds to other devices like your phone.

A single button at the bottom lets you toggle between two modes – a Computer Mode that keeps both the mouse and earbuds running, and a Mobile Mode that turns the mouse off and just turns the Select Yuewo into a pair of TWS earbuds, albeit with two clickers and a scroll wheel. This mode-switch allows you to determine how you use the Select Yuewo, as a mouse-earphone duo, or just a pair of earphones that work independently with a host of devices. Does that mean you’ll potentially travel with just a mouse in your handbag because you need to listen to music? Yes. Is that weird? Sure, carrying a mouse without a laptop may seem weird, but does it have to be??

The mouse ships with TTC switches, rated for 5 million clicks, while the earbuds inside come with dual magnetic drivers, along with noise canceling. Yes this might be the first ever wireless computer mouse to boast ‘noise canceling’. Inside also lies a 1,000 mAh battery that keeps both the mouse and the earbuds going. That’s nearly double as much as the battery in standard TWS earbuds cases, but for a device that does serve a dual purpose, and that will probably be used for at least 6-8 hours every day, the number makes sense. Honor claims that this gives the mouse (and TWS earbuds) a 30-day battery life, which sounds pretty good on paper. A USB-C port on the front lets you charge the mouse when the battery runs out, and from just the port placement, it probably means you can use the mouse while it’s charging. Is that a dig at Apple? I mean, when Tim Cook manages to cram AirPods into the Magic Mouse, I’ll give him a pat on the back.

The entire product is weirdly brilliant if you stop to think about it. Mice and TWS earbuds are separate devices, but they don’t need to be. Logitech’s modular mouse at CES this year managed to pack a USB-C hub in its caboose, so the idea of using that dead weight at the back of your mouse isn’t uncharted territory. The thought, however, of chucking earbuds in there is new for sure, and the fact that they auto-pair with your desktop/laptop via the receiver is sheer genius. To top it all off, the Select Yuewo is priced at just 269 Chinese Yuan ($37 USD), but is available for just 249 Yuan ($34 USD) on Honor’s website for a limited time.

Key Information – Honor Select Yuewo Wireless Ear Mouse Pro

Hybrid design: Combines wireless computer mouse and charging case for TWS earbuds
Earbuds: Semi-open, dual-magnetic dynamic driver, noise reduction for calls and casual listening
Mouse switches: Custom TTC mechanical switches, rated for up to 5 million clicks
Finish: Excimer skin-feel nano-scale coating for a soft, premium touch
Weight: 78 grams without earbuds, 88 grams with earbuds stored inside
Battery: 1000 mAh, providing up to 30 days of typical use
Connectivity (PC): Separate dedicated wireless receivers for mouse and earbuds
Connectivity (Mobile): Earbuds use Bluetooth; mouse remains on PC receiver
Controls: Single button for switching between mouse and audio functions
Compatibility: Windows 10 and newer, macOS 10.13 and newer
Colors: Champagne Gold and Starry Gray
Price: 269 yuan (around $37 USD), promotional price 249 yuan (around $34 USD)
Target users: Students, office workers, travelers – anyone who wants fewer devices on their desk

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Two Track Campers puts capable pop-top ActionCamper X4 on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

A Jeep Wrangler is the perfect pedigree for being a fully-fledged motorhome you can take where no other camper would dare to. Of course, that’s an exaggeration, but you know, the Jeep can be a capable camper. Two Track Campers suggests that’s true with their new wedge-style rooftop sleepers for the Wrangler. Built as the company affirms for “overlanding, extended expeditions, and weekend getaways alike,” these iterations are based on the designs of Action Camper – once an integrated Jeep Wrangler camper that didn’t see the light of day.

Now, a collaborative effort from Colorado Camper Van and Luke Burgess, a Jeep industry veteran, the good old Action Camper form factor is seeing a delightful rendition in Two Track Campers’ ActionCamper X4, which is designed to transform the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited into a fully capable adventure rig. The custom-built camper is made to fit instead of the factory-fitted hard top on the JK and JL Jeep models, instantly turning them into awesome off-road motorhomes that can reach remote places via two-track roads.

Designer: Two Track Campers

JK and JL Wrangler ActionCamper X4 overlanding pop-up campers are made for overlanding and adventure expeditions for four people. The body is comprised of fiberglass, which makes it lightweight, durable and all-weather safe, while the interior (glued to the body) is provided with amenities that are essential for comfort and a memorable experience on the road.

The X4 is perfectly tailored to replace the original hardtop and the tailgate on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. The camper body mounts onto the main roll bar in the front and on the fender rails in the rear, perfectly matching the OEM design, so that the shape of your ride remains unchanged at all times. To ensure a near identical appearance when mounted, the camper maintains are very low profile; it only adds 7 inches to the factory top configuration, which doesn’t compromise the mileage or garage-friendliness of the Jeep.

The pop-up roof of the Two Track Campers is a nice add-on. The tent here is made of nylon canvas and features three tri-layer windows with bug screens for light and airiness. The roof is accessible from the driver’s compartment and from the cargo area in the rear. It features honeycomb insulation and allows one to install 100W solar panels for power self-sufficiency. The interesting part lies below the cab-over queen-size bed, which is compartmentalized for daytime sitting, dining, cooking, and ample storage options.

The convertible bench seating in the rear transforms into a bed to sleep an additional two people, making the camper an interesting four-person rig. Two Track Camper has priced the X4 starting at $10,000 with a 53×86 padded mattress included. While solar installation will be an add-on, the other features discussed should arrive in the base configuration.

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Inside Christian Louboutin’s Luxurious First Hotel In Portugal: Red Soles, Meet Red Floors

Christian Louboutin was driving through Portugal after getting treated at a local hospital following an accident when he spotted Melides. The small village, tucked between forests and a sprawling lagoon, caught his attention in a way that would change everything. He bought a fisherman’s house there shortly after and eventually moved his atelier to the area. By 2019, his connection to the Alentejo region had grown so strong that he decided to open his first hotel.

Vermelho opened in 2023, taking its name from the Portuguese word for red, a nod to both Louboutin’s famous shoe soles and his embrace of local culture. He worked with architect Madalena Caiado and interior designer Carolina Irving to create something that feels more like a private villa than a typical resort. The 13 rooms are arranged around courtyards and gardens, with shared spaces that naturally bring guests together. Each room sits behind custom Baroque doors made from hand-worked American ash with pewter and enamel handles.

Designer: Christian Louboutin, Madalena Caiado & Carolina Irving

Italian artist Giuseppe Ducrot created ceramic installations that wrap around the building’s exterior in baroque-inspired frescos and decorative figures. His work isn’t just stuck onto the walls; it’s woven into the architecture itself, making it feel like it’s always been there. Louis Benech designed the gardens to work as outdoor rooms, keeping everything feeling intimate rather than sprawling.

Inside, no two rooms look the same. Louboutin filled each space with antique pieces, patterned textiles, and handcrafted surfaces that pull from Iberian traditions while showing off his personal taste. The ceilings are works of art, and custom tiles cover the floors throughout. Local artisans from Fábrica de Azulejos de Azeitão made the custom tiles for bedrooms and that signature deep red flooring, using techniques that go back centuries. India’s Klove Studio designed blown-glass chandeliers for the reception hall; green and gold pieces that bring drama while honoring traditional craftsmanship.

This August, Louboutin added two new villas to the mix. La Salvada is a pink sanctuary inspired by kasbah architecture, while the second villa looks like a whitewashed boathouse. Both expand what Vermelho offers while staying true to his vision. He’s also invested in Experimental Group, the Paris-based hospitality company, showing he’s serious about staying in the hotel business long-term.

What started as an unexpected detour after a hospital visit has turned into something much bigger. Vermelho has become a destination for design lovers and luxury travelers, putting a quiet corner of Portugal on the international map. The project works because it mixes global influences with deep local roots, creating spaces that feel both sophisticated and authentic. Louboutin’s Melides retreat now gives other people the chance to discover this beautiful stretch of Portuguese coast for themselves.

The post Inside Christian Louboutin’s Luxurious First Hotel In Portugal: Red Soles, Meet Red Floors first appeared on Yanko Design.

Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo has illuminating fabric for driving assistance

When an EV concept as beautiful as this arrives on the scene, it becomes even more desirable. This hatchback concept by Vauxhall, all set to make an appearance at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich on September 8th, 2025, proves the fact. The future-forward yet practical performance car is also going to debut in the digital realm in the Gran Turismo 7 video game this autumn. So, gamers better keep an eye out as well to grab hold of its steering and test the limits.

Owned by Stellantis, the British brand has created the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept. Yes, this one is based on the GSE performance sub-brand, launching the hatchback with an electric platform. This will be the second one to have the GSE tag, after the Mokka GSE. The EV looks quite punchy and playful from the outside with its eye-popping silhouette of bold colors.

Designer: Stellantis

Corsa GSE VGT will have a combined horsepower of 800, with each axle having access to a 476-hp electric motor. Powering the array of motors is an 82-kWh battery pack, which makes the modern Corsa go from zero to 62 mph in just 2 seconds thanks to the impressive 590 lb-ft of torque. A top speed of 199 mph makes sure you are not left yearning for Need for Speed. Even better, there is a push-to-pass feature that activates another 80hp for four seconds. The hatchback is aerodynamically tuned with a custom package that makes it look ready for the road, and the dry weight of 2,579 pounds reiterates the fact. The optimized battery design and lightweight chassis make it a cool racer for all conditions.

The aerodynamic performance is boosted by the active diffusers, while the blade fender flares activate at high speeds. That sharp compass-inspired backbone keeps the two-dimensional elements of the front and rear LED in visual harmony. This makes the performance hachback ever so irresistible. The Opel’s Griffin emblem is illuminated, going with the sci-fi look of the front panel. According to Mark Adams, Vice President Design at Vauxhall, the Corsa VGT is an “extreme version of the brand,” and the Corsa, with its huge flared wheel arches and the yellow spoiler, demonstrates that with its presence. The combination of pearl white and black for the body elements, and the yellows for the aerodynamically active elements.

On the inside, the EV is equally impressive, with a steering wheel providing a unified view of the head-up display. The sports seat is suspended with six-point seatbelts for the feel of speed. Now comes the most interesting bit of the interior – it has a dynamic fabric on the dashboard and door inserts that alerts the driver of any vehicles in the blind spots. This is important since this Corsa is wider and lower than the original one. The swanky EV rides on 21-inch front rims in the back and yellow, and 22-inch white-and-yellow rims.

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