Description
The Shanghai Watch The Bund Magic Formula Xuanyun (玄云), reference S7003.2412.011.08, rethinks the conventional relationship between hands, numerals and the dial.
Its wandering-hours display places three transparent hour discs around the centre of the watch. Each carries four hour numerals and rotates on its own axis while simultaneously orbiting the central mechanism. As the active hour enters the 120-degree minute sector across the upper portion of the dial, its position along the scale indicates the minutes.
The result is a display in constant motion: mechanically expressive, visually distinctive and surprisingly intuitive once its logic becomes familiar.
Inspiration & Design
For the Magic Formula Celestial series, Shanghai Watch draws upon water and clouds, two recurring auspicious motifs within traditional Chinese visual culture.
Xuanyun takes its inspiration from clouds. Its curling cloud pattern evokes forms associated with good fortune and upward progress, while the black mother-of-pearl beneath it introduces shifting iridescence as the watch catches the light.
The traditional motif sits in deliberate contrast to the contemporary architecture of the wandering-hours mechanism. Rather than recreating a historical watch, Shanghai Watch uses established Chinese decorative language within a thoroughly modern mechanical composition.
Dial & Case
The black dial uses mother-of-pearl marquetry to form an auspicious cloud pattern. Its natural iridescence changes subtly with viewing angle and light, allowing the pattern and colour of the dial to continually shift.
Above it, three transparent hour discs form the wandering-hours mechanism. Each disc carries four numerals and both rotates independently and orbits the centre of the dial. The active hour travels across a 120-degree minute scale, allowing the time to be read from the numeral's position within the sector.
The case is made from 316L stainless steel and measures 41.5mm in diameter and 13.7mm thick. An anti-reflective domed sapphire crystal covers the dial, while water resistance is rated to 5ATM.
Movement
The watch is powered by Shanghai Watch's FWS-F01 automatic movement, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) with 28 jewels and up to 38 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
Through the full sapphire exhibition caseback, the movement reveals fish-scale finishing across the bridges and linear finishing on the rotor, which is also signed with the Shanghai Watch name.
Here, the movement is more than an engine hidden behind the dial: it provides the mechanical foundation for the wandering-hours display that defines the watch.
Bracelet / Strap
Xuanyun is fitted with a 20mm black leather strap, keeping the overall presentation restrained against the iridescent black dial.
It is equipped with a butterfly clasp and quick-release construction, allowing the strap to be removed without conventional spring-bar tools.
Final Thoughts
Magic Formula Xuanyun works because its unusual display isn't simply decorative. The wandering-hours mechanism fundamentally changes how the watch communicates time, giving the constantly moving dial a purpose beyond visual theatre.
Black mother-of-pearl and the auspicious cloud motif then give that mechanical architecture a distinctly Chinese identity. It is a strong example of Shanghai Watch looking forward rather than relying solely on its considerable historical archive.
Technical Specifications
| Case size: |
41.5mm |
| Case material: |
316L stainless steel |
| Case back: |
Sapphire, exhibition caseback
|
| Movement type: |
Automatic |
| Movement no.: |
FWS-F01
|
| Power reserve: |
Approx 38hrs |
| Dial: |
Black mother-of-pearl marquetry with auspicious cloud motif; wandering hours with 120° minute scale
|
| Glass: |
Sapphire crystal |
| Water resistance: |
5ATM |
| Strap type: |
Strap |
| Strap material: |
Black calf leather
|
| Buckle: |
Stainless steel deployant clasp
|
| Warranty: |
2 years |
