Squint a bit and the golden coastline of Australia’s Byron Bay hinterland does more than a convincing job conjuring a similar relaxed mountain-meets-ocean luminescence that has tempted countless free spirits up and down California’s Central Coast over the years. That persisting California 1970s vibe is embraced and magnified in every corner of the Sun Ranch hotel, a textural nostalgic ode to sun-soaked good times that recently opened its doors to present an immersive ranch experience.

The newly opened hotel is the passion project of interior designer Julia Ashwood, former fashion designer Jamie Blakey, and their small creative cadre of designers and artists. Imagined as a getaway inspired by the architecture and lifestyle of 1970s Californian ranch houses spiced up with some glamorous modern touches, the once cattle farm is now welcoming guests for a wide array of California-inspired activities ranging from horseback sunset rides, al fresco dining, spiritual workshops, meditation sessions, yoga classes, and of course, astrological readings.

The Sun Ranch may be an Australian destination, but the decor is a blend of warmly hued ‘70s California Ranch nostalgia embellished with Spanish influences.

Situated upon a 55 acre property in the heart of the Byron Bay hinterland, Sun Ranch is imagined to provide a level of luxury shielded by privacy for groups as large as 34 guests. There is even the option to rent out the entire property for those desiring the ultimate home away from home vacation with friends and family.

Individual rooms for two, a luxury suite, and six rustic decor barns offer more typical accommodation options for those staying the minimum two nights. Guests seeking solitude can book one of the adults only Rambler Rooms, four private guest rooms – The Wam Bam, The Rattler, Getting’ Lucky, and Saddle Up – each with a sensually appointed bed, tiled bathroom, outdoor shower, mini bar, vintage sound system, and access to the private Rambler Long House Pool.

Guests may be staying at a “ranch” in name, yet Sun Ranch’s 82-foot basalt rock framed hillside pool – with its grandiose view of the rolling hinterland landscape below – is probably more indicative of the relaxed and luxurious nature of a stay at the boutique destination.

Designed by landscape architects Land Company, the pool mirrors the surrounding landscape with rippled clarity and reflects sunlight across the tiered monolithic length running the span of the Pool Club.

Surrounding shaded seats and nearby deck chairs tempt sunrise to sunset lounging.

The self-proclaimed “the hotel of good times” is even visited regular by its own resident wallaby, an unofficial ambassador/spirit animal undoubtedly enticed by the property’s 10,000 trees and native plants, all reintroduced to help regenerate the landscape into a site where flora and fauna feel as welcome as those fortunate enough to reserve a stay at the Sun Ranch.

What: Sun Ranch
Where: 17 Byron Creek Rd, Coopers Shoot NSW 2479, Australia
How much: Starting from $543/night with 2 night minimum
Highlights: The Sun Ranch’s 82-foot hillside luxury basalt pool gives a relaxing view of the landscape from the comforts of bleacher style daybeds, with meal and drink service available at the Pool Club.
Design draw: The mix of new, vintage, and reclaimed furnishings impart a timeless design quality that belies the Sun Ranch’s relative new status, a mood exemplified by the hotel’s vibrant sunken lounge focusing around a sculptural fireplace located within The Rambler Long House.
Book it: Sun Ranch

Go virtually on vacation with more design destinations right here.

Gregory Han is a Senior Editor at Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, hiking, tide pools, and road trips, a selection of his adventures and musings can be found at gregoryhan.com.

If you’re just entering the hobbyist stage of vinyl record listening and collecting, you’re probably not at the stage of concerning yourself too much about features like a magnesium tonearm, electronic speed control, and a silicone belt driven system. They’re all options a vinyl listener can grow to appreciate over time, something American turntable maker U-Turn Audio is hoping to capitalize on with the announcement of a series of three updated modular turntables: the Orbit Plus, Orbit Special, and Orbit Basic, alongside a made-to-order Orbit Custom option.

Founded in 2012 by Benjamin Carter, Robert Hertig, and Peter Maltzan, U-Turn Audio has made a name for themselves as an independent American maker of audio equipment ranging from turntables, phono preamps, and speakers. Their Orbit turntables have earned popularity for their clean modern aesthetic, prosumer-to-audiophile specs, and the reasonable entry price into their brand. The newly updated Orbit turntables offer something for nearly everyone seeking a capable and handsome looking turntable intended to openly display your affinity of analog audio.

Orbit is designed around a customizable and modular platform, allowing the customers to choose which components to prioritize up and down the turntable series. Parts such as the cartridge, preamp, speed control, platter, and isolation feet can all be customized, either at the time of purchase or down the line as an add-on replacement. The new generation of Orbit Turntables feature an updated single piece magnesium OA3 tonearm for improved tracking, an electronic speed control to easily switch from playing speeds between 33/45 RPM with the turn of a knob.

Upgrade to the Orbit Special or Orbit Custom, and you’ll get a seamless silicone belt drive with new grooved platter design for even smoother playback than its two lower-tier counterparts.

Recognizing the love for vinyl comes attached to an entire lifestyle element, U-Turn Audio has made sure to add a choice of five colors and two hardwood options to improve the chances you find a deck that ties together the whole listening room. It’s worth mentioning the wood turntables are not simply given the cheap veneer treatment, but are constructed from 100% sustainably-harvested, US-sourced hardwoods for stability and durability.

If you’re a little more discerning about keeping your U-Turn Audio turntable perfectly stable, the company offers optional adjustable-height aluminum feet outfitted with Sorbothane to reduce external vibrations.

Orbit Basic starts at $249, an entry model that comes equipped with the newly designed magnesium OA3 tonearm, grooved MDF platter with seamless silicone belt, and five new color and two wood options.

The Orbit Plus starts at $399, arguably the sweet spot model for most listeners seeking “great” but not necessarily the “best.” The Plus comes with an upgraded acrylic platter and an Ortofon OM5E cartridge with elliptical diamond stylus.

For a minimalist setup, U-Turn Audio offers to add a built-in Pluto 2 Phono Preamp that allows them to connect the turntable directly to powered speakers without any additional space required – an increasingly popular configuration when budget, space, or a preference for keeping things simple eclipses audiophile precepts for larger discrete components.

The $549 Orbit Special adds several premium bells and whistles: an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge with elliptical diamond stylus, electronic speed control that allows users to adjust between 33/45 RPM playing speeds with the turn of a knob, and a cue lever for precise tonearm operation.

U-Turn Audio continues to offer Orbit Custom starting at $249 (fully maxed out, expect to part northward of $600; not an unreasonable price within the turntable category). If you harbor aspirations for a turntable under the pretense of one-and-done, the Orbit Theory delivers the brand’s best performance, attributed to the genuine hardwood plinth, seamless silicone belt drive powered by an ultra-quiet motor with electronic speed control (33/45 RPM), with the option to top the one-piece magnesium OA3 Pro Tonearm with either an Ortofon 2M Blue or Bronze cartridge.

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Gregory Han is a Senior Editor at Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, hiking, tide pools, and road trips, a selection of his adventures and musings can be found at gregoryhan.com.

“Garbage Pail Kids cards blew my mind,” said accomplished painter, printmaker, and draftsman Glen Baldridge. “My mom would drive me to every gas station in Great Falls, Montana to look for them. I remember the excitement of finding and ripping open those little packages. The play with language combined with the gross out drawings was just the best. That was the first art I collected, and [it] definitely made me want to draw and make art as well as live with it.”

Glen’s recent works have embedded sardonic phrases from youth sub-culture into ultra-complex painted patterns. Often working with traditional craft processes like paper marbling, he obscures the words’ readability. Fissures in the otherwise smooth paint on the surface merge darkness with youth and beauty. Recurring phrases like “No Way” and “Wait, What” invoke a detached attitude juxtaposed by a colorful palette, speaking to attempts to navigate the unpredictable conditions of the current time in history.

But the creative knows that even though it’s his hand painting, he’s not the only one responsible for success. “My dealers, Ryan Wallace (Halsey McKay Gallery), Sam Wilson, Ingrid Bromberg Kennedy, and Rob Hult (Klaus von Nichtssagend Gallery) gave me my first shows,” he shared. “They’ve been so supportive of my work through all its weird stages. I have always had a number of other freelance jobs within the art world, and the gallery exhibitions have kept me focused on making my own work and allowed me to flesh out and develop ideas. I love getting weird in the studio the most, and my dealers help facilitate that pursuit and have given me many opportunities to present the work formally.”

Glen’s work doesn’t happen too far from the majority of the rest of his life these days. “My studio is now attached to my home, so it can be difficult to create a separation. I used to ride the subway or road-rage my way to the studio in New York, but now I don’t even have to put on shoes,” he quipped. “Picking up my son from school is a pretty clear switch back to personal life from work. However, I try to keep the creativity flowing and often work on making drawings, paintings, and collages with him. I have a 44-inch roll of sticker paper for my large format inkjet printer. We’ll do a Google image search for “cool cars,” “deep sea animals,” etc. and make sticker collages together. It’s not work, but [it] still gives me ideas that may pop up in the studio.”

Today, Glen Baldridge is joining us with a few of his favorite things for Friday Five!

1. Printmaking

I have met some of my best friends through making prints. I studied printmaking in college and love hanging around in print shops. I ran Forth Estate Editions (a print publishing company) with Luther Davis for 10 years. Together, we produced over 60 editions with emerging artists and worked with so many great people. I’ve worked as the artist, printer, consultant, and publisher on numerous other editions for other artists and galleries. I love the collective creative problem solving required to compose even the simplest of prints in multiples. Printmaking continues to be an important part of my artistic practice and greatly influences my approach to making paintings as well. Last year, I made print editions with Flying Horse Editions (Orlando, Florida), Du-Good Press (Brooklyn, New York), and Phil Sanders Studio (Asheville, North Carolina). All of those projects have allowed me to travel and brainstorm with master printers about technique and concept, and get me out of my head and my studio. These working relationships continue to grow over many years and multiple projects as well.

2. The Woods

I grew up in Montana backpacking every summer, and continued to make annual trips there into my adult life. Getting into the solitude of the forest provided some kind of mental reset for me. When trail cameras became widely available I continued to explore the forest remotely from New York City and made artworks with those images triggered by both unseen forces and wildlife. Sorting through thousands of images from the trail cams scratched that itch for a while. Now, my studio window looks into the forest in rural Maine. I find just staring out the window into the trees continues to spark my imagination and curiosity.

3. “let people drink the red liquid from the dark sarcophagus” Petition

The internet is a dark place, but sometimes it delivers moments of hilarity and joy. In 2018, a sarcophagus containing several skeletons and a soupy liquid was unearthed in Egypt. The internet naturally thought it was cursed and a Change.org petition was created to ‘let the people drink’ its bony broth. Almost 40k broth lovers signed the petition and left incredible commentary. This also spawned countless hilarious text threads with my friends and continues to be funny five years later. Let them drink!

4. Scratch Lottery Tickets

Scratch lotto tickets have such a gripping aura of hope and loss and the best/worst design. I love the overload of color, pattern, symbols, and language. I’m not really into gambling, but I do love the design aesthetics. I grew up with video keno and poker machines in every restaurant. For years I picked up the losing scratchers I’d find on the floors and sidewalks of gas stations and bodegas and kept them around for color/pattern inspiration. I’ve even made print editions using the “scratch” coating – where the surface had to be scratched off to reveal the image.

5. Gummi Bears

Gummi bears are my favorite candy. It used to be Nerds, but I’m an adult now. I’ll go way out of my way to find a “share size” bag of Haribo bears with limited edition party hats included. It’s sort of a problem. When my wife was in labor she was not allowed to eat any food, but her doula and I would feed her gummi bears when the doctor’s backs were turned. We started this new chapter of our lives pretty revved up on gummi bears, so they’ve also become a symbol of strength for my family.

Glen Baldridge, No Way, 2022, gouache on paper, 38 3/8 × 29 7/8 inches (97.47 × 75.88 cm)

Glen Baldridge, Guys, What?, 2022, gouache on paper, 58 × 38 1/2 inches (147.32 × 97.79 cm)

Glen Baldridge, No Way, 2022, gouache on paper, 38 3/8 × 27 1/2 inches (97.47 × 69.85 cm)

Glen Baldridge, Whatever Forever, 2022, gouache on paper, 38 3/8 × 30 3/4 inches

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she’s likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.

Architecture firm Leong Leong’s reference of Eero Saarinen’s TWA Flight Center at JFK Airport for the Union Square Travel Agency: A Cannabis Store is one sly nod to the pursuit and pleasure of flying high – a highly curated retail exhibition space leaning into the retro-futuristic details of Saarinen’s dynamic forms with stark monochromatic simplicity.

The 2,800-square-foot space operates not only as a place to peruse high-end cannabis products, but also functions as the brand’s “laboratory and refuge.” USQTA commissioned the architecture firm to design a space intended to educate customers about the use and properties surrounding cannabis. And thus Leong Leong created the 150-square-foot curvilinear Flower Lounge as the shop’s centerpiece, framing an assortment of flowers, accessories, and paraphernalia complemented by inset and brightly illuminated shelving, and digital kiosks. 

A select layout of contemporary vitrines are stationed throughout to tempt curiosity, inviting customers to learn about the various scent compounds related to the plants’ signature terpenes. Afterward, the staff offers customer recommendations matching their sensory preferences.

An application of soft luminous light washes along the walls of the space, with the ambient glow. We cannot help but notice a few of our favorite cannabis-focused designs on their shelves.

Embedded in the walls and behind the checkout registers a 12-foot-long custom lighting element glows, slowly changing hues over time.

“The design intention for our new space is tranquil, cheeky, unexpected and approachable. Leong Leong has designed a surreal sanctuary that allows for a fun escape with a nod to retro-futurism,” says Arana Hankin-Biggers, President of USQTA.

USQTA works in partnership with The Doe Fund, a nonprofit devoted to helping transition individuals from the trappings of addiction and crime, donating 51% of their profits to reinvest into the rehabilitation program.

If you happen to be in New York City and want to board the Union Square Travel Agency: A Cannabis Store, venture over to 835 Broadway at 13th St. Open seven days a week with hours from 9am-11pm Sunday thru Thursday and 9am-midnight during Friday and Saturday.

Gregory Han is a Senior Editor at Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, hiking, tide pools, and road trips, a selection of his adventures and musings can be found at gregoryhan.com.

Jessica Sellinger’s latest series of works – the Wave Collection – immediately stands out for unapologetically embracing and loving each “mistake” made. The Brisbane, Australia-based ceramic artist sees the series of wall sculptures and vessels as a representation of her own self-identity, and what I believe many of us aspire to. Each colored fold and wrinkle feels as though they’re full of energy and emotion. Almost, but not quite, resembling a coveted handbag or a type of sea creature.

It wasn’t until after finishing her studies in Interior Architecture in 2019 that Sellinger found clay. Now, it’s the medium she uses to create all of her handmade pieces in her home studio, where she experiments with color and form to create a contemporary approach to traditional methods.

Sellinger’s current work reaches two extremes, from minimal to bold sculptures, vessels, and furniture objects. Each is ever-evolving in design and functionality, with the aim of making even the simplest of spaces feel artistic. It’s possible because each of her works are made-to-order and will be individually unique from the others.

Photo: Jack Gibson

Jessica Sellinger

To learn more about Jessica Sellinger’s Wave Collection, visit tappancollective.com.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she’s likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.

If one was to characterize UK-based Jones & Partners’ portfolio of industrial designs, “unfussy yet functional” comes to mind. It would also be obvious to spotlight the studio’s affinity for integrating multitasking and adaptable elements into a modern vernacular comfortably applicable to both commercial and residential environments, something fully on display with their award winning task lighting + charging concept, Current.

Born out of internal research identifying a lack of thoughtfully designed solutions for coworkers to plug into while working communally from one another across a large table or desk, Jones & Partners tapped into their experience in the contract furniture market and the electronic design realm. The result is an elegantly realized modular task lamp offering illumination, storage for stationery, wireless and USB port charging, and the option to add additional outlets in a single form factor sans any iota of clutter.

Presented in two version, the first is a minimalist task lamp equipped with a seamlessly integrated wireless charging surface situated on the left side of the lamp’s base near the task lamp’s on/off switch.

The second Current edition is akin to an iceberg, with a portion of the lamp base hidden beneath the tabletop. The surface mounted design conceals a larger plug-in unit, allowing for two interchangeable charging modules to be added/switched out as desired.

Installed in multiples, Current illuminates with an intimacy reminiscent of academic library lamps, albeit realized in a more contemporary form.

The slender “I-shaped” base and LED shade require only a minimal amount of space, both across surfaces and also visually as the antidote for workspace clutter.

The configurable task light currently remains a concept design, with eventual availability made more likely noting Jones & Partners earned a Red Dot Award 2023 for their creative efforts.

Gregory Han is a Senior Editor at Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, hiking, tide pools, and road trips, a selection of his adventures and musings can be found at gregoryhan.com.

Nobu Residences Los Cabos has recently unveiled 60 new residence-style accommodations designed by WATG and Studio PCH. Located in Baja California Sur, the residences are equipped with luxurious amenities including an expansive spa and wellness center known as Esencia Onsen, and a fitness facility. Notably, the three-bedroom category includes private plunge pools.

The architecture and interior design of the Residences emphasizes spatial luxury. Each residence offers panoramic garden and golf views, with generous floor plans that include open kitchens and distinct living and dining areas. Additional features, like expansive terraces, contribute to an elevated standard of indoor-outdoor living.

Embodying the brand’s minimalist aesthetic, the design incorporates locally-sourced materials specific to Cabo San Lucas, including handcrafted furniture and live-edge millwork. “We spent time designing a hotel that we believe is not only a fusion of Asian and Mexican cultures, but also a true example of great hospitality design,” explains Severine Tatangelo, Studio PCH principal.

Alongside the Residences, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos is also launching a rooftop dining venue, Muna Restaurant, led by Executive Chef Paolo Della Corte. Adjacent to Muna, the M Bar offers a curated cocktail experience in a prime rooftop setting. The Residences offer a range of categories, from one-bedroom to penthouse options, each with varying square footage and unique features.

Leo Lei translates his passion for minimalism into his daily-updated blog Leibal. In addition, you can find uniquely designed minimalist objects and furniture at the Leibal Store.

After six months spent living in a one-window studio in Seoul, Noëmi Orgaer realized the importance of having a connection to the outdoors – even when you’re surrounded by four walls. Her lone window faced the neighbor’s unimpressive wall. Over time, Orgaer began to notice the impact it was having on her state of mind and overall quality of life. It makes sense, as extensive research has shown that our social, mental, and physical well-being can be effected by lack of access. “This experience ignited my curiosity to delve into the history and purpose of windows as an archetype,” she said. “It motivated me to develop a light system that could benefit individuals in similar situations and promote a healthier living environment.” Window Chronicles is an illuminated wall object that draws inspiration from the natural rhythms Orgaer has observed through her current windows in Brussels.

The lighting pays special attention to the dynamic transformation that can be achieved and its influence on interior spaces, accomplishing both through the use of two adjustable components. The interactivity lends itself to the sensation of opening a window, creating an immersive experience. To achieve this reflection of the outdoors, real-time weather data is used to ensure the lighting accurately shares the current conditions through GPS coordinates of its location.

“Window Chronicles embodies my personal interpretation of the window as a tool that enables communication with our environment, and consequently, reflection with ourselves,” Orgaer shared. “And while attempts have been made to replicate the effects of natural light through artificial means, with similar goals to my project, we must remember that the intrinsic value of natural light cannot be overstated or surpassed. It remains important for architectural design to place great emphasis on natural light and therefor windows. I believe viable solutions should be available for those living in spaces with limited to no qualitative window access, especially in situations where construction cannot be reversed or modified. The essence of windows surpasses their function as a mere transitional space, instead functioning as a medium for further exploration of our connection to our natural and artificial environments.”

Noëmi Orgaer

To learn more about Window Chronicles, visit rundgang.io.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she’s likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.

The proposition that a tech start-up can change the world is a durable cliché at this point. Sometimes, though, art and design can help where tech stumbles – and ensure it succeeds in a meaningful way. To wit: Momma’s Kit, produced by Spora Health as part of a suite of online and offline tools called Spora Mommas. It’s designed to reduce maternal mortality among mothers-to-be of color – and more specifically, “to make the maternal journey better for Black people and to center their joy.” Momma’s Kit – which includes tools and instructions for monitoring vital health stats during the third and fourth trimesters – was created in collaboration with Leadoff Studio, led by founder, CEO, and creative director Jordan Diatlo.

In this week’s Milkshake, Diatlo walks us through Momma’s Kit – and creating connections in the nebulous space between online tools and IRL usage. One past client emblemized that work: Roman, a telehealth brand that supplies medication primarily for erectile dysfunction. “Everything in their process was digital: You downloaded an app, you talked to a doctor on your phone, you ordered medication on your phone, and then all of a sudden, the pills showed up at your front door,” Diatlo says. “So our role with Roman Health was to use industrial design and the user experience of the packaging design to really build trust in the process and Roman itself, so that the user felt comfortable enough to put this medication in their mouth, and ingest it. I think the success of their company and all that packaging that we did has really opened the door to a worldwide adoption of telemedicine that really enables people, anywhere, to have access to doctors – and medication that can get shipped to them, all through smartphones.”

With Momma’s Kit, in addition to packaging design, they worked with Spora to source a pulse oximeter and a blood pressure cuff, tools that would be included in the kit. This process, Diatlo says, provided one of the project’s true surprises: “What we found from talking with Spora specialists was that pulse oximeters are actually much less effective on darker skin tones – this was a huge problem for this project, given that we were trying to find the best devices possible,” says Diatlo, who scoured manufacturers across the U.S., Europe, and South Africa for better tools for the intended community. “All of these [countries] are either majority Caucasian or have a legacy of racism. We also reached out to different manufacturers in China and other countries, and then started really pressing [manufacturers] for data sheets that specifically showed test results on darker skin tones.”

Momma’s Kit

Momma’s Kit

However frustrating, this winnowing was key, Diatlo says, to the project’s success, which he felt had to go beyond attractive packaging: “We could have just gone about this project and created a nice looking design,” he says. “Spora came to us in the beginning and said, ‘If we can get these two devices [the pulse oximeter and blood pressure cuff] into the hands of black mothers, we can help fight against 80 percent of the most common disorders causing morbidity.” For more about how they did it, tune in!

Momma’s Kit

Momma’s Kit

Momma’s Kit

Momma’s Kit

Diana Ostrom, who has written for Wallpaper, Interior Design, ID, The Wall Street Journal, and other outlets, is also the author of Faraway Places, a newsletter about travel.

Milkshake, DMTV (Design Milk TV)’s first regular series, shakes up the traditional interview format by asking designers, creatives, educators and industry professionals to select interview questions at random from their favorite bowl or vessel. During their candid discussions, you’ll not only gain a peek into their personal homeware collections, but also valuable insights into their work, life and passions.

There are some memories that have left their indelible mark upon designers who worked throughout the aughts: always failing Zip and Jaz drives, Apple’s migration to PowerPC, finicky SCSI ports, QuarkXpress, and of course, the dreaded MacOS X spinning beach ball (aka the spinning wheel of death). The Trio of Time’s The Spinning Beach Ball watch taps into those way-back-when recollections in the form of an analog-kinetic watch encapsulating then designer’s nightmare into a playful chromatic timepiece.

Designed by Joe Kwan, co-founder and creative director of Anicorn Watches, the iconic symbol of operating system unresponsiveness is recreated in a six color pinwheel as a “touch of familiarity and playfulness” intended in to represent “the anticipation of what lies ahead, reminding wearers to embrace the present while looking towards the future.”  

The watch doesn’t actually spin independently, but revolves into action in kinetic response to the wearer’s wrist motion, as shown in the video above.

Japanese Miyota 2025 Quartz movement powers the timepiece, surrounded by mineral glass, 316L Stainless Steel, Diameter 39.0mm Case, with a modern genuine leather strap with a minimalist stainless steel buckle with smart docking system [below].

When one considers a wristwatch icon as the original classic Mac OS wait cursor icon, it seems rather appropriate the designer’s dilemma in both its memorable iterations have come together into an object for apt to evoke a grin rather than a grimace – a reminder of how much time has passed and how the spinning beachball has faded into a distant exception rather than a daily occurrence.

The Spinning Beach Ball Watch comes carefully packaged in a collector’s box with a small product card alongside a unique collector’s card imprinted with the model’s run number. Each watch is available for pre-order for $229 and is scheduled to ship in November 2023.

Gregory Han is a Senior Editor at Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, hiking, tide pools, and road trips, a selection of his adventures and musings can be found at gregoryhan.com.