TACS unveils a new design for its Lens Series

inspired by the iconic vintage twins lens reflex camera

The Lens Series, which started off as a crowdfunding project in 2016, has quickly evolved into a signature line of its own by juxtaposing the world of watches with the world of vintage cameras, the past and the present.

The open-heart and fisheye motifs of the AVL models have captured the heart of photography and videography enthusiasts alike. This time, TACS draws inspiration from the iconic vintage twin-lens reflex camera and its rich history to create Automatic Twin Lens. The new timepiece, available in two colors, Retro Gold and Modern SilverModern Silver and Retro Gold, deploys a double-lens dial filled with camera-like features and complications resembling the iconic camera, all housed inside a 46.5mm case.

From War to Art

First released in the late 1920s, twin-lens cameras were widely used by photojournalists and correspondents to document World War II in Europe thanks to its robust and periscopic design. It was said that the inventor came up with the idea for the camera during World War I on a trench while peeping through a periscope. The double-lens design allows photographers to have a continuous view on the subject through the viewing-lens while the picture is being captured by the taking-lens, having a separate taking-lens and viewing-lens also reduces the shutter lag and speeds up the focusing process between shots. These attributes along with its exceptional build made it one of the cameras of choice in a period where every encounter counted.

Creativity and style are at the core of TACS’ philosophy, feeling particularly drawn to the creative versatility and the sophisticated design of the twin-lens camera, and also as a natural continuation for the Lens Series, TACS looks to the iconic vintage camera to create the new Automatic Twin Lens.

Features of ATL

Optimal Wearing Comfort

The new Automatic Twin Lens is 20% lighter than its predecessor Automatic Vintage Lens II, a thoughtful upgrade for optimal wearing comfort without compromising the aesthetic and performance of the timepiece. The leather strap, made with 24mm HORWEEN leather and stainless steel buckles, is tapered down to 22mm for a more balanced and sophisticated look with the 46.5mm case.

Japanese Craftsmanship, Inside and Out

The distinct multi-layer twin lens dial consists of 19 individual parts, and each one is hand-assembled by a TACS watchmaker in Japan. To ensure every single part is put together with the highest level of craftsmanship and precision possible, there is a limit of 10 timepieces a watchmaker can assemble daily. Peeking through the transparent twin lens reveals a 21-jewel, skeletonized Miyota 8N24 automatic movement, also handmade in Japan, rendering the timepiece a power reserve of 42 hours and a creation that is synonymous with Japanese craftsmanship inside and out.

Iconic Twin Lens Design

TACS takes every distinctive aspect of the vintage camera into consideration throughout the design process, after two years of research and development, the new Automatic Twin Lens is the result of a seamless and thoughtful integration.

The eye-catching dial features 2 domed lenses and leather pattern materials just like the iconic facade of the twin lens camera, revealing the skeleton Miyota 8N24 movement underneath and settng the stage for an unique interplay. The depth of field scale has been fittingly incorporated as a partial hours and minutes marker, showing the 8, 9, 10 hour indexes and the minutes indexes between 41-44 and 46-49. The second hand tail takes the shape of the shutter of the camera, for better legibility, all 3 hands are partially treated with luminous material.

To recreate the tangible experience of operating a camera, the rotating bezel and screw-down crown both deploy an etched texture akin to the one of the camera’s focusing ring and focusing knob respectively. The crown protector draws inspiration from the camera’s strap eyelet slot. The leather pattern materials are also used on the lug to complete the 46.5mm case. Turning the timepiece over, the unique twin lens motif is reproduced as a mirror image on the case back, revealing the back of the skeleton Miyota 8N24 movement.

Vintage Design, Modern Practicality

A stylish yet practical timepiece for everyday life. ATL features 3 luminous hands and is powered by Miyota 8N24 automatic skeleton movement with a power reserve of 42 hours. The timepiece also is water-resistant to 100 metres (10 bar).

Specifications