The Combat-Ready Ikepod Seapod Camo Pixel

Ikepod was founded in 1994 by entrepreneur Oliver Ike and influential designer Marc Newson, the name behind three Atmos clocks for Jaeger-LeCoultre and Ikepod’s cult pod-shaped UFO watches that caught the eye of designers, artists and architects worldwide. Although Ikepod had a bumpy financial ride, it was revitalised in 2018 to attract a new generation with great design and aggressive prices. The Seapod, Ikepod’s diver, surfaces again with a combat-ready Camo Pixel dial that will speak to gamers and veterans above the waves and at depths of 200 metres.

Camo Pixel

Used by animals to blend into the environment and survive attacks from predators, camouflage crossed over into the military to keep soldiers and their kit protected from enemy fire, even at close quarters. Camo pixel, used for the first time by the military in 2005, is composed of pixelated patterns in different sizes and colours. Although pixellated camouflage was abandoned by the U.S. Army in 2019, the visually disruptive patches are designed to confuse the eye, hiding the silhouette of the soldier/gamer to blend in with the environment. For warfare in sandy conditions, soldiers wear tan-coloured camo; those in jungle theatres rely on green and brown; and for snowy environments, soldiers are kitted out with white and grey camouflage. The Camo Pixel used for the dial and strap is the classic jungle or outdoor pattern with its mottled green and brown blotches.

Flying Saucer

Inspired by design elements of Marc Newson’s 1994 Seaslug dive watch, the Seapod reemerged in 2021. Designed by Fabrice Gonet, the smooth, convex contours of the Seapod are reminiscent of sea-worn pebbles or, if you prefer, a 1950s rendition of a UFO/flying saucer. Measuring 46mm across with a thickness of 17mm, the black PVD-coated steel case and the sloping bezel visually attenuate the size, and so does the absence of lugs.

With its screw-down crown slightly recessed inside the case, the respectable water-resistance rating is 200 metres. Although the Ikepod Seapod Camo Pixel is not an ISO 6425-certified diver, it does have a couple of dive watch features, like the 120-click unidirectional bezel with large white numerals and markings that glow green in the dark.

The thick bezel contributes to the depth of the dial, accentuated by the sloping minute flange with its yellow pixellated numerals. The dial is composed of small coloured blocks to recreate the effect of Camo Pixel and features cross-shaped cutouts with Super-LumiNova and 3D black blocks in their centre. Like other Seapods, the hands are also treated with luminescent material.

In line with Ikepod’s pricing policy, costs are kept in check with an automatic Miyota 9039 movement, visible through the porthole on the caseback.

Availability & Price

Although there is enough camouflage covering the dial and silicone strap to survive an ambush, the design of the watch, especially the thick sloping black PVD bezel, is bound to attract attention. The Seapod also comes with an additional black silicone strap. Limited to 50 pieces, the Ikepod Seapod Camo Pixel retails for CHF 1,590 or EUR 1,690 (incl. tax). It is available on the brand’s website; deliveries are expected in mid-December 2023.