28 Nov 2008, 19:27
IMHO, these are two of the best digital watch designs ever. The Synchronar is on the left above and the v-tec alpha on the right.
Both watches can only be read from certain viewing angles. The Synchronar has an LED readout with placement optimized for front reading while the v-tec alpha's LCD display can not be read from the front.
Visible on the left-hand side of the v-tec alpha (above left) is the flush mounted push-button used for illuminating the LCD display. The small slot on the back of the Synchronar (also above) was used on the Mark I to provide access to a third slide switch used for setting the minutes and the date. The switch was removed in later models, but the slot remains.
Seconds display turned on (left) and seconds display turned off (right):
Although both watches have cases and bands manufactured out of stainless steel, the v-tec alpha is a slightly darker grey than the Synchronar. This is almost certainly a side-effect of the hardening technique that Ventura applied to the metal.
the v-tec alpha design team, ~2003; from the instruction booklet