Fallout is an action-packed series inspired by Atompunk that brings its post-apocalyptic wasteland world to life through smart storytelling that perfectly blends humor with violence.
The Pip-Boy from The Wire is an iconic wearable computer, watch, map, and Geiger counter that monitors radiation levels within an individual. German watch brand Laco partnered with online wrist-watch enthusiast publication ABTW to produce a Pip-Boy inspired watch kit.
The RAD-AUX Limited Edition
Laco, an iconic German watch brand, and online wrist-watch review magazine aBlogtoWatch collaborated to design the RAD-AUX Limited Edition watch to commemorate one of the most beloved video game franchises ever – Fallout! – by creating this unique timepiece reminiscent of one of their signature video game characters – an unmistakably rugged post-apocalyptic tool which would look at home anywhere in Fallout’s post-apocalyptic universe.
The watch features a perforated bund leather and vintage German parachute canvas strap, aged with rapid aging techniques to mimic decades of wear and tear, similar to Laco Erbst1/4ck watches. Furthermore, perforation throughout the strap echoes floors found in warehouses or run-down settlements of Fallout’s universe.
Other details make the RAD-AUX even more realistic, like its custom engraving on its caseback that features an array of increasingly frustrated smiley faces – a nod to the video game series!
The Laco RAD-AUX watch is an exceptional example of how video game tie-ins and collaborations should be approached correctly. While other watch brands might force their products into a specific video game world, Laco has created something both beautiful and genuine that fits right in with Fallout – it makes an exceptional statement about creating products around video games without them becoming overcommercialized.
The RAD-AUX is a wearable piece of conceptual art
The RAD-AUX was intended as a piece of conceptual art rather than for sale; unlike most watches, however, this piece by German watchmaker Laco (known for their Flieger pilot’s watches) and aBlogToWatch can’t actually be bought or sold. This unique piece appears as though it were taken straight out of Fallout video game vault!
The 42mm RAD-AUX watch from Laco Auxiliary Observers serves as a mechanical backup to Bethesda Game Studios’ Pip-Boy wrist computer from Fallout video games, serving to measure radiation exposure levels and relay tolerable levels to other survivors – it even comes equipped with its own handy radiation exposure guide on its back!
Instead of resorting to fake patination to give their watches an aged appearance, Laco has intentionally worn and broken down the RAD-AUX watch in a process called rapid aging, simulating its natural wear-and-tear characteristics.
The RAD-AUX is now available for preorder and will ship out by March. Limited to only 143 pieces, its price includes a custom Velcro strap designed specifically to take on any challenges presented by Fallout players – sweat, tears, blood, dirt or any other elements they throw its way!
The RAD-AUX is a functional tool watch
The RAD-AUX stands apart from most video game-inspired watches in that it emphasizes both aesthetics and practical uses for its functionality. Available as a limited edition timepiece from pilots’ watch specialist Laco and aBlogToWatch for $2950, this piece perfectly captures Bethesda’s dystopian universe. Using cutting edge materials from Bethesda itself as inspiration, Laco created this timepiece as part of an alternative reality experience.
The RAD-AUX was intended as a partial mechanical backup to the Pip-Boy, an electrical device players use to access important information about their nuclear wasteland environment. When combined with a radiation dosimeter (RAD-METER), this device can help calculate fallout rates and relay tolerable exposure times to other survivors who require assistance; its case back also features an easy reference chart of radiation dose to harm ratio.
Laco applied an authentic aged look to their 42mm stainless steel case by applying rust, scratches, dents and wear. Furthermore, Laco included a custom dial as well as a vintage German parachute canvas strap whose colors match that of their post apocalyptic watch design.
Laco has now made available for preordering their RAD-AUX watch on its website and will start shipping by March. It includes the watch itself, protective pouch and props to enhance its experience – working closely with prop-makers, printers and artisans on an immersive presentation that makes you believe it hails directly from Fallout 76 itself!
The RAD-AUX is a tribute to Laco’s watchmaking history
The RAD-AUX watch fuses Fallout’s fictional world with Laco’s watchmaking history into an original piece of wearable conceptual art. Each detail on its casing and accompanying accessories have been meticulously rendered to evoke their appearance in an urban wasteland environment; each element represents equipment used by vault dwellers to monitor radiation levels and time their exposure.
While its aesthetic and gameplay references may be exciting, Laco’s rich watchmaking history is also commemorated through this watch. Lacher founded Durowe (Deutsche Uhren-Rohwerke) in 1933 to produce mechanisms for his flieger watches locally instead of importing them from Switzerland; their innovative approach to watchmaking revolutionized industry standards leading to the world’s first quartz movement being developed and manufactured there in 1950.
Today, Laco continues to innovate with an expanding selection of pilot watches and flieger replicas inspired by their founding father. These rugged outdoor-friendly watches often come equipped with rotating bezels for tracking locations or routes while being easy to read even under low light conditions.
Laco has expanded beyond their acclaimed Pilot watch collection to offer something truly exceptional: Erbstuck watches. Crafted in bronze, these unique timepieces have been aged to appear like vintage pieces passed down through generations; Laco has treated the case on RAD-AUX to mimic these vintage looks while its dial boasts tropical details.
