Total Design Reviews

Total Design Reviews was created as a platform to highlight the significance of design and aesthetics. As someone with a background in industrial design and illustration, I have a deep appreciation for quality craftsmanship and creative ideas. It's often the smallest details that can make a big difference in the overall design. While many of the topics discussed may seem exclusive, this is not merely another luxury site. My main goal is to provide a variety of editorial content that resonates with a wide audience. I hope that my reviews reflect the enthusiasm that drives talented artisans to pursue excellence.

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Articles

GELFMAN IN-16 Nixie Watch

Jan 20, 2025 | totaldesignreviews.com | Byron Bay Muesli |Byron Bay Olives |Cape Byron Distillery |Steve Huyton

Approximately 16 years ago I purchased a Nixie Watch from Cathode Corner. This company is the brainchild enthusiastic inventor David Forbes. He gained global exposure for his first generation watch because of Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak bought multiple pieces. There must have been something about the deconstructed naivety of the design that really resonated with him. Since then I have reviewed other much more sophisticated models like a 4 tube variant from NixieHorizonte.
Mr Jones Watches 'The Golden Hour'

Sep 22, 2024 | totaldesignreviews.com | Steve Huyton

Several decades ago I graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a BA honours degree in illustration. Subsequently, I embarked on a freelance career and worked with high-profile clients such as the BBC, Radio Times and British Telecom. That’s why I was fascinated by the intricate Art Deco-inspired works of Andy Wilx. He was awarded ‘Best International Artist by the Global Artist Agency. Andy pays homage to the patterns of William Morris, in the form of decorative and crisp line work.
Konstantin Chaykin ‘ThinKing’

Sep 8, 2024 | totaldesignreviews.com | Byron Bay Muesli |Byron Bay Olives |Cape Byron Distillery |Steve Huyton

Within the world, horology watchmakers are striving to develop new concepts to entice customers away from their competitors. One of the main areas is using new materials like carbon composites and lightweight alloys. Brands are even going as far as trademarking names to make the timepieces sound more exotic. Ultimately, it’s all clever marketing to increase watch sales. Another, big trend at the moment is ultra-thin mechanical timepieces.
MECEXP MS1001 Flyback

Aug 25, 2024 | totaldesignreviews.com | Byron Bay Muesli |Byron Bay Olives |Cape Byron Distillery |Steve Huyton

In recent decades the watch industry has been dominated by traditional mechanical movements. At the higher end of the scale, discerning collectors go crazy for timepieces with flying tourbillions, minute repeaters, moon phase and perpetual calendar indications. They also need to be encased in luxurious materials such as gold and platinum with modest proportions.
U-Boat Classico 1001 Ref 8038

Aug 9, 2024 | totaldesignreviews.com | Byron Bay Muesli |Byron Bay Olives |Cape Byron Distillery |Steve Huyton

Several years ago I visited a U-Boat dealership in the UK and they showed me a newly released watch called the U-1001. I vividly remember being amazed by this timepiece most because of the overall size. This piece has a gigantic 55mm Grade 5 sandblasted titanium case that was designed to make a bold impression. Additionally, there is a huge crown and helium release button to increase the proportions.
Mr Jones Watches ‘The Silent Thief’

Jul 14, 2024 | totaldesignreviews.com | Byron Bay Muesli |Byron Bay Olives |Cape Byron Distillery |Steve Huyton

Thirty-five years ago, I graduated from Manchester University with a BA Honours degree in Design for Communication and Media Studies. In layman’s terms, I became a freelance artist, illustrating mainly book covers. At this time Illustration was a very precarious industry and payment terms were not that favourable. However, I was fortunate to get a lot of work published and it’s given me a lifelong passion for the industry.
PARADISI RP02 - Total Design Reviews

Jul 8, 2024 | totaldesignreviews.com | Byron Bay Muesli |Byron Bay Olives |Cape Byron Distillery |Steve Huyton

Recently a good friend of mine has embarked on a 6-week trip to Italy. Let’s say it’s like a voyage of discovery shaped in the ‘Shirley Valentine’ mould. Every day I am vicariously living her amazing journey through Milan, Verona and the Amalfi Coast via social media. Last year I visited this magnificent country and enjoyed the ambience, culinary delights, architecture etc. When it comes to style and panache no one does it better than the Italians.
SEVENFRIDAY FREE- D B

Jun 23, 2024 | totaldesignreviews.com | Byron Bay Muesli |Byron Bay Olives |Cape Byron Distillery |Steve Huyton

Approximately three years ago my publisher Schiffer was deliberating whether to reprint my 3rd book ‘Luxury Design for Living’ or commission a second edition. Fortunately for me, they opted for the latter option. Due to technological advances, the project allowed different methods of manufacturing. In particular 3D printing, which is yielding some exceptionally exciting results.
22Studio Year of The Dragon

Jun 9, 2024 | totaldesignreviews.com | Byron Bay Muesli |Byron Bay Olives |Cape Byron Distillery |Steve Huyton

The Dragon is the fifth of the 12-year cycle of animals that appear in the Chinese Zodiac. Interestingly in 2024, the year of the dragon symbolises wood. However, in the world of horology, this translates to a range of interesting dial designs. It’s also a phenomenal opportunity for watchmakers to capitalise on a golden marketing opportunity.
Angular Momentum ‘Double Eye Spaceship’

Jun 2, 2024 | totaldesignreviews.com | Steve Huyton

On social media, there are several forums focused purely on brass and bronze watches. Dedicated enthusiasts share images of their timepieces in different stages of oxidisation. Some of the most popular brands are Vintage VDB and Kaventsmann. Both these German watchmakers produce bold oversized limited-edition Swiss automatics. However, in my opinion, the leader of the pack is Martin Pauli (who trades under the name Angular Momentum).