D1 Milano and Peter Tarka Launch "The Impossible Watch" on Kickstarter

D1 Milano Teams Up with 3D Artist Peter Tarka for a Unique Kickstarter Campaign

The watch industry continues to evolve, and established brands are finding new ways to connect with enthusiasts. Italian watchmaker D1 Milano, founded in 2013, has recently launched a Kickstarter campaign for "The Impossible Watch," a collaboration with renowned 3D artist Peter Tarka. This project represents an interesting shift in how established microbrands utilize crowdfunding platforms.

The Evolution of Kickstarter in the Watch Industry

Thoughts and attitudes toward Kickstarter-funded watch projects have shifted pretty dramatically over the years. It used to be incredibly common for microbrands to break on Kickstarter with community-funded projects, and indeed some of our favorite brands trace their roots to a Kickstarter campaign. But as the saying goes, one bad apple spoils the bunch, and a very small percentage of opportunists among the larger group of up-and-coming watch brands may have helped contribute to an environment where skepticism about brand motives prevailed over enthusiasm.

There are still cool projects on Kickstarter, but it's no longer the dedicated proving ground it once was. Increasingly, it has become a platform for established brands to introduce products that might not fit into their normal catalog or release cycle. This is exactly how we find D1 Milano's unlikely campaign.

Design Specifications and Features

The Impossible Watch features a rectangular case made of aluminum with colorful dial options and a regulator-style time-telling format. A trio of rotating discs correspond to hours, minutes, and seconds, plus a day of the week indicator consisting of seven apertures that are gradually filled in day by day. There's also a digital readout of the time and date in the lower right corner of the dial.

Four Unique Variants

The collection includes four variants: two "Studio Editions" (White Space and Orange Pulse) and two "Color Editions" (Black Orbit and Green Dimension). The Studio Edition pieces feature white and orange accents respectively against a neutral silver dial space. The Color Editions are more adventurous, with Black Orbit offering Halloween energy with a blacked-out case and bracelet with orange accents, while Green Dimension presents a study in shades of green.

Industry Impact

This campaign demonstrates how established microbrands are adapting to the changing landscape of watch marketing. By leveraging platforms like Kickstarter for special collaborations, brands can gauge interest and fund limited production runs without the risk associated with traditional retail channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes "The Impossible Watch" design impossible?

The design is based on a retro-futuristic 3D composition by Peter Tarka that was framed as "technically impossible in its original form." The rectangular aluminum case with regulator-style display creates a unique aesthetic that draws inspiration from 1970s sci-fi design.

When will backers receive their watches?

Based on typical Kickstarter timelines and D1 Milano's production capabilities, backers can expect delivery within 3-6 months after the campaign concludes, though specific timelines will be provided by the brand.

Is D1 Milano still considered a microbrand?

As discussed in recent industry debates, the line between "microbrand" and "independent brand" continues to blur. D1 Milano, founded in 2013, represents a generation of brands that have grown beyond their initial crowdfunding roots but still maintain the innovative spirit of microbrands.

Source

This article is based on reporting from Worn & Wound, published on June 29, 2026.

Related Reading

For more on the evolution of microbrands and their place in today's watch market, visit our Complete Microbrand Watch Guide.