( Technology )
A watch with a mission to Mars
©
Window to the Future
About the brand
Barrelhand is an independent watch brand from San Francisco that combines precision engineering with top-class craftsmanship. Their products are mechanisms created with a passion for technology, design, and futuristic forms.
One of the components designed by Barrelhand — the “Memory Disc” containing cultural and linguistic data — was placed on the surface of the Moon as part of the IM-1 mission in February 2024.
Bandign goals
The branding of Barrelhand aimed to transform the brand's image — from being perceived as a niche startup to a technology company that redefines what a modern timekeeping tool can be.
The rebranding was intended to highlight the innovative nature of the brand and demonstrate that its development does not stop at aesthetics or craftsmanship, but reaches far beyond Earth — literally and symbolically. The new image reflects progress and advanced engineering, communicating that Barrelhand not only creates watches but also designs solutions with the future of humanity and space exploration in mind. The branding was also based on newly defined values and mission: building technologies that support knowledge, exploration, and the protection of cultural heritage — in line with the brand's message: to create instruments of purpose for humanity’s future, on Earth and beyond.
Credits and scope of work
Branding strategy
The Barrelhand branding strategy is based on a minimalist approach, where every element serves to highlight precision and innovation.
The slogan "Window to the Future", showcased as a key motif, is reflected in subtle ellipses symbolizing orbits from which the brand's products "emerge", emphasizing its futuristic character.
The foundation of the system is the Swiss typeface Helvetica, one of the best-drawn typefaces guaranteeing a timeless aesthetic.
The whole is complemented by a colour palette inspired by astronaut suits — dominated by white and various shades of grey, with a vivid touch of orange that introduces dynamism and refers to the adventure of space exploration.
Page as a foundation of communication
When designing a website for the brand, we opted for a combination of modern technologies with a refined, aesthetic design that not only attracts attention but also guides the user through a thoughtful brand narrative. Every element—from the information structure to the microinteractions—has been designed with the aim of maximising audience engagement and effectively conveying brand values.
The applied animations and site architecture create a cohesive, immersive experience that works seamlessly across various devices, including those with lower performance. This allowed us to ensure not only a high level of aesthetics but also functionality and accessibility, which translate into real metrics: longer time spent on the site, greater conversion, and stronger brand recall.
This is a project that not only looks good but, above all, works—supporting sales, building relationships, and telling the brand story in a way that resonates directly with the audience.
