Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Watch kit

1976. A digital watch was the epitome of cool and sophistication and Sinclair Radionics came along with the idea of selling them as a "do-it-yourself" kit. Way too cool.

The only problem is, the "Black Watch" was cheap, unreliable and very sensitive to static discharges. Altogether, a very forgettable piece of technology.


"The Black Watch", 1976
-click to enlarge-

Friday, May 6, 2011

Natural body brace

"Worth more than a farm" says a customer of this ancient-looking device.

Be warned that any medical breakthrough that "Replaces and supports misplaced internal organs", "brings pep" and "reduces enlarged abdomen" -all at at the same time- cannot be good for you.


"Body brace", 1917
-click to enlarge-

Monday, May 2, 2011

In color

Read carefully the copy in this ad from 1960 and ask yourself: "Who'd be so thick to order one of these?"

The ad talks about a screen that fits over you current black-and-white TV screen, and produces "...brilliant, eye-filling colors..."

And your friends will like it too - they'll get to make jokes about you and your "color TV".


"Thrilling color", 1960
-click to enlarge-