Smokey
Bear
Watch
The Smokey Bear watch needed to be a fun experience from end-to-end. We wanted to generate excitement, from the packaging, to the watch, and the fun details and extras we’ve woven throughout.
Smokey Bear Watch
We designed this as a watch Smokey would wear, and maybe distribute as a call to action for wildfire prevention and conservation. Like something you’d get as a member of the “Smokey Bear Fan Club”.
Rethinking an Icon
This project started with graphic design, developing a unique visage of Smokey Bear that would reproduce clearly at a small scale. It had to be simple, bold, and feel a little bit nostalgic.
There are fun little elements unique to each model, and each one is made to look fitting to a particular era.
The Smokey ’44
1944 was Smokey’s first official year, so that variant has a more classic look: decorative numerals, cathedral hands, and a basic case back engraving.
The Smokey ’64
1964 was when Smokey got his own ZIP code, so that variant is a touch more modern, and in-line with a field watch of the day.
Both feature a big crown (so Smokey’s big paws could set the time) and at 38mm diameter, it still needed to look substantial enough for a bear to wear. There’s also a tiny little shovel as the counterweight on the seconds hand—a fun little detail among many.
We’re big fans of Smokey Bear. His message is simple, direct, and represents something everyone can agree with (ie: Don’t start a fire and then walk away from it.)
We hope this watch turns new people onto Smokey’s legacy and message of presevation, while perhaps inspiring a new interest in watches for others.
