Timed Out? World's Thinnest Watch Designers Update Supporters After Backer Backlash

Central Standard Timing, creators of the credit card-thin CST-01 watch, said it is looking to sell what is left of its parts and equipment

Time may have temporarily run out for the “world’s thinnest watch,” but its Chicago designers said they aim to find someone else to produce the watches after encountering manufacturing challenges.

Central Standard Timing, creators of the credit card-thin CST-01 watch, said it is looking to sell what is left of its parts and equipment, writing on its Kickstarter page that the last thing it wanted to do was disappoint its backers.

“Through all the challenges we’ve faced, the only thing that has kept us going is your belief in us,” Central Standard Timing wrote to its supporters.

The CST-01 crowdfunding campaign started in January 2013. Nearly 8,000 backers pledged more than one million dollars for the project and pre-order customers kicked in additional cash. Many were expecting a watch in return.

However, the project missed repeated shipping deadlines.

NBC 5 Investigates reported in May that Central Standard Timing said it ran in to unexpected production issues that sent their costs soaring. The design team said only 80 watches had been shipped.

Dan Katavic is one of the few backers who received a CST-01.

“I’m very happy with it,” Katavic said. “I really do sympathize with everyone who doesn’t have a product.”

The Better Business Bureau said consumers should consider crowdfunding a risk with no guarantees.

On its website, Kickstarter states it does not guarantee projects or investigate a creator’s ability to complete their project. However, Kickstarter said it has had more than 80,000 successfully-funded projects.

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