
The Hidden City watch is inspired by the unusual wildlife that is found in south London. In recent years the parrot population has swelled and become an exotic addition to the wildlife of the city. Stories abound about the origin of the parrots--one of the most popular is that a few captive parrots escaped from a pet shop and managed to adapt to the chilly environment of London parkland.
The night hours are marked by a bat--another city dweller whose numbers are on the increase. With greater attention paid to protecting and preserving their habitats, numbers have swelled in recent years.
The Hidden City was designed by Crispin Jones, and he explains his thinking behind the design:
“Visitors to London are startled to see the iridescent green of parrots in our parks and if they’re lucky they might catch a glimpse of the daredevil maneuvers of a bat at dusk.
These new natives are welcomed into the fold by Londoners who cherish the richness they bring to the landscape, a metaphor perhaps for the inclusivity that is such a feature of our city.”