Here is my in-depth review of Timeless Deluxe by Liam Montier.
REVIEW PHILOSOPHY
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YOUTUBE REVIEW
If you want to watch the review, here is the YouTube version.
EFFECT
The performer removes his watch, and asks a spectator to twist the knob, in order to move the hands randomly.
The time on the watch is remembered. And spectator holds the watch face-up between his palms.
The performer can divine the exact time. And to prove that everything is done with imagination, the hands of the watch are shown to be completely gone.
WHAT YOU GET?
You will receive a watch of your choice (leather band, or striped band).
A special tool to make the trick work.
A link to the password protected online instruction is also provided.
QUALITY OF THE PRODUCT
WATCH
Since the version I bought comes with striped bands I will base my review on the watch I have.
The watch is made of decent materials. The watch case is made of metal and has good weight when you hold it.
The watch comes with regular lug. Which means you can change the band of your choice. The lug width is 21mm, which means it should fit the most common 20mm band on the market.
The striped bands comes with the watch is stylish, but nothing spectacular in terms of quality and design.
The watch cannot be used as regular watch. Since there is no mechanical part (except the knob), there is no worry that water will harm the watch.
SPECIAL TOOL
It is a consumable product and in long run you need to replace it. But I suppose it will last at least 200 performances.
It’s available on market and only cost about a few bucks. So, you don’t need to concern when it runs out.
Overall, the quality of the product is what I expected. As a magic product, I think it is nicely made and quality is without question. However, watch is sometimes regarded as luxury item. It somehow represents the social statue of the owner. Therefore, I don’t see that this watch is ideal as a regular item the performer wears during his show. The watch looks decent, but definitely not sophisticated enough.
QUALITY OF THE TUTORIAL
The explanation comes as online tutorial on Vanishing Inc website. There is no option for you to download the video.
The effect is explained in a 16 minutes and 25 seconds long video. The explanation is hosted by Andi Gladwin. There are 2 kinds of shots - medium and close-up. The explanation is very clear but there are rooms for adding more details in some sections.
Length (in minutes) of the main parts (I literally counted):
Live Performance - 1:23
Introduction - 1:30
Setup - 4:17
Step by Step - 6:02
Presentation - 0:48
Extra - 1:46
In Live Performance, Andi Gladwin performs the effect for 2 spectators. It is the performance you saw on the trailer. The structure of the routine is very solid. It is the gold standard of how this effect should be performed. After learning the effect in the tutorial, learners should come back to this performance to observe the details which they may miss in the first-time watching.
In ‘Introduction’, Andi talks about the background of this trick and how it comes into existence.
In ’Setup’ session, preparation is discussed. Andi teaches about how to prepare the watch for the effect, and gives some tips to mitigate risk during performance. The tip is good but the execution is questionable judging the reason given. If you have watched the tutorial and agreed with reason, you would find that by putting the hands on the opposite side, it is the safest. But not at the position suggested on the tutorial.
’Step by Step’ is the explanation of the performance. There are some tips about the convincers of proving the watch legitimate. And Andi explains why there is worry that audience will suspect the watch. There are lot of good tips about each part of the routine. For example, the handling when spectator twist the knob, how to ask spectator to name the time, how to show you are clean etc. Even if you understood the working of the routine, I suggest you should watch this session just to understand all potential risks of the routine.
In ‘Presentation’, Andi explains the presentation he chose for this effect. Honestly, there is nothing much inspiring in this section. It’s simply like, ‘I use this presentation, but you can use your own’.
The ‘Extra’ section, Andi shares another routine which he has considered doing on Penn & Teller’s Fool Us. The routine is for multiple audience. It’s very good and practical for parlour performance.
To conclude, the tutorial has provided a lot of useful information about the routine. Explanation is clear and concise. However, there are some sections which Andi may add more details. Say, a better shot could have been done to show a better view of preparation in Setup; and there could be more presentational ideas. But for most learners, the information is enough for you to perform this routine confidently.
KEY POINTS OF THE PRODUCT
Any time can be forced.
You can only use 1 force time per performance.
There is a chance of screwing up the setup before or during the performance. Once it is screwed up, there is no recovery.
The watch cannot be used as regular watch.
The watch can not be examined before the performance, but it ends completely clean.
The band can be changed. The width of the lugs is 21mm.
The effect can be repeatable with the same audience, but it may not be ideal.
Good for both close up and parlour.
DIFFICULTY
The mechanism of this trick is very easy. There is almost no sleight-of-hand. However, if you are doing it for table hopping or multiple groups of audience, you need to set up the trick each time. Andi suggests to set up during previous effects. That may be a little difficult unless you have no audience around you. Therefore, the most difficult part of this effect is not about the effect, it’s the preparation if you do it walkaround.
RESET TIME
Reset time takes less than 30 seconds, if you also count taking out and putting back the special tool. Actual preparation may take only a few seconds.
EXAMINABLE?
The watch is completely examinable. Spectators can handle the watch freely without finding a clue of secret. Because there is no secret on the watch.
PROS ABOUT THE PRODUCT
The effect is very easy.
The prop is nicely manufactured and should last a long time. Nothing to break.
The band can be changed to your choice.
Reasonable price.
CONS ABOUT THE PRODUCT
It depends but wearing it during formal performance doesn’t look ideal, because the watch doesn’t look classy enough.
The watch cannot be used as regular watch.
FINAL VERDICT
Timeless Deluxe by Liam Montier is an innovative effect which audience will remember for a long time. The method is easy and the effect can be done in many kinds of environment. The effect also ends clean and thus spectator can freely examine the watch. The quality of the tutorial is pretty nice. Aldi has given a lot of useful advice to make sure learners can get most out of this effect.
At current price of $40, it is a good investment for formal and casual performance. I can imagine many performers will enjoy doing this effect. I will give my very high recommendation.
Video Quality: 8/10
Effectiveness of Tricks: 9/10
Practical: 8/10
Creativity: 9/10
Cost Performance: 9/10
Final Score: 8/10
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