Best Inventions of 2004

From strapless swim goggles to text messaging chandeliers, TIME takes a look at the year's hottest inventions

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best inventions 2004 monaco v4 concept watch

Monaco V4 Concept Watch
Inventor: TAG Heuer
Availability: Prototype only
To Learn More: tagheuer.com

Before the Swiss watchmaker Jean François Ruchonnet designed the Monaco V4 concept watch, he lifted the hood of his Maserati, gazed at the engine and thought about the belts. Then he decided to create a similar belt system in miniature to replace the interlocking gears in mechanical watches. Each belt replaces five to six gears, thus simplifying construction. Visible on the underside, at right, the belts are also better at absorbing shock, for a more reliable and accurate timepiece.

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