Spinning (desk)top

A spinning top inspired by Apple’s macOS spinning wait cursor.

A desk toy for the office space of a business executive or badass lone ranger, it blends digital and physical interfaces to create a playful but premium delight.

Made in England from solid brass and polished enamel.

Too many chrome tabs open? Loading a megafile? Computer fans going into overdrive?
Don’t panic! Sit back and give your spinning top a spin on your desktop. By the time it’s finished your computer’s desktop should be too!

Inspired by Apple’s macOS spinning wait cursor, also known as the beach-ball, wheel of death, pinwheel, disk of doom and the spinning pizza of death; the “SPOD”.

In contrast to the frustration felt by waiting for digital technology, spinning and watching Spinning (desk)top is a playful and enjoyable experience.

Take a break from your digital world…Play in wait.

Art spinning top 'Spinning (desk)top' sat stationary and at an angle flaunting it's made in england turned brass
Spinning (desk)top, mid spin, with fingers just above suggesting it has just been released
Simple card matchbox presentation packaging design of Spinning (desk)top

Assembly

Supplied “flat pack” in three pieces, simply slot the Rainbow Spinner inside the base, then screw on the spindle.

Care

Brass develops a natural tarnish over time from air exposure and oils in your skin. Some people embrace the patina, others prefer to occasionally clean the brass to keep it nice and shiney! There are many options for cleaning from regular ol’ ketchup (coat and leave for 30 minutes, wipe and rinse) to specialist brass cleaning solutions.

The bottom of the top has a rounded point. It’s not a “spike”, but please spin on a sensible surface to avoid damage to the surface.

Specification

  • Made in England
  • Precision turned from solid brass and finished with polished enamel
  • ~5 minutes spin time (maxed 6.5 minutes on glass so far!)
  • Assembled size/weight : 34mm x 34mm x 28mm, 38g
  • Boxed size/weight : 77mm x 75mm x 18mm, 72g
  • Spindle and top-body : Solid brass (some material removed for improved weight distribution, balancing and spin-time.)
  • Rainbow Spinner insert : Nickel with polished enamel and metallic gold-colour electroplating.

Packaging

  • Matchbox-style solid paper-over-board tray and cover construction.
  • Hot-foiled logo on front face. Label on reverse.
  • Custom insert made from kraft-lined, corrugated card.

Customisation

Want to gift some for the whole office? Get in touch if you’re interested in ordering a batch of 30 or more tops.

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