Card Flash: Steel Watches Playing Cards

Steel Watches Playing Cards, created by Paris-based publisher Éditions de la Tour, offer a refined and unexpected way to celebrate the world of horology beyond the wrist. Designed as a collectible object rather than a simple deck, the project draws inspiration from the clean lines, balanced geometry, and finishing details of iconic steel sports watches.

Developed by founder Axel M., whose background lies in watchmaking, the deck reflects a desire to bring more narrative and artistry into watch culture. Instead of directly depicting specific timepieces, the designs reinterpret the visual language of modern watchmaking through original illustration. 

The court cards subtly echo the structure and elegance of famous watch designs, while the hierarchy of Kings, Queens, and Jacks hints at influence and legacy within the world of horology.

The tuck box, finished with linen texture, embossing, and varnished details, elevates the deck into a display-worthy piece that fits just as naturally on a desk or bookshelf as it does at the card table.

Printed on poker size on 320 gsm casino-grade, linen-textured paper with a black core. Released in a  limited run of 1,000 decks. Available from Editions de la Tour for $23.

Monster Hunter Playing Cards

Monster Hunter Playing Cards bring over two decades of iconic creatures from the Monster Hunter series into a single, hand-illustrated deck that feels like it was lifted straight from the Hunter’s Guild archives. 

Each card is rendered in rich, detailed artwork that blends traditional playing card design with the look of an in-world bestiary, giving the deck a sense of authenticity fans will instantly recognise.

The courts and aces showcase 16 monsters from across the franchise, with legendary names like Rathalos, Tigrex, Nergigante, and Zinogre taking their place across the suits. Each creature is carefully illustrated to reflect its personality and presence, transforming the deck into both a functional set of cards and a collectible tribute to the series’ most memorable hunts. Even the jokers stay true to the world, featuring fan-favourite companions Poogie and Palico.

Available in multiple colourways, including blue, red, and green editions, each version offers its own visual identity, with the blue edition highlighted by shimmering foil accents that catch the light with every shuffle. The luxury tuck box completes the presentation, featuring the Hunter’s Guild crest in metallic foil, surrounded by embossed monster silhouettes on a deep navy background.

Designed for collectors, players, and longtime fans alike, Monster Hunter Playing Cards balance usability with fandom, offering a deck that feels just as at home on the table as it does displayed alongside other treasured pieces from the series. Available in Red, Blue and Green colorway.

Available now from Dyenamik for $26.

Dodgers Playing Cards by Theory11

Dodgers Playing Cards by Theory11 is officially licensed deck created in collaboration with Los Angeles Dodgers and Major League Baseball, celebrating one of the most iconic franchises in baseball history.

The tuck exterior feels special.... featuring elegant gold foil, detailed embossing, and design elements that pay tribute to the team’s legacy dating back to 1958. 

Inside, the experience continues with artwork inspired by Dodger Stadium, placing you right in the stands, from behind home plate to the outfield pavilions.

The cards themselves highlight the Dodgers’ rich history, including references to legendary World Series matchups and their nine championship titles. Every detail reflects the pride and tradition of a team whose identity is deeply tied to its fans and the city of Los Angeles.

The deck offer a stylish and nostalgic tribute to a franchise where history, loyalty, and the love of the game all come together. Available NOW from Theory11 for $12.95.

The Rush Playing Cards by Squiddle Ink

The Rush Playing Cards by Squiddle Ink is a fully illustrated deck inspired by the drama, ambition, and chaos of the California Gold Rush, bringing the frontier era to life through detailed artwork and historical storytelling. 

Set against the rugged landscapes of the Sierra Nevada and the boomtowns stretching toward San Francisco, the deck captures the spirit of a time when fortunes were chased... and often lost in the pursuit of gold.

At the center of the narrative is James W. Marshall, whose 1848 discovery at Sutter’s Sawmill ignited the mass migration of prospectors known as the 49ers. The court cards expand on this history by portraying real figures from the era, from industrialists like Levi Strauss and Leland Stanford, to frontier personalities such as gambler Eleanor Dumont and entertainer Lotta Crabtree. 

Each suit reflects a different facet of Gold Rush life, from enterprise and infrastructure to saloon culture and survival. Visually, the deck leans into a rustic, frontier aesthetic. The card backs depict a skeletal prospector riding through a ghost town, reinforcing the theme of fleeting fortune and abandoned dreams. 

The deck’s design is steeped in symbolism, incorporating imagery like pickaxes, wagon wheels, train tracks, and wheat, subtle reminders of the industries and livelihoods overshadowed by the lure of gold. Even the aces and number cards carry narrative weight, referencing mining culture, profiteering, and the transformation of California’s economy during the rush.

The tuck box features a soft-touch matte finish with a sepia-toned interior pattern inspired by steam train wheels, while gold gilded edges give the cards a warm shimmer... echoing the moment a prospector glimpses gold in a pan.

Printed by Legends Playing Card Co with a classic finish. Pledge starts at $16 on Kickstarter.