In the watch industry, there are a number of big players, most of whom work in a way that is almost as fluid as the mechanisms of a watch. Whereas the small brands are worth watching for a different reason, they are driven strictly by their passion for watchmaking and their desire to create new and intuitive products. Young watch start-ups all share a similar goal, and that is to be successful.
It seems there is no shortage of watch projects on Kickstarter these days. Whilst some elicit a yawn at best, others genuinely try to do something cool and unique and have gone on to become real success stories, like REC Watches. Today we’re showing you a highly anticipated project that has just launched from newcomer Baltic Watches, featuring two seriously cool, neo-vintage style watches with step-cases inspired by the minimalist designs of the 1940’s.
If looking for “the total package” in terms of heritage, well designed, mechanical watches at an affordable sticker price, you simply shouldn’t overlook Junghans. We’ve seen in the past that the brand is capable of offering watches with a very strong design following its own identity to the letter, with basic but reliable movements that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Always leaning on automotive inspiration or following the Bauhaus movement, Junghans brings the Form A (for Automatic) to Baselworld 2017.
Kickstarter has brought us many watches in every possible design, but having an authentic retro style watch available for watch collectors, is something we look at with interest, here at Monochrome. Vario has developed the VH31 Eclipse, and 6T33 Eclipse watches, and the attention to retro detailing is rather pleasing. From the fibers of the strap to the simplicity of the dial, Vario is bringing the 1970’s back with a vengeance. The first NATO Eclipse Watch has been reinvented for watch lovers everywhere, and although the NATO strap is still available for an additional fee, the new design packs a punch if you are a fan of retro style and design.
While we are mainly focussing on the major watches introduced during this 2017 edition of Baselworld, with our usual focus on high-end watches, one watch in a much more accessible price range pleasantly surprised us: the Alpina Startimer Pilot Automatic. Nothing too fancy, nothing to renew the concept of a pilot watch, yet, what we have here is a highly qualitative automatic offer, with a very competitive price… Alpina obliges. Here’s Alpina’s new take on its best seller, the Startimer Pilot, and it comes for less than Euro 900.
LIV watches does things differently, with an unconventional watch offered at stunning value for money. Bold design, bright colors, unusual shape… Still with what we love here, a mechanical heart. Introducing the LIV Watches Rebel Automatic & Automatic Chronograph, now on Kickstarter.
Hamilton is usually not a brand we cover much on Monochrome, maybe because they are positioned a bit on the lower side of the range, with various quartz offers. Yet, from time to time, the previously American brand, now under the umbrella of the Swatch Group, can surprise us, especially when look at their rich history. This year, for the upcoming 2017 edition of Baselworld, the brand will have something simply cool, a nice, vintage-inspired and affordable automatic chronograph., with iconic roots. Here is the Hamilton Intra-Matic 68.
After two first editions, one with a classical silver dial and one with a striking blue dial (which we reviewed here), both successfully funded by community-based projects, Lebois & Co today announced their return to the Kickstarter program to raise funds for the 3rd Re- launch Edition of their Avantgarde Date. Besides coming with a nice black dial, there’s more to offer now “under the hood”… New dial and new movement for a great quality upgrading.
Finding inspiration is always a tricky thing. One can find it in the conviction of a certain theme, or in an innovative (and sometimes difficult) new way to indicate time, or in the historical perspective (to give just three possibilities). The “easiest” of these is resurrecting a brand that has been long gone. It gives you reference, backstory and something to build on. You already have some sort of foundation. Let’s investigate this with a Monochrome-style review of the Lebois & Co Avantgarde Date Re-launch Edition, an example of a brand that has been out of business for about 80 years now!
The beauty and elegance of fine Swiss made timepieces date back centuries. With a following of thousands of individuals, these sought after watches have often been out of reach for many consumers. KLYNT Geneve brings you the creative design and reliability of the Swiss watchmaking tradition without the hefty price tag. The modern designs from KLYNT take cues from architecture and design. With elements from some great indie watchmakers and a design that won’t let you cold, these timepieces are a nice and accessible way to enter the world of modern and bold watches.