What’s new on Kickstarter? Well, we’ve got a slick modern piece from Bólido, a lovely new dress watch from Whytes, a Seiko homage from TC-9, and because it’s Kickstarter, we also have something completely stupid. Read on.
Bólido
Ok, I’ll admit I almost missed this one, but fans of unique modern design watches should definitely check out the Bólido before the campaign ends this week. The watch features a futuristic, 43mm, lugless monocoque case with a 12 o’clock crown position, and an asymmetric shape that tilts the dial towards the viewer. Inside, beats a regulated and decorated Swiss ST-1 automatic movement. I love the clean, modern graphics of the dial and the fact that they did not shy away from color, offering bright yellow, blood red, and a warm gray in addition to the usual black or white. The Bólido is water resistant to 100M and comes on a rubber strap with a flip-lock clasp. You can still get one for CHF 450 (about $465 USD), but you’d better act fast as the campaign ends Saturday, July 15.
Whytes Watches
Back in 2015, I admired the elegant design of the Whytes Discoverer series. Now, they are back to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday with the new150M, a large (43mm), open-heart dress watch with a Miyota 82S7 automatic movement. The watch is water resistant to 200m and equipped with sapphire crystals so it is tough as well as pretty, They offer four variants, all featuring applied index rings around the Miyota’s distinctive off-center sub-dials, applied markers, and diamond cut hands. Recognizing the watch nerd compulsion to swap, Whytes offers a selection of quick release leather straps, all of which are extra long. This does little for small wristed guys like myself but makes good sense for anyone large enough to carry off a 43mm dress watch. The 150M is available on Kickstarter now for as low as $279 CAD (about $215 USD).
TC-9
Last year, TC-9 launched the 1970’s Diver, a Seiko 6150 homage rendered in a very un-Seiko bronze case that I took a particular shine to. This time, they are taking a more traditional approach, releasing that watch in brushed stainless and PVD black cases. Like the bronze version, the watches are 44mm wide, have sapphire crystals front and rear, are water resistant to 300m, and use the Seiko automatic movements, in this case, the NH45A. 1970’s Diver early bird pricing starts at just £175 (about $226 USD).
Fidget Watch
No, not a watch but a fidget spinner on a strap. That’s it. According to the campaign, the Fidget Watch was designed to solve the “problem” of fidget spinner transportation. Thank God they tackled that one – now they can address world peace and cure cancer. It’s $28 bucks or $57 if you want a red one. So far, there are only ten people in the world willing to buy one of these, which almost reaffirms my faith in humanity. ⬩
Photos courtesy of the manufacturers.
