On June 27, Malaysian newcomer Scuro Watches just launched their debut model on Kickstarter. The Model S is an automatic 200M diver’s watch in a titanium case. It is a pleasantly understated take on the genre, marrying a matte finish, arrow hands, and countdown bezel with clean lines and an uncluttered dial.
I’ve noticed several micro brands turning away from huge cases lately, and Scuro is among them. The Model S is 40mm wide and just 11mm thick from screw down case back to sapphire crystal, so it can go just as easily with button-cuff shirt as it does a wet suit. The titanium case keep the weight down to 40g. Scuro offers three colors: black with a black dial, battleship grey with a grey dial, and the somewhat unexpected Sunrise version in gold with a white dial. All are offered with a nylon Zulu or for about $50 AUD ($37 USD) more, a two-piece Italian leather strap with a signed matching buckle. (Don’t be a cheapskate – get the leather.)
Perhaps my favorite feature is the scalloped unidirectional timing bezel. It has broad scallops for grip, 20 minutes of engraved markers, and that’s it. It’s a great look, particularly in black with its orange painted markers. Oddly, there is no lume pip, which limits its utility a bit. The distinctive shape is echoed in the signed 4 o’clock crown.
The dial is simple and direct with large Arabic numerals at 12, 3, and 9, a date window at 6, and Seamaster style arrow hands. The markers and hands are treated with SuperLuminova. In an interesting touch, lume fills the entirety of the minute hand but only the head of the hour hand. I like the idea, but not having had the watch in hand, I can’t comment on its practicality. I do appreciate the slick, debossed, phantom “S” logo.
Micro brand afficianados should know the Miyota 9015 by now: 24 jewels, 28.8k bph, hacking, hand winding, 42 hour power reserve. It is a smooth, reliable unit and a good value at this price.
All around, I like what I see. The Scuro Model S looks to be a tidy tool watch with a clean design, a solid movement, and true unisex appeal. Full retail will be around $499 AUD but early bird pricing starts at just $299 AUD (@ $224 USD). For that price, I recommend you head over to Kickstarter and have a look. ⬩
Photos courtesy of Scuro
