Hang on to your wallets, folks. There are so many great watches in the pipeline right now; you might find it hard to choose just one. I’ve already told you about offerings from NTH, Aevig, and Zelos, but there are so many more…
Alexander Burhans by artline Orbit 1992 Re-issue
Way back in 1992, Burhans released a sophisticated modernist watch incorporating a unique date that displays as a colored “dot” appearing through the perforated dial. The new version comes your choice of a 39.9 or 34mm case, powered by either a Ronda 715 or 784 Quartz movement. A sapphire crystal and calf leather strap are standard. Kickstarter pre-orders start at €135 ($149 USD).
Brew HP-1
Building on the success of their original Special Blend quartz chronograph, Brew is now serving a piping-hot cup of mechanical goodness. The HP-1 is a sleek automatic powered by the reliable Seiko NH35A. The square, brushed stainless steel case is 38mm wide and fitted with a 20mm bracelet, which should be ideal for daily wear. It is brimming with 1960’s modernist design cues like a domed sapphire crystal and a Bauhaus dial with a sunray finish. Kickstarter orders start at $450.
Hager Aquamariner
Hager Watches has launched a lovely 41mm classically styled diving watch. Penned in the style of a 1960’s “big crown/no guard” Rolex and Tudor Submariners, the Aquamariner delivers 300m water resistance, a domed sapphire crystal, an engraved and lumed bezel insert, and a push-button bracelet with a slide lock extension. Inside, beats a Miyota 8215 automatic. Fun fact: the crown tube in anodized to match the bezel. You can pre-order you Aquamariner directly through HagerWatches.com for $380.
Helgray Brigadier
Helgray has released its first automatic. The Brigadier delivers a Seiko NH35 in a 42mm package that maintains a svelte 11mm profile. The design builds upon the brand’s popular military-themed field watches, but dresses it up with gold PVD on the case, syringe hands, and applied markers. Like the quartz models, the dial is clean and balanced, offering finely rendered details and white/green SuperLuminova. Features include a sapphire crystal and 50m water resistance. Order yours at Helgray.com for $349.
Jubileon Superellipse
Singapore’s Jubileon presents the Superellipse, a dress-sport watch that features a 39mm cushion case with sculpted lugs and a screwed-down bezel. This Swiss made watch has an ETA 2824-2 automatic, front and rear sapphire crystals, 50m water resistance, applied markers, and C1 treated feuille hands. It promises to be a stunner. Kickstarter early birds can still get on board for $615 AUD ($463 USD).
Melbourne Watch Company Sorrento
Melbourne is one of those micros that continues to amaze, watch after watch. With the new Sorrento, they have a go at a dress diver, incorporating an intricate ceramic dial and bezel into a rugged, 42mm brushed stainless steel case. One can’t help to compare it to the Chanel J12, but the Sorrento is uniquely attractive (dare I say, a little bit cooler?) and at a $539.21 USD pre-order price, considerably more affordable. Order directly at MelbourneWatch.com.au.
Neonos Holland//01
Neonos hails from Dublin, Ireland and their oddly-punctuated Holland//01 drew inspiration from John P. Holland, father of the modern submarine. I’m sure John P. would have marveled at the 44mm forged carbon cushion case on this watch, and its 300m depth rating. The flat sapphire crystal is set with a bright blue gasket for a pop of color that matches the grippy twin gaskets encircling the screw-down crown. The movement is a Chinese HZ 6460 automatic GMT. Kickstarter orders are still available for $550.
Reverie Classic
Over at IndieGoGo, Reverie Watches is offering their second model. Like the beautiful Sea-Spirit that preceded it, the Classic has an elegant, 41mm cushion case and an intricate guilloche dial. It runs Miyota 820A and features feuille hands and polished applied markers. Pretty as it may be, the Classic is also water resistant to 100m and has a sapphire crystal. Pre-order pricing is a very reasonable $350 with the standard leather deployant strap, or $360 with an extra two-piece nylon NATO.
Smith & Bradley SANS-13
Smith & Bradley returns to Kickstarter with the SANS-13, a 200m tool watch with a Ronda 505 quartz. The watch is low and broad, measuring 43mm wide and just 11.5mm thick on a proprietary 24mm bracelet. Every one of the links is removable, ensuring a perfect fit on almost any wrist. They designed the bezel to move only when positively engaged so it won’t bump out of position. Lume comes courtesy of proprietary polymer plate technology that promises a tritium glow for over 6 hours. Kickstarter prices start at $250.
Tempest Carbon2
Tempest is back with the latest incarnation of their forged carbon dive watch, the logically named Carbon2. Twin crowns, fat markers and hands, hooded lugs, super dome crystal, and of course that exotic marbled case will grab your eye, but 200m water resistance, BGW9 lume, and an internal timing bezel establish its dive watch chops. The watch runs a smooth Miyota 9015 automatic. A 22/20mm two-piece strap of leather-backed nylon completes the package. Kickstarter pre-orders can still be had for $785.
Vapaus Veli
I’ve waited a long time for this one. The Veli is a vintage inspired watch that retains the key elements often abandoned in retro reinterpretations: small size and a hand wound movement. The Veli is 38mm wide and 9.65mm thick to the top of is high-domed sapphire crystal. A sweet sunray dial, uncluttered layout, and a choice of dagger or paddle hands round out its mid-century sensibilities. Inside is a proper, hand-cranked, Swiss Setelita 215-1 with color matched, 6 o’clock date. Move fast on this one. The campaign ends August 17 at 10:57 am EST, and you can still grab one for £525 GBP ($691 USD).
Vertigo Diver Two
Italian micro brand Vertigo is back with the Diver Two. This 42.5mm, NH35 powered tool watch has a sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel insert, and a solid end link bracelet. The traditional dial has baton hands and markers lit by C1 SuperLuminova. Water resistance is 300m. A 20mm silicone strap is also included. Pre-orders start at €210 or about $235 USD.
