Gather ’round folks. In addition to the offerings from Aevig, NTH, TiMe22, and Ventus that I’ve featured recently, I’ve found six more watches that are currently accepting pre-orders and that are worth grabbing early. Enjoy.
Manchester Watch Works 62MAS
MWW has long been a Bum favorite, delivering quality watches at outstanding prices. The latest is the 62MAS, an homage to Seiko’s first professional diver’s watch, released in 1965. Its brushed and polished case measures 40mm wide by 47mm long with a double-domed AR sapphire crystal, screw down crown, 120-click unidirectional timing bezel, and C3 SuperLuminova. the movement is by Seiko, of course; a hacking and hand winding NE15 automatic. You have your choice of two sunburst gray dials (62MAS or MWW logo). A period correct tropic rubber strap completes the look. Pre-orders are $350 at Manchester Watch Works.
meshable 003
The designers at meshable are back with their first automatic, the 003. With a 38mm brushed or PVD black case, the 003 is an attractive choice for both men and women. In a departure from most modern minimalist watches, they have added subtle hints of color to the otherwise black-on-white dial, with a muted blue at the top and dusty mauve below to represent the position of the sun. It is powered by the smooth and trusty Miyota 9015. The 003 is available on Kickstarter now for as low as $260.
Kratos Cerebrum
I would never have considered the human brain as a design inspiration for a watch until I saw a Kratos Cerebrum at the recent DC Metro Microbrand Meetup. Actually, the brain theme is only apparent in the broad wave pattern on the dial and case back. The real story of the Cerebrum comes from a tragic brain injury suffered by the founder’s brother and the outpouring of support he found in the Instagram #watchfam community. The watch features a hexagonal bronze case with a Miyota 9015 automatic, 4:00 crown, domed sapphire crystal, C3 SuperLuminova, 300m water resistance on a rubber strap. You can order it on Kickstarter now in blown, white, black, or green. Rewards start at $379.
Heitis
Heitis is another Microbrand Meetup alumnus offering a selection of quartz watches. The brand’s first run consists of four models with 44mm cases with 20mm lugs, anti-reflective coated sapphire crystals, and 50m water resistance. The Classic is a sparse, modern 3-hander with small seconds and a Ronda 6004 for $109. The Aviator is a Nav-B with a Ronda 705 for $129. The Chronograph is … well, a chronograph of course. It runs a Miyota OS20 and starts at $139. All rewards Include two quick release leather straps. Heitis watches are available on Kickstarter now.
Mercer Voyager II
The Mercer Watch Company has revised its original Voyager dive watch for more a mid-century military look. The 42mm Voyager II is a 200m diver running a Seiko NH35 automatic. This time around, it sports a sandwich dial with aged BGW9 SuperLuminova and a pair of truly wicked atlas hands. A double domed, anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal, and lumed ceramic bezel cap it off. Buyers may choose from Ocean Blue or Ebony Black, both on 22mm silicone straps. You can order a Voyager II directly from Mercer for $329.
