Remember last May, when I was so excited about the Manchester Watch Works Equinox? If not, then check out my review of the prototype. I fell in love its sweet, 1970’s style could not wait for its release. Months came and went, Manchester launched other projects, and the Equinox got one more round of tinkering, but at long last, the Equinox is available for pre-order on Kickstarter. The watch is better than ever, now with a new automatic movement and a quartz chronograph option as well.
Outwardly, the automatic is nearly identical to the prototype. It retains the gorgeous SuperLuminova “eyeball” dial, sapphire crystal, and 100m water resistance. The 37x43mm rectangular case is now brushed north-south instead of in a radial pattern but it is otherwise unchanged. The real action is inside, where an STP 1-11 replaces the prototype’s Seiko NH35. The new Swiss unit has 26 jewels, a 44 hour power reserve, and 28.8k bph beat rate. Pre-orders start at $325, which is remarkably cheap for these specs.
Chronograph fans may like the second option, the single-register Speed Tier. The watch packs a 10 jewel, Swiss Ronda 5010.B quartz with a 54-month battery, center stop second, and 30 minute / 12 hour counter. I questioned the crown size on the three-hand prototype, but the addotoon of chrono buttens balances it out, obviating that concern. Pre-order prices start at a dirt-cheap $200.
I felt the Equinox would look perfect on a bracelet, and they apparently agreed. The watch will ship with both a carbon fiber patterned leather strap and a slick, H-link bracelet.
If you are a fan of 1970’s vintage waches, or if you just want a distinctive, high quality watch for a great price, you should check out the Equinox. See more at the Manchester Watch Works Kickstarter page.
