Australian newcomer David Paul Watches has just launched the DP-1 on Kickstarter. This 42mm bronze field watch features a double domed sapphire crystal, 200m water resistance, and a Swiss automatic movement.
David Paul describes the watch as being inspired by mid-century military pieces and minimalist design. Affordable watch aficionados will notice similarities to the Lüm-Tec Combat, most notably in the fluted bezel and a military style face with sword hands and unequally sized numbers. The DP-1 replaces the 12 with a navigator’s triangle containing the “dp” logo. I like the general layout but not the largely superfluous text and its generic typeface. Fortunately, they offer a more attractive sterile dial as well.
The case is bead blasted for a matte finish. Being bronze, you can expect a distinctive brown patina to form as the watch is exposed to the air and elements. A red pip marks the top, but it is not luminous, which strikes me as an odd choice on a tool watch, especially since the dial markers and hands are treated with SuperLuminova.
Behind an exhibition case back beats Sellita’s popular SW200-1. This 26 jewel movement hacks, hand winds, and has a 38-hour power reserve. A 28.8k vibration rate provides a smooth second hand sweep.
Early bird rewards start at just $365 AUD ($273 USD) and include a leather NATO with bronze hardware and a leather watch roll. A nylon Zulu is a $20 option. For more information or to order a DP-1 of your own, visit the David Paul Watches Kickstarter Page. The campaign ends June 4, 2017. ⬩
