Review by Lauren C.
To say that I am a Gerald Genta fan girl would not be an understatement. I’m always interested in seeing how new watch designers interpret Genta’s aesthetic, so I was excited to have Jacob Veil’s Ark prototype in for review. Looking at the Ark in pictures, the inspiration from Genta watches is clear: the prominent bezel, the integrated H-link bracelet, and the mid-century modern geometric lines all scream “Genta.” But it’s not until I got the watch in hand that I could judge how well Jacob Veil took those ideas and created their own watch.
The Ark will be available in four dial colors: black, white, blue, and a more unusual “midnight blue.” All of the Ark dials have a matte finish with horizontal recessed pinstripes across the dial. I chose the midnight blue dial variant as it appeared to be slightly more green than the typical blue dial seen currently, and I was not disappointed. The midnight blue dial is a flat, dark teal that can go turquoise in the right light. I was also pleased to see that the date wheel on the Miyota 9015 movement is color-matched to the dial. The index markers are applied steel filled with BWG9 Super-Luminova are well proportioned and pleasingly bright at night. The dial is separated from the bezel by a chapter ring, something I wish was omitted as it adds unnecessary thickness to the watch and isn’t visible enough to add to the dial.
Moving on to the case itself, it measures a hefty 43.5mm across and 13.5mm thick. The bezel helps it wear smaller than the dimensions would suggest on my 6.5” wrist. The lug to lug length is approximately 57.2mm, but it does wear closer to a 50mm long watch thanks to the bent lugs. The Ark is a heavy watch at 228g – almost heavy enough to serve as an accessory weight for my Covid workout routine. The crown is well proportioned for the thick case and easy to unscrew in order to wind and set the watch. From the side, the transition down from the case to the 3mm thick bracelet is jarring, another reminder that I wished the watch was about 2mm thinner.
Jacob Veil designed the bracelet well: each link articulates freely and allows the bracelet to flow around my wrist. However, it is not without its rough edges – literally. The horizontal edges on the H-links have not been chamfered or rounded, leaving a dangerously straight edge for an unwary thumb. The brand assured me that the prototype I received does not reflect the final finish, so those sharp edges should be remedied in the production watches. The bracelet tapers from 28mm at the lugs to 19mm at the clasp. I was pleased to find that the removable links are connected by screws rather than pins, making the bracelet extremely to size and a more secure option than push pins. There are no micro-adjustments on the hidden clasp, but the links are small enough that I didn’t mind. The clasp itself snapped securely and showed no indication of being prone to accidental opening.
Through the display caseback, I was able to get a good look at the Miyota 9015 powering the Ark. The movement is rapidly becoming the favored choice of mid-tier microbrands, and given its performance, it is easy to understand why. The movement beats at 28,800vph, has an accuracy rating of +/-30spd, and performed well within specifications while I was wearing the Ark. Jacob Veil added a customized rotor, which nicely compliments the factory finish of the movement. Looking at the Miyota design documents, they note that the movement can be cased in a watch as small as 31mm wide x 9mm thick, really making me wish that Jacob Veil had taken the opportunity to shave about 2mm off of the watch’s dimensions.
Overall, I enjoyed my time with the Ark, and once the rough edges are smoothed out, it will be an excellent watch for those looking for a larger Genta-inspired piece. The bracelet concept is on point, the dial color choices add interest, and the movement is as solid as they come. For my preference, I just wish it was a little bit slimmer. Jacob Veil will be launching the Ark on Kickstarter, starting at $474 in mid-February.
