Batavi Architect

This is an underdog story. But not your typical underdog story–this isn’t Cool Runnings. No, this is the story of The Other Dial. Especially with microbrands–and even more so with Kickstarter watches–offering multiple options for dials is seen as integral to a successful launch. To be sure, it’s not unheard of to see five or more dial offerings (never mind all the other options). And there is always The Other Dial: The one that may not be as interesting, that doesn’t offer the excitement of that neato fully-lumed dial, that lacks the luster of the mother of pearl, and that can’t quite match the space nerd appeal of meteorite.

You see, Batavi Watches recently concluded a successful Kickstarter campaign for their second watch, the Architect. The Dutch brand previously found success with its Kosmopoliet GMT–a colorful sandwich-dialed offering we reviewed here— but the Architect has a decidedly different look. The Architect is an angular yet elegant watch that comes in three dials. One made of actual wood, one made of actual copper…and the blue one (made of actual steel). This review is the story of the blue steel dial–the one that people aren’t clamoring or oohing and ahhing about, but that will outlast the others in almost every collection.

While I dig the integrated bracelet and seamless case design with exceptionally crisp finishing, the true standout for me is the amazing applied indices. They add an extra bit of pop to very clean dial.

Wearing the Batavi Architect was a pleasure day in and out. It wears a bit large, but it was comfortable on my 7in wrist, and I enjoyed the “block of watch” feel without the chunkiness that usually accompanies. Reading the dial is easy, as the polished hands and indices easily catch light against the matte blue.

The edges are super crisp–almost sharp–and that’s the case throughout the watch. Even the bezel, where you often see a bit of polish or rounding on such watches keeps consistent with pronounced brushing and faceting. Ordinarily, I’d say this crown should be sized up, but with the deep grooves, it’s easy to grip with one’s fingertips.

The angular case lacks the gentle curve common on most watches, and as such, you’ll find the watch will sit rather large, with a noticeable overhang on smaller wrists (below 6.5in, say). On larger wrists (I mean large, like 8in+), you may experience the bracelet kinking up from the bracelet somewhat unnaturally. In between–for those of us with middle of the road wrists–there won’t be such issues. However, the watch wears larger than its 39mm due to its slim bezel and wide dial; the large flat midcase only accentuates the wrist presence. I think at 36-37mm, this watch would’ve worn closer to its intended 39mm and would have been perfect. And I’m not alone: even one of the brand’s founders feels the watch might be even better in a smaller size.

Man, oh man. How about those markers? The only bit of polishing in the entire watch, and it sure does pay off. I especially like the little toe at the interior ends of the baton markers used for the cardinal hours. And, while it’s a very small detail, I like how the second hand’s counterbalance flares out a bit.

A bit of sophistication is had with the model name, presented in a script, as was the ‘Kosmopoliet’ on the brand’s prior release. The hands are perhaps the most subdued and underwhelming portion of the watch. That’s not a bad thing–they keep the watch simple. And perhaps trying to make them mirror the markers would be a bit much.

The lume is sparing, being as this is a bit of dressier of a watch. But it’s enough for primetime, and it charges quickly and shines plenty bright. I actually like the restraint exercised here. Like the overall design of the watch, the lume is kept simple and straightforward.

This photo isn’t about the Batavi Architect’s display caseback, which shows off the Miyota 9039, a proper no-date movement that you can rely on. Instead, I want you to look at the strap and end links. The quick-release tabs–which can be a bit of a pain to get at–allow you to change the seemingly fixed integrated bracelet and equip the watch with a strap of your choice. The included straps (by Molequin, who makes great products) are extra short to allow for the length of the case and end links. This made it impossible to strap a full-length strap on my 7in wrist. However, the brand has shortened the swappable end links for the production run, so normal straps should work, even if you have to tighten them to the last hole.

Here’s the watch in the sunlight.

The Batavi Architect features a screwpin bracelet with a butterfly clasp, which is a perfect match for the overall feel of the watch. The links have a similar sharpness to the case and taper heavily from the end links to the clasp. The one downside to a butterfly clasp is the lack of micro adjustment, though I had no issue getting a perfect fit.

The Batavi Architect sees the brand rein things in a bit while still keeping what appears to be the brand’s signature features–the marker style and dial script. To be sure, I prefer this model to the Kosmopoliet GMT, which was a bit loud and far too shiny for my tastes. While many may balk at the Architect’s integrated bracelet, the style is time-tested, and with the swappable end links, there’s a versatility not usually found with such watches. Add onto that sharp finishing and some very cool dials, and you’ve got a winner.

While the Kickstarter campaign is done and funded, Batavi isn’t one to just close up shop on the heels of success. They’ve since opened up pre-orders through their website, and the Architect in all its variants can be had for around $487, about $150 off retail. Act now, though, because if their GMT sold out, these definitely will.