The creative minds at WT Author have been hard at work preparing for their latest Kickstarter release. That series, The Final Countdown No.s 1980 – 1989, will launch on April 26 and it is not the one I’m writing about today. I’ll have a prototype in hand for a review soon enough, but today, I’m going to tell you about the No. 1940 because it is one of the watches you will be able to buy as an add-on reward in the upcoming Kickstarter campaign. It’s not a bad deal: order a new model, get an old model at a discount.
Like all of the brand’s creations, the WT Author No. 1940 harkens back to a particular year but isn’t a copy of any watch from that era. Seriously, I doubt your great-grandad wore anything like this in 1940. It is a cockpit instrument watch featuring a multi-part case consisting of a fixed bezel with raised markers, a knurled barrel, a broad mounting flange with exposed fastening holes, a separate lug bridge, and finally, a case back affixed with six hex screws. The whole assembly measures 45mm wide, and 50mm long, but surprisingly, only 12.5mm thick.
The case components are all brushed stainless steel, finished in contrasting colors; in this case, bronze and black. Per WT Author tradition, the signed, knurled crown is red anodized aluminum. Other models in the No. 1940 series used actual bronze parts, but not this one, which has its good and bad points. On the one hand, what you see is what you get. The finish won’t change and the metal won’t react with your skin on a hot day. On the other hand, a grizzled patina would have looked amazing on that bezel.
On the flip side, you will find a solid case back in the brand’s signature “poker chip” style. Here you will find the usual specs as well as the model name and serial number. WT Author watches are built to order in limited quantities and this white quartz is number 19 of 125. Behind that lid beats a Ronda 513s quartz movement.
The No. 1940’s dial reflects a clean, type B flieger aesthetic, although I’d call it a flieger with flair. Its large 05 – 55 numerals are printed in a period-correct typeface and alternate black and dark green on a metallic white background. U-shaped hour markers reflect another essential WT Author design element and the red “A” logo topped with “00” evokes a flieger’s navigation triangle. I enjoyed the squadron designation at 9 o’clock and the red second hand pops; however, I must question the choice of white hands on a white dial as there is just not enough contrast to provide the at-a-glance daytime legibility one expects of a flight watch.
At night, the white lume on the hands and markers lights up fine at first but lacks staying power. This, I confess, is a disappointment. A thick application of C3 would have worked wonders here.
The strap is a beefy helping of tan Italian leather that exhibits a pull-up effect when bent. It is 22mm wide, 3mm thick, and stamped with the WT Author logo. Unfinished edges give it an appropriately rough-hewn look that suits the No. 1940’s character. It secures with a Pre-V buckle that matches the bronze finish on the head. I expect it will look even better once that leather gets worn in and beaten up.
Strapping it onto my 6.75” wrist, I was pleased to discover that while the watch is undeniably large, it isn’t unwearably so. It’s not subtle, but then again, it isn’t meant to be. Like most WT Author watches, it is a fun statement piece that does not take itself too seriously. Pair it with a commando sweater or trucker jacket and you’re good to go. A sapphire crystal and 100m water resistance should handle all but the most rigorous weekend adventures.
WT Author offers six quartz models as add-on rewards. Regular price for the WT Author No. 1940 White Quartz is £350 (about $470 US) but priced as an add-on, it goes down to £200 or $262 US. If you like the watch’s style but want to take it up a notch, the No. 1940 Cream Automatic is one of three autos available for $470 US (down from $652). It uses a Miyota 9015, adds a date, and the darker dial offers improved contrast. Of course, you can buy the watches right now at the regular price, but if you are thinking about getting the new model, why not wait a bit and tack on the No. 1940 at a discount? It will be shipped sooner too so you’ll have something to satisfy those cravings for instant gratification. Both will arrive in the brand’s excellent biodegradable packaging and will include a signed card bearing the fighter plane box art.
For more on these and other WT Author watches head over to WTAuthor.com. While you are at it, check out The Final Countdown Pre-Launch Page and sign up for alerts.
