There are many automatic GMTs and world timers on the market right now. I love it, but that means it is getting harder for brands to set themselves apart. This challenge for watchmakers is a gift to consumers because when a brand decides to take a bold step, we reap the benefit of their creativity. Case in point, the Haim Viajero.
Haim’s founder, Zakir Miah, was wearing a Viajero prototype at the District Time Show in March, and I knew then that he was onto something special. This is a world timer that is part watch, part atlas, and part art. It is a departure for the brand yet absolutely identifiable as a Haim.
The Viajero (Spanish for “Traveler”) is 38.5mm wide, 45.5mm long, and 12mm thick. Hand-finishing, an absence of lume, and a modest 50m water resistance rating let you know that the Viajero is not intended for messy adventures but is well suited to more genteel travels. Its polished and brushed stainless steel case, with its low profile and charmingly old-fashioned horn lugs, carries familiar themes from the rest of Haim’s growing catalog. New to this model are the twin crowns: 3 o’clock sets the time, and 10 o’clock sets the internal city bezel. Many microbrands place their home as the primary city, and Haim is no exception. granting Chicago the place of honor.
Of course, the Viajero’s real eye-catcher is its dial, a striking topographic map by data scientist Oğuzhan Köse. Zakir tells me that its prototyping was a real challenge, but I think the result was well worth the effort. Mountain ranges stand in high relief. The land masses and oceans display both rich color and subtle transitions. Applied Roman numerals and shiny pips mark the hours. Five layers of anti-reflective coating ensure a clear view through the sapphire crystal. If you have sharp eyes, you will enjoy the linen texture as well as the delicate signature flanking the six. While the dial is printed, not hand-painted, the detail provides an endearing human touch.
You will notice the unique shape of the polished handset. I’ll admit, those oddly jagged figures had me puzzled for a bit. They are modeled after the arms of a protractor; the device used for measuring distance on maps. Once you see it, the connection is clear as day and devilishly clever. What you will not find, is a GMT hand as that function runs the 24-hour day/night index. Set your city bezel and index, and instead of tracking two time zones, you are tracking all of them.
Behind the sapphire caseback window is a Seiko NH34A automatic caliber. It’s a familiar and reliable movement with 24 jewels, a 41-hour power reserve, and a 21.6k bph vibration rate. It is not a particularly decorated unit. Well, not usually. On this watch, an atlas rotor dominates the view. Plenty of brands will engrave their logo on a rotor and call it a day. With this intricate gold globe, Haim has given us something really fun to look at.
The Viajero’s mid-sized footprint made it an ideal fit on my 6.75″ wrist. It’s just broad enough to show off that gorgeous dial, and the slim case slips right under buttoned shirt cuffs.
Haim offers three variants: Air, Land, and Water. Each borrows from a color on the dial and comes equipped with a handmade, tapered French Epsom leather strap. They have quick-release pins and a signed Art Deco buckle. The Air review sample features a blue bezel and strap. Land is green with a taupe strap. Water is a striking aqua with beige leather. A steel beads-of-rice bracelet is a $100 option.
You can reserve a Haim Viajero for $699, with expected delivery in late September. After that, the price will increase to $799.
The Haim Viajero is exactly the kind of watch that keeps me coming back to the microbrand watch market. It is a distinctively delightful piece with a level of execution that belies its sub-$1000 price. If this everyday objet d’art strikes your fancy as it did mine, visit haimwatchco.com.
