New Crowd Funded Watches, Part 4

Part 4? Really? Yes, really. I said I was going to stop. I told myself that three Kickstarter articles were enough, but then these showed up and just had to share. Enjoy.

Everyday Object EO-2 

Everyday Object of Taipei, Taiwan has jumped into the watchmaking pool with the EO-2, a 42mm pilot's watch. It has a flieger-inspired dial with the minute markers from a Nav-B, the navigator's triangle of a Nav-A, baton hands, and a white-on-black date display at 6:00. The case is more of a diver's style in brushed stainless steel with stubby guards around the knurled crown. 

It is a handsome watch, but the real story is inside. Instead of a garden variety quartz or automatic, EO has opted for a Seiko hybrid quartz that recharges by means of an oscillating weight. I sampled a similar unit in the Seiko Prospex SUN019 and loved it. It gives you quartz accuracy, convenience, and durability along with a clever kinetic recovery system and the sensory satisfaction of a swaying rotor on your wrist. I am pleased to see a micro making use of it. 

Three EO-2 are offered: silver with white markers and hands, black with tan markers and hands, and the Kickstarter exclusive "phantom" black with black markers and white hands. All three come on riveted leather, suede, and nylon NATO straps with extra holes thoughtfully provided for those of us with smaller wrists. The initial early bird rewards are gone, but you can get still get on board with a silver model for $310. Full retail will be $390-480 depending on the model. 

Raven Defender

Micro brand veterans Raven Watches have returned to Kickstarter with the Defender, a tool watch that combines elements of field, diver, and aviation watches in one arresting package. The watch is powered by the familiar Miyota 9015 and is water resistant to 300m. Its matte finished case is 42mm wide, 49mm long, and 11.5mm thick from sapphire crystal to sapphire display back. It has 20mm drilled lugs, an internal bezel, and a field watch face treated with C3 SuperLuminova, but that is not what will have people talking. Rather, I think they will zero in on the two massive crowns. Tool watches often have large crowns so that they can be operated while wearing gloves. You might be able to set Defender while wearing mittens. They are big, bold, and unlike anything else. 

Buyers can choose from black, blue, or grey dials in matte silver, DLC black, or brass cases. Early rewards start at $349, $200 off expected retail. 

Cobra de Calibre Crossfire 

John JY Lee is always cooking up something different like this diver, and this bronzo. Today, he has served a heaping helping of Crossfire 500M Automatic. The 42mm cushion case has a dive bezel, sapphire crystals front and rear, and a custom, Geneva striped Miyota 9015 inside. In true Cobra de Calibre fashion, it has a wild, whimsical face with a unique calligraphic California dial, sculpted arrow hands, and an updated version of the signature anchor/snake logo. 

The Crossfire comes in black, green, brown, or white dials, and brushed or black cases. The watches start at $380 USD. 

Pancor P01

Pancor has built its new aviation-themed watch around the popular Seiko VK64 MechaQuartz movement. The 44mm chronograph has a familiar instrument layout that has been updated for a slick, modern look. SuperLuminova, sapphire crystal, and 50m water resistance make it a practical choice. Unlike many pilot's watches, it maintains a svelte 10mm profile. 

Three options are offered. The Classic is brushed stainless with white markers on a rust leather strap. The Heritage has a black case and tan markers on a tan leather strap. My favorite is the Nighthawk, a black case, grey dial with a shocking yellow hands and accents on a black fabric strap. Each comes packaged in a handy 4-pouch canvas watch roll. Early bird rewards are still available at $147 USD.

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