Let’s face it, modern watches these days have a tough time differentiating themselves from classic timeless designs. A diver or chronograph all have dominant classic models that fuel the standard of design. The Rolex Submariner will be the standard design for diver watches forever. That being said, for a modern watch to stand out, it requires just a little something to catch our eye, like a unique dial design (Hour marker, seconds hand, and etc). It’s not possible to take on the world of horology at every stop.
On Kickstarter we came across the Seals Watch Company which is an independent watchmaker out of California. Their current project is for the Model A automatic watch, which at the writing of this article has been successfully funded. The Model A is Seals’ entry into the under $1,000 automatic watch category. Their motto is “Simplistically bold for the discerning”. The genesis of their design is from the utilitarian lines of the blocky tanks of the 1940’s. On first glance, what comes to our minds is a sporty throwback design with influences from some of the best watches in history, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Seiko Diver, and Patek Philippe Nautilus.
Starting with the case, the tank-like design is hefty and you can get a sense of that by space from the sapphire crystal to the dial. The case is 12.20mm thick and is water-resistant up to 100 meters. At 41mm by 51mm, the case doesn’t feel too big, but elongated mainly from the proprietary strap design. The crown guard is held by two screws that give the look of chronograph pushers.
The dial is quite striking and you can really get a sense of the separation of each feature. The hour and minute hands are skeleton luminescent swords. The hour markers are also skeletons as well. The outer most ring has a seconds or minute index and has a curved transition. The date feature has a metal outline and is sunken in similar to date featured watches. The logo is a simple hexagonal “S” with “Seals” written below it. Near the 6 hour marker is the words “Automatic”.
Inside this sporty watch is solid movement, the Miyota 9015 automatic mechanical movement with hacking seconds 28,800 bph sweep seconds. This movement is made by the Citizen watch brand. There will be 4 models, White / Stainless, Black / Stainless, Slate / Slate PVD, Black / Black PVD with only 100 pieces made per model.
Holding this watch together on your wrist is an Italian calfskin leather strap which has a Seals buckle. The watch strap has a proprietary fitting which does not allow you to use any other bands. After the production of the Model A, there will be a variety of straps in the works.
The Model A by Seals Watch Company is a surprisingly unique design with many detailed features that really make this watch a beauty. Hexagon shapes are throughout the design from case to logo. For a retail price of $700+, you’re a getting good value for your money in that every nook and cranny of this watch was carefully thought out. While we like the design, we wish the proprietary band design would go away for the ability to mix and match different watch bands (That is in the works). This watch is currently available on Kickstarter for a donation of $520-550.
Price: $520-$550
Source: Kickstarter
