To be fair, our pal Matt ran across this project last week, but I thought it would be best to slot it in on a Friday. Read on to see what Matt has to say about this latest project.
Yet another watch project popped up on Kickstarter, with modest goals and a very reasonable price for a nice look, but basic dive watch. Field and Crew (project page) is doing the project, what looks to be their first, and has created a blue automatic diver on a selection of straps for your fashion preferences.
The watch (looks to be) is made in China using an ETA 2836-2 clone, the Hangzhou 6311. It sports a stainless case, unidirectional bezel, superlume for the hands, dial and dot on the bezel, a sapphire crystal and 15 ATM of water resistance.
What the creators want to focus on, as much as the watch itself, are the bands that come with it. They are providing two stainless bracelets, a leather strap (American made) and two canvass NATO style straps. So you get five different options for the watch, all for the sum of $299 if you are one of the first 50. Don’t want all 5? Then you can get the watch with two bands for $199 if you are one of the first 99.
They also talk up their “smart pin” quick change pin for the straps, making it easier to swap out straps without a ‘special’ tool. Frankly, I don’t think that a safety pin (if nothing else is handy) is all that special a tool, but the smart pin will make it a little easier to swap out a strap (Editors note: these are handier than you might think!)
As with all Kickstarter projects, you are taking a chance, buying a watch unseen. At this price, I think the design compares favorably with the recent deal Patrick shared for a Fewsome watch. With Fewsome, you get more control over the design, but with this project you get some lume on the bezel and an extra strap.
