I must really have a thing for trench watch-inspired watches, as another Kickstarter project just crossed my desk, and I rather liked what I saw. Then again, going with what seems to be a popular style (vintage military in a modern design) is a solid way to go, especially for a brand just starting out. With that in mind, let’s see what the McDowell Time Delray has on offer.
You know who we haven’t talked about in quite a while? Germany-based Steinhart, that’s who! They just recently announced the Steinhart Military 47, which ticks off a lot of the checkboxes you might be considering for a vintage-style military watch.
Today, we have a quick preview of a watch that just recently hit Kickstarter, the McDowell Time DelRay. Why a preview? Well, as it turns out, I also have one of the prototypes here on the watch review desk, so we will be able to give you a hands-on impression here very soon. In the meantime, let’s run down what the McDowell Time DelRay is offering.
While the name Zisanzo may sound like the latest Cirque du Soleil epic it is really a watch company with a lot of class, a lot of size, and a certain urban/classic aesthetic that I can really get behind.
The $107 Nova that I wore had a 43mm case made of coated stainless steel and a Miyota VJ21C movement. For such a bargain price you’re getting a huge watch with nice styling – I like the arrow hands and Roman numerals – and a nice strap.
After what seemed to be a drought of interesting watch-related projects on the crowdfunding sites, we have been seeing a flood of more interesting things cropping up. Xeric (which the guys from Watchismo started up) has been creating watch designs that break from normal conventions, keeping in line with the quirky and interesting designs that they offer on their site. Their latest designs, in the form of the Xeric Soloscope collection, mix in some elements of previous models and bring some new things to the table.
Back in July 2015, we brought you word of a new line of watches from moVas, the Bronze Officer GMT. I was intrigued by the case shape, and was ensured by the brand that it would be showing up in other designs. Well, that day has come, as the brand just announced a rather beautiful addition to the line, the moVas Officer Blue.
When it comes to watches launching on Kickstarter, you have the same old retread story (couldn’t find what we wanted, decided to make our own), and then there are some brands that come up with their own truly unique story. In the case of this latest watch we’re featuring, it would be that the guy behind the brand is a descendant of Transylvanian nobility – so there’s a big influence from that region’s mythology and history. Does that mean the Peren Son of the Dragon is worth your time?
If you want a slim quartz three-hander, you have no end of choices when it comes to what has been showing up on Kickstarter. Now, if you want one that is discernibly different from the five that preceded it, and the five after, then you are a bit more stuck. To put it plainly, there are just a lot of carbon copies out there with the only real difference being the name on the dial. Then you run across things like the Freedom to Exist 40, and you see something that mixes up the formula just a bit.
When it comes to watches, many folks will often have a a favorite watch from particular brands. Less common is an expressed interest in the wider line, especially with the indie watch brands. For me, at least, Gavox is one of those brands that I think have something in all of their models. Sure, the earlier watches we very much similar to what we saw from Techne, but that’s not a bad thing. As of late, though, Gavox has really stepped up their game, with introductions of watches like the Aurora and Squadron. Their most recent model, the Gavox Avidiver, shows the brand continuing to branch out.
??Whenever I get news of new releases from Projects Watches, I always make sure to pay attention. Sure, not every design is a solid win for me, but there is always at least one gem. That streak holds true with their upcoming (in May) re-release of the only dual-time Michael Graves-designed watch, the Projects Watches Grand Tour.
