Thanks to a reader tip, we learned of a new brand based out of L.A., Refined Hardware. Let’s have a look at their first model, the Harbinger.
Now, based on the name of the company, you might be tempted to expect an extremely polished piece (literally). Surprisingly, though, they’ve gone for much more of a raw machined aesthetic. The 45mm case is of course the most visually interesting part of this watch. It definitely seems like something you’d see someone turning out of their garage workshop, albeit with a higher level of figurative polish. This would include the titanium fasteners that you see around the face.
Inside the case, as befits the raw case, you’ve got a skeletonized movement. RH is calling it blueprinted – and while I have some idea of what that means in an automotive sense, I’m not quite sure how it applies to the watch. Regardless, with a claimed 48-hour power reserve, this doesn’t seem like it should be some “el cheapo” movement.
And, at a price of $1285, I would hope that it’s a well-honed and -tuned piece ticking away in there. Befitting the price as well, this is a limited edition model, limited to 125 pieces worldwide. Oh, and should you decide to order one? That’s when the watch is built – not a minute before. Which, I suppose, might open up some opportunity for customization if you get in touch with them.
Let us know in the comments what you think of the design they’re putting forth here.
Althogh not my personel style, I think it’s a fine looking watch. As for the person who wrote the artical, he or she came off as a little bit bitchy or narrow minded. Nice watch though.
Interesting watch design. At first look I wanted to straightened the 12 screws on the face of the watch so that they would face all in the same direction. On second look I figured out that they represent the 12 hours digits…Nice touch. But I still feel the urge to straightened them. I think that the watch looks great and for a handmade watch with a unique design the price is very reasonable. It reminds me of the Richard Miller watches. My accountant would be proud of me if I purchased a Refine Hardware watch instead of a Richard Mille watch. I wish a lot of success to Refine Hardware and I look forward to see their next designs.
I bought one of these watches and had an authorized swiss watch repairer take a look at it when I was having a band resized one another watch. First thing he said was chinese movement so thats what ” blue printed” must mean. Whe he found out how much I paid he actually started laughing. Definitely not worth the price, have they sold all 125?