At ONEWATCH, we usually focus on luxury watches from well-known brands, but we never ignore the expanding world of microbrands. Their independence and use of affordable (yet quality) movements allow them to have some fun with design and execution. This uninhibited creativity can be seen in models like Humism Rhizome and Bangalore Cover Drive, and now in a trio of vintage-style diver watches from the young microbrand BND Watches. This collection, featuring cool retro design and equipped with Seiko automatics, presents an intriguing collection for budget-conscious buyers.
BND Watches came to life after its founder sold his entire watch collection to fund its creation. This passion is evident in the design, which admittedly is simple but reminiscent of the three decades between 1950 and 1980. Great actors, racers, motorcyclists, and explorers significantly influenced the brand's creator, and he wanted the collection to reflect this period. The stainless steel case, measuring 39.5 mm in diameter and 11.3 mm in height (excluding the glass), somewhat demonstrates this - a bit small and old-school for a modern piece, but certainly larger than those of the past. The finish is matte and continues on the 120-click unidirectional bezel with yellowish Arabic numerals every 10 minutes and a classic triangular marker. The double-domed glass is made of retro-style plexiglass, the caseback is solid, and the non-screw-down crown is partially protected. Despite the presence of a crown, the watch is water-resistant to 100 meters.
The dial comes in three colors - black, blue, or brown - using Super-LumiNova Old Radium paint for the round and triangular indices. The silver sword-style hour and minute hands are also covered with matching Super-LumiNova paint, while the second hand has a lollipop counterweight and a red triangular tip. The dial printing is limited to the brand's logo at the top and a vintage anchor at the bottom, both matching the color scheme. All of this comes together in a simple yet positive retro vibe.
The watch is equipped with the ubiquitous, affordable, and always reliable Seiko NH35A automatic movement. It features 24 jewels, a frequency of 21,600 per hour (3 Hz), and a 41-hour power reserve. The functions of this movement include central hours, minutes, and seconds, but the date complication is removed in BND Watches. The accuracy is -20/+40 seconds per day, although in real-life usage, you may encounter tighter parameters.
All models come with a 20mm sand-colored NATO strap and a matching color NATO strap, both with steel pin buckles. Prices are certainly accessible - 396 euros (including VAT) or 330 euros (excluding VAT), with deliveries expected in late July to early August. Each watch is limited to 150 pieces. For more information and to place an order, visit BND-Watches.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - BND WATCHES NEO-VINTAGE DIVER
Case: 39.5 mm diameter x 11.3 mm height - stainless steel (brushed) - double-domed plexiglass - steel caseback - unidirectional matte steel bezel with yellowish figures and markers - partially protected crown (non-screw-down) - water-resistant to 100 m.
Dial: three color options: black, blue, and brown - Super-LumiNova Old Radium paint for round and triangular indices - silver sword-style hour and minute hands with matching Super-LumiNova - second hand with lollipop counterweight and red triangular tip - limited dial printing to logo and vintage anchor
Movement: Seiko NH35A - automatic - 24 jewels - 21,600 (3 Hz) - 41-hour power reserve - central hours, minutes, seconds, no date (date removed) - average accuracy -20/+40 seconds per day
Strap: two NATO straps in sand and matching dial color with steel pin buckles
Availability: each model is numbered up to 150 pieces with delivery in July 2021
Price: 396 euros (including VAT) or 330 euros (excluding VAT).