Orion prototype teasers!
The red variant.
The Orion prototypes are complete and looking good! Of course, I'll know more once they're in my hands, but right now these teaser photos will have to do!
Some info about the watch: It'll be around 40mm and have 20mm lug width. It features an AR coated domed sapphire, drilled lugs, screw down crown and 100m WR. The lume is also the white-in-light but icy-blue-in-the-dark BGW9 which is second in total lume brightness to the green C3. It's powered by the venerable automatic (and handwinding, GOTTA wind that crown!) Seiko NH35. It's also cased in 316L steel. As you can see, it's pretty dressy but from the specs it's also gonna be pretty tough. It's the kind of watch that you may wear to a wedding where the chance of getting thrown into the pool is high.
At any rate, once the prototypes arrived and receive the OK I'll begin a pre-order, which for simplicity's sake, will most likely be through this website as opposed to Kickstarter. The first run will be pretty limited, I'll also be sure to do some extra limited runs of engraved editions.
I'm really excited to see this begin to come to fruition-and to all the people who've helped me along the way (you know who you are) whether it was sobering talks, design help, or taking me out for a beer so I could vent-thank you so much!
Now for some more pictures!
Caseback with simple holes-so it's extra easy to remove (not that you should).
ORION PROTOTYPES ARE INBOUND!
The Orion watch prototypes are on the way! Things to expect are 100m WR, 40mm case size, drilled lugs and an alternation polished and brushed finish. This watch will be dressy enough to wear for special occasions, but tough enough to wear everyday. Oh yeah, and doesn't that crown look fun to turn? Will definitely be automatic and hacking, it'll also have a movement that should open up some customization for modders!
Stay tuned for the pre-sale!
Traveling Watch in Chicago!
The Traveling Watch visited GWJonesCreative in the windy city!
The Orion line is in development
Working on a new watch project, the goal is to have a diverse, classically styled, but still tough enough to be worn everyday. Currently, prototypes are being made but it's going to have some pretty good tech specs. Sapphire crystal (duh), drilled lugs, screw down crown and 100m WR.
Getting close! What do you think? As for text, red, white or blue?
Traveling Watch visiting King Kords!
The Traveling Watch visits King Kords in Tennessee! We're happy to be carrying his wonderful bracelets!
The Traveling Watch visits Theo & Harris
The crew at Theo & Harris spend a lot of time reviewing watches and selling wonderful vintage timepieces. I asked Chris if he'd like to host the Traveling Watch and he obliged! I think the review is really wonderful and am humbled by the kind words!
Cultural Dispatch reviews Watches by Nick
Chris Scott of Cultural Dispatch just finished up and published another great review of affordable timepieces. One of the watches he reviews is my personal engraved SKX. He goes over lots of affordable timepieces, other fashion items and even some consumables. It's a lot of fun and a good read, not to mention easy on the eyes!
Click on the photo to head to his site!
The Traveling Watch
The Traveling Watch visited Kicktoc from Instagram. As you can see, he takes beautiful photos! Be sure to stop by his page and enjoy some of his photos!
Mokume-gane dials are returning
After a few bumps in the road it looks like they're coming back! This exotic material is matte but once some light hits it, all the sparkling twists and turns of the contrasting metals are revealed. It will be available in a few different variations and colors, some of which fluoresce under UV light-very neat! Keep your eyes peeled!
Charleston, SC
Hey Watch Family, If you are reading this you either know me from Instagram (@Thecharlestonwatchsociety), or you know Nick (the owner and designer of the Traveling Watch/ Watches by Nick.) This is my first official review for Watches by Nick , and I will be reviewing a plethora of different watches on this very blog. I will be going through and giving you my take on many of my personal watches. I will also be getting hands on with many contemporary grails.I will focus on a few incredible vintage pieces that are floating around Charleston. I am also going to throw in the occasional watch (es) that I think you need to know about, or just think are down right cool. I will be quest appearing on @watches_by_nick (Instagram). Make sure that if you are not already following us, you are checking in periodically.
With this being my first official review. Nick being generous enough, and interested in hosting my reviews, I thought it fitting to start off with the review of the Traveling Watch. I was presented with this incredible opportunity to be a host, and essentially go on a stay-cation with the Traveling Watch. What is the Traveling Watch? Nick thought it would be a great way to allow people to get a first hand look at one of his fine watches. The Traveling Watch is a military inspired Field Watch that Nick created. This watch set out to hit the mean streets of America, to see the sites that have made this country great, and eventually the world. (Any takers in Russia? Comment bellow, no seriously!) I think it’s a rad idea; so even if the watch had been horrible. It would have still got a point for a serious cool factor.
What is the Traveling Watch I call it a bespoke field watch. You might call it a modified Seiko, and we are both technically right! For this reviews sake, since I am the writer I am going with the bespoke Field Watch. A Seiko 7S26 automatic movement powers the Traveling Watch. Seiko’s 7S26 movement is a tried and true work horse, no frills, gets the job done movement. This is the very movement that is in many of the Seiko watches we have come to love. It is also a movement that has helped Seiko dominate the practical watch market. Even if you are a complete watch snob, who looks down on Seiko you respect this movement. It was originally introduced in 1996 and has continued through to today (There are several variants) the 7S26 movement has 21 Jewels with a Vph of 21,600 A/H and a killer power reserve of 40 hours. (Give or take) It’s even magnetically resistant to about 60 gauss. Just in case you like to bounce your watch off things, rest semi assured, it is outfitted with Diashock shock protection. The Traveling Watch boasts a clean traditional black and white dial. It has small yellow triangular indices marking the hours. (Suggesting a little quasi-Patina) As it is inspired by the traditional military styled Field Watch, the hours are marked clearly in white, with a set of smaller 24-hour markers on the inside track, placed perfectly below the traditional 12-hour markers. The white hour markers sit on a bed of black for the dial, again making for easy readability and a super sweet traditional look. This design makes for optimal visibility, and the ability to tell accurate time whenever, wherever. Nick did not stray far from tradition. He did however add some sweet new upgrades that you will be hard pressed to find, on most traditional Field Watches. To help make the dial more visible and in my mind more readable, there is a domed magnifying crystal. The watch is also fitted with C3 lume to help you see in the dark, or while you are making the dangerous trek from bar to bar. Everything I have discussed above fits perfectly into a 39mm stock Seiko case. (Hitting my sweet spot, between 36mm-42mm) I know that can be small for some people. The wrist presence that this watch projects will quickly help you forget that you ever needed a larger watch. The Traveling Watch was issued with a standard NATO strap, but after what seemed to be an incredible visit to Artisan Strap Company, it was decided that it needed to be on one of their beautiful 20mm leather straps (check them out!)
What is the Traveling Watch? Like I stated before, it is a bespoke military style Field Watch, powered by an incredibly reliable automatic Seiko 7S26 movement. Nick’s Traveling Watch is like an ode to the traditional timepieces that we used on the battlefields years ago. While the watch plays into tradition, it still has a subtly modern, and contemporary feel that you are sure to notice.
It is true, I absolutely fell for this watch, and Nick’s brand in general, but no watch review would be complete without the cons list. This part is not that hard, there are definitely a few things I would change and or like to see. The domed magnifying crystal can make it hard to see at an angle as it distorts the view from the side. The exhibition case back is an excellent touch that I feel most people enjoy. I do as well; it is always fun to see what you have under the hood. The Traveling Watch has the original Seiko exhibition case back, which to me feels slightly unfinished. That is an incredibly easy fix that I believe Nick is addressing. Remember this is a bespoke Seiko watch. No one is hiding that fact; I guess I would like to see a slightly more personalized exhibition case. That might just be me, because I see this watch completely independent of Seiko. Being that it is powered by the 7S26 movement it is lacking a hacking seconds hand. Last but not least I would like to see a screw in crown. Not because I want to go diving, but because I feel it would add a bit of a twist to this watch. Overall I had an amazing romantic week with the Traveling Watch. Matter a fact my fiancé told me if I want to do this again I either need to bring her along, or better yet she wants an one of Nick's beautifully engraved pieces.
Final thoughts; the fit and finish are great, the movement that powers this watch is one of the best, and it allows the watch to be durable, reliable, and affordable. The color scheme is perfect, and as I said extremely traditional. The watch itself was extremely durable; this watch has seen its fair share of cities. While visiting the different places it has accumulated many love taps, yet it never skipped a beat. I would love to see a hacking function, and a more personalized exhibition case back. I had many different people ask what kind of watch it was, and it was definitely fun to compare it to my Hamilton Khaki Field Watch. (Which I will definitely review) Nick has a passion for horology, and this shows in his watches, he strives to create a quality product for an affordable price. What did they say, build it and they will come!! I think so…..
NYC and Brooklyn!
The Traveling Watch and the Brooklyn Bridge.
The Traveling Watch made it to NYC and Brooklyn this past week, courtesy if johnnyswatches. Thanks Johnny!
An albino Ball Python in the background.
The Traveling Watch visits Artisan Strap CO.
The Traveling Watch in the foreground with a Sultan in the back. Both have received custom straps from ASC.
The Traveling Watch made it out to California to visit the folks at Artisan Strap Co. while it was out there trying on straps and catching some nice sunny weather it was decided that it looked too good on one of the new straps to go back to the nylon Zulu strap. From here on out the Traveling Watch will be traveling on an ASC strap! Thanks!
The Traveling Watch visits Maine!
Photo Credit: Paul Lewin
The Traveling Watch is spending some time amongst barnacles, snails and starfish on the rocky cost of Maine. Great shot! Credit goes to Paul Lewin be sure to check out his IG page!
Engraved watch parts inbound
Modified SNK809 with a hand engraved bezel
Here's something new for Seiko mods, engraved parts. Bezels, cases, chapter rings-stayed tuned. Cool stuff is coming.
The Traveling Watch visits the White House!
The Traveling Watch has made it to Washington DC on the wrist of The Time Bum! He specializes in great reviews and photography-he even does the occasional giveaway! He's quite active on his twitter as well as his instagram, so be sure to send a tweet and have a conversation!
Thanks for hosting the Traveling Watch!
The Traveling watch makes its first stop in Chicago!
Photo credit: Chris Scott
The Traveling Watch has made its way to Chicago for the debut journey! Chris Scott (Instagram) christened the first of many stops and wrote a wonderful review! If you like diving, swimming and looking good, he writes a great column (click to check it out here!) on style and watches. Curious about whether or not the Seiko SKX007 makes a better affordable diver than the Orient Ray? Or what to wear with that nice new watch of yours? Chris has you covered!
Thanks for being part of the Traveling Watch, Chris! Wonderful review and great photos, as always!
The Traveling Watch at Montrose Harbor. Photo credit: Chris Scott
The Field Standard S2
IT'S RETURNING
The Field Standard "S2" is returning to Go & Behold. This time it'll feature new and improved hands with better lume (C3) as well as a (thicker) domed magnifying crystal.
The Traveling Watch
The Traveling Watch
Here's The Traveling Watch. What's that? I've decided this watch will take turns being sent to different people. Bloggers, journalists, and people part of publications will have an opportunity to try this watch for a period of time in exchange for a review. It's a fun way to get to wear a neat watch for a little while. Are you someone with a website or blog that would like to wear a neat watch and review it for a week or two? Do you know someone that falls into this category? Let me know!
Ideally, I'd love to see the watch travel the world and go on different adventures, I envision it having its photo taken in front of the opera house in Sydney and then again later in front of the Golden Gate Bridge, maybe a stop to the Eiffel Tower or The Statue of Liberty.
Lets get this watch on some adventures!
Handmade Cork Straps
1955 Omega Constellation on a handmade cork strap.
I'll be carrying a limited number (initially) of handmade cork straps, they should be complete in a couple weeks. Depending on their popularity I'll continue to have runs made (potentially in different stitch colorways and cork shades).
Aside from looking great, cork is very supple and soft, these are some of the most comfortable and form fitting straps out there. They're very breathable and lightweight, which make them a great summer strap in terms of combating heat and heavy sweaty leather straps.
The first run will be 3 pieces, two of them will be 20mm tapering to 18mm at the buckle and one of them will be 18mm tapering to 16mm. It's a wonderful material for a strap, and if this is a success then more exciting cork straps will be on the way!
Keep your eyes peeled.
Watch box design and lining.
I've lined the mahogany prototype watch box with some red velvet-I think it looks great. The production ones will be maple, I'm thinking about whether or not to use felt or velvet. I definitely love the look and feel of velvet but felt may be more practical and easy to work with. Decisions decisions.