Review: Techné GosHawk (Ref. 411)

Previously on worn&wound we’ve discussed those watches or watch brands that manage to achieve superb design and quality in a surprisingly / unbelievably affordable price point.  Think Steinhart with their $400, ETA powered pieces, or the $200 Maratac Pilot with a quality automatic and sapphire crystal the size of your head.  Having spent some time with the $338 Techné GosHawk (and previously Sparrowhawk) I am beginning to think that Techné deserves a place in that conversation. The GosHawk pairs unique aviator styling and excellent craftsmanship with a quality Japanese automatic movement and superior components.

Case: Bead Blasted Stainless Steel
Movement: Miyota 8217 Automatic
Dial: Black
Lume: C3
Lens: Sapphire with AR coating
Strap: “Saddle” Oiled Leather
Water Res.: 50m
Dimensions: 41.4mm x 48.7mm
Thickness: 12.5mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Crown: Screw down
Warranty: 1 Year

Case

The case of the GosHawk is simple and clean, matching an aesthetic seen throughout the watch. The bead blasted finish is smooth and even, and the lugs of the GosHawk have a gentle, non-aggressive relationship with the rest of the case.  On an otherwise textureless body, the crown of the GosHawk provides some relief with a deeply cut diamond pattern providing both visual character and very good tactile response when adjusting the movement.  The crown is also signed, adding a nice mark of value to the package.

The case also features a sapphire crystal with internal anti-reflective coating on the front and back.  Turning to the rear of the watch, your are presented with a truly beautiful arrangement.  The smooth matte finish of the case provides the perfect base to display the technical details of the watch, which are cleanly etched into the steel.  Most striking however is the visible Miyota 8217 movement.  With a signed, yellow-plated rotor and Geneva striping throughout, the Miyota movement is stunning.  A visable movement of this decoration is an impressive detail that is really uncommon in watches at the $300-$350 price point.

Dial

The dial design of the GosHawk is pure aviator, with its oversized 12, 3, 6 and 9 and overall clean aesthetic.  The most defining characteristic of the GosHawk dial for me however is its compact design.  Minute/second indicators every five seconds line the outer rim of the dial with hash marks every minute/second appearing one layer closer to the center of the dial.  Further in we see the large numerical hour indices.  With this more compact design, the sword style hands of the GosHawk are also rather squat, as is the straight second hand.

At the 9 o’clock position you’ll also find a 24-hour sub-dial with day-glow orange our hand and hour markers at 24, 6 and 12.  Again, with the dial design being so compact, the 24-hour sub-dial actually buttresses the center of the watch.  Between the 4 and 4 o’clock positions you’ll also find a date window with black text on white background.  Yet despite its compact dial design and numerous features, the GosHawk remains very legible and maintains a simple appearance.

Lume on the GosHawk dial is found on each of the numerical and hash hour markers, as well as all of the hands of the watch.  All glow a bright green with the exception of the 24-hour hand, which glows bright orange.  This is a pleasant detail which makes deciphering the dial in the dark a bit easier.

Straps + Wearability

The Techné GosHawk is available in a number of configurations with your choice of stainless steel or PVD finish, and NATO or oiled leather strap, all ranging from $315 to $338.  The oiled leather strap provided with our review unit was the saddle brown and features contrast white stitching (please note that I incorrectly refer to the leather as the color honey in the video review).  Measuring 20 mm at the lug and 18 mm at the buckle, the strap is rather comfortable.  The leather is soft and pliable but not too much so, and features a nice round cushion shape.  It also features a bead blasted deployment clasp with etched Techné insignia.  The GosHawk is also available in your chose of black, orange or green NATO strap, all of which give the watch a more sporty military look.

Measuring 41.4 mm in diameter, 12.5 mm tall and 48.7 mm lug-to-lug the GosHawk is modestly sized by today’s standards and wears rather small on the wrist.  This is aided by the design of the dial, which focuses more on compact precision rather than big, bold design.  As someone with larger wrists, the GosHawk was a less obvious choice for myself, but for the vast majority of you the more sensible profile will be a welcome departure from the trend of large watches that we see today.

Conclusion

So there you have the GosHawk, a well styled, beautifully implemented aviator with a price that can’t be beat.  For anyone in the market for a watch with sporty appeal yet less aggressive aesthetic, the GosHawk may be the watch for you.  At anywhere from $315 to $338, it certainly has to be under consideration.

Review unit supplied by Techne Instruments

by Blake Malin