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Lots of brands are able to leverage social media and Kickstarter to push for a successful first (or second, or third) launch of a watch project. We mostly see the project from the start of the funding campaign but in reality most projects are in the works for months or years before they reach the funding stage. Carpenter Watches has gone through that prep and are now releasing the Carpenter Field Watch on Kickstarter.
The Carpenter Field is the first watch release for the Brooklyn-based watch brand. The design of the watch takes its cues from vintage aviator and military style watches. The 40mm cased watch comes in two case materials with three dials. You can opt for the M1 which is a polished stainless steel case and a matte cream dial; the M2 has the same case only a matte black dial. The M3 also has the matte black dial but has a solid brass case. Once the brass develops some patina it should give the M3 a nice vintage feel to it.
The dial of the Field watch is kept simple and functional. Both dials have the same layout with the brand and location listed at 12 and automatic above 6 o’clock. That is all the text on the dial. The markers include minute hash marks with those at five minute intervals longer as well as having the hour indicated on each as well. The chapter ring around the dial has minute numerals marked every five minutes around the dial to 12 o’clock where it has a triangle. The circular date window is located at 3 o’clock. C3 lume is used on the dial for legibility in dark conditions.
The movement used in the Field watch is the automatic Miyota 821A. The 821A is a 21 jewel movement with a rate of 21,600 vph. The movement has features for 3 hands for the time and a date at 3 o’clock. Accuracy rate is ~ -20 – +40 seconds a day which is typical for a movement in this quality range. The 821A does not hack but can be hand wound as needed and has a power reserve of approximately 42 hours.
The Carpenter Field rounds things out with a double domed sapphire crystal and 50M of water resistance. The watches will come with a genuine leather strap that looks to add to the vintage appearance of the watch. The lugs use traditional springbars but are designed to give the appearance of wire, fixed lugs. It is a simple feature but one that again lends to the vintage aspect of the watch design.
The Carpenter Field watch Kickstarter campaign starts today, November 3rd, 2015 at 3pm. More information can also be found on the Carpenter Watches webpage. Retail price for the Field watch will be $595 (USD), with a promotional price of $495 on KS.
