Hamtun Updates Their Kraken Diver and Adds a GMT Complication

Hamtun, based in the UK, is back with the latest version of their popular Kraken, an all purpose tool watch in a variety of colors, and milled from titanium. Now, for the first time, the Kraken will be made available with a GMT complication, becoming part of a rising tide of small watch brands offering sports watches that enable the wearer to track multiple time zones. Hamtun is funding the new Kraken H3 via Kickstarter right here. Let’s take a closer look.

Hamtun Kraken H3

• Case Material: Titanium
• Dial: Classic Edition: Black, white, orange; GMT Edition: Black, white, blue
• Dimensions: 41 x 13 x 48mm
• Crystal: Sapphire      
• Water Resistance: 200 meters 
• Crown: Screw down                 
• Movement: Classic Edition: PT5000 or Sellita SW200-1; GMT Edition: Swiss GMT movement 
• Strap/bracelet: Titanium bracelet  
• Price: Classic Edition: ~$436; GMT Edition: ~$721
• Reference Number: n/a
• Expected Release: November 2020 

The Kraken H3 release can be broken down into two distinct models. The Classic Edition is based heavily on last year’s H2 release, and will be available with either a PT5000 automatic movement (a relatively new ETA 2824 clone produced by H.K. Precision Technologies) or a Sellita SW200-1 in a more premium version. The GMT Edition is the new flagship for the brand, and sports a ceramic 24 hour bezel and a Swiss GMT movement. In display of transparency that’s somewhat uncommon in the watch world, brand owner Ross Davis admits that he can’t yet specify which movement, exactly, will be used in the GMT Edition, as Swiss GMT movements are currently difficult to source. On the Kickstarter, he explains it is likely to be the ETA 2893-2, but could also be the Sellita SW330-1 or the Soprod C125.

The various Kraken H3s are set to be released in a variety of colors that range from the traditional and conservative to the more dynamic and colorful, and Davis has left the option open for additional variants as stretch goals. Currently, the Classic Edition is expected to debut with dials in matte black, full lume white, orange, and a blacked out version with dark gray lume and a black rubber strap. The GMT Edition will be available in black, white, and blue, each with the option of a ceramic or titanium bezel insert. The ceramic option gives these watches a sporty, modern appearance, while the titanium is decidedly more toolish. With the exception of the blacked out Classic Edition, all of the new Krakens are available on a matching titanium bracelet. 

Both the GMT Edition and Classic Edition are tasteful designs that incorporate traditional vintage cues and more modern design elements. Notably, the presence of big, thick, plots of lume play an enormous role in the overall presentation of these watches. The matte dials in many ways highlight the size and depth of the circular lume plots. The lollipop seconds hand is an effective design element borrowed from watches of the past, and is particularly effective on the white dialed watches, with a contrasting sky blue tip. 

Hamtun’s Kickstarter is currently underway, with delivery of the Kraken H3 models expected to begin in November. Hamtun