Custom watches are the latest big thing. Brands like Undone are offering a “Subway sandwich” style selection of bespoke timepieces but so far there is no affordable option for something truly unique. Filling that gap in the market is the bold claim of British brand Monachus, coming to Kickstarter in a few days.
Coming to Kickstarter – Monachus Watches
Cutting through the usual PR fluff about “taking timepieces to the next level,” the value proposition and unique selling point of Monachus watches is to allow customers to upload a pattern of their choice and have it printed directly onto their watch casing. The process used is also used for vehicle exteriors so it should be durable enough to survive sunlight, the elements and even (relatively) extreme temperatures. Here are some renders to show the kind of thing that should be possible.
Monachus Watch Specifications
Model Case – 42mm. 316L stainless steel case
Case size – 42mm x 11mm
Case design – Limited by your imagination
Movement – Swiss Ronda 763
Crystal – Scratch-resistant sapphire
Dial – Black or white
Battery life – 40 Months
Monachus Watches – First Impressions
As regular readers will know, we do not claim to “review” watches that we have not handled, and all that exists of Monachus watches so far is a selection of renders. That said, from the specifications list it is possible to draw some conclusions about the value for money on offer. Monachus are using a Swiss quartz movement. This is not as prestigious as might sound, the cost being very significantly less than a Swiss mechanical movement. The specs are pretty much otherwise the “Kickstarter Standard” – the choice of sapphire glass for the crystal is wise and the case is made from the ubiquitous 316L stainless steel.
It’s hard to say whether we would recommend a watch without seeing it and handling it first, but ultimately these are not watches that are likely to appeal to seasoned watch collectors thanks to the battery power and fashion watch aesthetic. We could see them potentially being popular as gifts, but even with the customisation option, the £250-£400 price tag is very steep for an impulse buy.
Buy a Monachus Watch
Monachus is looking to raise £27,000 on Kickstarter to bring the brand to market. The campaign will launch on 5th May 2019 at 10am GMT You can register your email address at their website for updates and more information: http://www.monachuswatches.co.uk/
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