Now there’s a phrase you don’t hear much these days – “Do you ken”? If you don’t catch the reference, Google it. Or, just read on for some information on a watch from the folks at Kennett .I’ve been aware of this brand for some time, but nothing really grabbed my eye. I decided to take another look, and found that they’ve finally got models with lume applied to the hands and dial, which was missing in earlier models.
Not surprisingly (though regrettably), this line is called the Illumin8, which is actually a subset of the Altitude line. With these watches, you get a fairly standard three-hander with date display that has the following specs:
- Case : 43mm stainless steel with fixed aluminum bezel
- Screw in case back
- 10 ATM water resistant
- Mineral crystal
- Rubber strap
- Miyota (quartz) movement
On that last point, I’m just guessing it’s a quartz, since they don’t specify that it’s a mechanical (which most manufacturers would). So, you’ve got a decent set of specs, in a variety of color combinations – so it could be an interesting watch. For me, though, it’s got two big strikes against it.
First strike is that aluminum bezel. It’s got a tachymeter scale printed on it, which I find to be less-than-useful if there isn’t a chronograph function. To actually try and time distances, you’d have to wait for the second hand to hit 12 o’clock (or stop it there). Yes, it’s feasible – but not the best way to go about it.
Second big strike has to do with price. If you search the web, you can find the non-lumed Altitude models for about $125 (a touch on the high side, but ok). If you want lume, though? You’re ponying up $260, which just seems like way to high of a price for what’s on offer here. At that price range, I’d be hard-pressed to not go for a mechanical, as these Kennett’s don’t have anything on them that a mechanical can’t offer.
