Ross Davis is a man of conviction and forthrightness. These traits extend from his no-bullshit approach to people to watchmaking. Here’s how…
Early on, Ross had a ‘coming soon’ landing page for his watch campaign to register interest. The page is lost to me now, but back then, it said something about ‘not making any more crappy watches.’ I commented on this as being rather straightforward for a discipline that usually drapes itself in words like ‘minimalism’, ‘luxury’, or ‘elegance’.
Since that time, Ross and I have exchanged emails a few times, and I have great respect for his approach to design. It’s the exception, not the rule, for a watch to be designed and refined in public. Usually, a microbrand’s leader launches without any community involvement at all, and takes their chances on how it will be received. Here, Ross posted on Instagram and Twitter to see people’s reactions and gauge the response to his choices.
I have to say, I like the choices so far: 41mm diameter, titanium case, titanium bracelet with solid end-links, Seiko NH35a, and a double AR domed sapphire? It’s really hard to take issue with any of these. If you don’t like this watch, it’s down to you not liking the looks, or wishing for a different diameter. The dial is a sandwich dial with either white, blue, or black (stealth) lume showing through. In a choice Patrick Kansa will love, the bezel is lumed to match. The hands reach to the minute track, which is a chapter ring in this case. The bezel is a coarse grip (as opposed to the fine coin edge you find on some diver watches.) All in all, it looks enjoyable, and we hope to be able to review one soon. http://hamtunwatches.com/
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: Humtun Watches H1
- Price: Earlybird pricing starts at $195 USD (expected retail, about $325)
- Who we think it might be for: You like a diver, like lightweight titanium, and aren’t looking for a straight homage piece.
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen?: There’s a lot right here. I’m sorely tempted.
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: The signing of the dial and the indices at 12 seem unbalanced – I would try the brand signing less large / bold and the indices at 12 slightly larger/bolder.
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: Titanium. No-nonsense execution, from a no-BS maker.
Tech Specs from Hamtun Watches
- Case size: 41mm (48mm lug-to-lug)
- Height: 12mm
- Case material: titanium
- Crystal: double domed sapphire crystal, inside and out application of anti-reflective coating
- Strap: titanium bracelet or silicone strap with foldover clasp
- Movement: Seiko NH35a
