Just about a year ago, we brought you word of a new British brand, W.T. Author, and their inaugural watch, the 1909. At this point, of course, you might think they are overdue to introduce a new model, and that is exactly what they have done. At this time, you can pre-order your own W.T. Author 1914.
As you might guess from the model name (and our earlier writeup), this new watch draws inspiration from the year 1914. More specifically, it calls to mind when pocket watches made the leap to our wrists in the form of trench watches, which were pocket watches with wire lugs brazed on to the case. Here, on the 1914, W.T. Author mixed things up a bit, extending the wire lugs to the sides of the 46mm case (rather than the top, as we saw on the 1905).
From the pictures, this seems to give the watch a bit of an “airier” look, but this is a detail I think that will be better seen in person (yes, we will have a sample headed in for some hands-on time once production models are available!) Tucked in to these 24mm lugs is a handmade Buffalo strap, which looks to have a rather lovely finish on it that varies by the dial color chosen.
Speaking of dials, you do have your choice of four colors – blue, black, white, and cream. Depending on the one chosen, you do end up with different indice and handset coloration, but all of the combinations look pretty clean and readable. Regardless of the dial color, all of the models feature a PVD-coated stainless steel case (which is only 10mm), capped by their signature red aluminum crown.
Capped off by a sapphire-coated mineral crystal, the W.T. Author 1914 houses a Swiss-made Ronda 513S movement which, as quartz is wont to do, will keep things running smoothly along. Not quite period-correct, I suppose you could say, but we can give the young brand a pass for now. That said, it would be cool to see something approximating those old mechanical pocket watch movements getting pressed into service (along the lines of the Wrocket, for example).
All told, this is a rather sharp-looking watch in my estimation. The vintage inspiration sits well with me, and the overall styling (handset, dial, lugs, crown) definitely sets it apart. With 125 pieces of each dial being made, you can get your pre-order in now. The pre-order period will be ending on December 6, 2014. All told, the watch will run you $564 (included free worldwide shipping; specific serial numbers run more), with delivery anticipated for December. From the pictures, it definitely looks like another solid entry from the brand. Of course, we will have a better idea once we can bring you our hands-on review (yes, one will be on the way). wtauthor.com
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: W.T. Author 1914
- Price: $564 (£350.00)
- Who we think it might be for: This one is definitely for fans of the trench watch style, but want something that has been modernized a bit
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen?: Possibly. A mechanical movement would make it a slam dunk just about; with the quartz, it puts me on the fence (at least, until I can do the review!)
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: An optional case finish could be sharp – say, brushed, or even a dark grey PVD.
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: I have to say, I am intrigued by the different wire lug configuration
