As the definition says (and the Kickstarter page states), an axiom is something that needs no proof, as it’s self-evident. Well, I don’t know about you, but when it comes to new watch brands, I don’t just accept things at face value. While we here at WWR cannot speak to any potential longevity for a brand, these opening shots (in terms of design) from Axiom Watches are very intriguing.
In fact, when we had the initial PR come in from Axiom Watches, it sparked some discussion amongst the team. Of course, watches that hearken back to military watches of the past, and those that look like pocket watches with lugs brazed on, are nothing new. What strikes me with these two watch designs (more on that in a moment) is the bulbous look that the 42mm case has taken on. Rather than trying to minimize the presence of the case, Axiom instead has brought those curves up and forward, making it a formidable presence.
As I mentioned, Axiom is bringing two watches to the table, both with a lot of similarities. You can see the full spec rundown at the bottom of this article, but the watches share the same case and strap design. The Mad Minute goes for Breguet-style pomme hands, and is powered by a Miyota 9100 movement. While it’s a nice-looking watch in it’s own right, what really got us paying attention here at WWR is the LemonBurst style.
The Axiom Watches LemonBurst is powered by a Miyota 8218, and gives you the standard two-hander and small seconds, plus date. The date is a break from the vintage looks, but I’ll take the functionality. Where things really stand out, though, is the dial. Under that domed sapphire crystal, the white dial is topped with bright yellow hands and numerals (except for the 12, which is in red). Where this design really shines, you see, is the fact that all that yellow paint is luminescent. This is something we do not commonly see on vintage-inspired military watches, and am a fan – particularly as that yellow looks quite stunning, at least in the photos we’ve seen.
As of the time of this writing, the Axiom Watches project stands at 28% funded, with things closing out on August 16, 2017. If you want to jump in, you can get a Axiom Watches Mad Minute for $572, or the Axiom Watches LemonBurst for $400. They also have some tiers that add about $60 to the price of the watch, and then include a leather watch roll. These look nice, it’s surprising these aren’t offered on their own as a tier. Oh, and do note the odd lug sizes with the watch – make sure you’re picking the color strap that you want, as the 14mm lugs aren’t going to be common ones in the aftermarket (UPDATE: If the project is fully funded, Axiom will be giving backers a bonus strap). Regardless, it’s an interesting look for the watches. And, should funding hit it’s goal, we will of course work to get in a sample of that LemonBurst to give you some more complete thoughts. project page
UPDATE: We received word that a new model has been added to the line, for an additional (50) pieces. This one has the “twisted” dial layout that is not an uncommon look for vintage military watches.
Watch Overview
- Brand & Models: Axiom Watches LemonBurst and Mad Minute
- Price: $400 and up
- Who we think it might be for: You like your vintage style full of bold curves
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen? Good question – ultimately, it’s probably a larger case than I’d prefer to wear regularly
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: Offer up the straps as add-ons to the pledges
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: It’s got to be that case design
Tech Specs from Axiom
- Style: LemonBurst
- DIAMETER: 42mm
- MATERIAL: 316L Stainless Steel
- FINISH: High polish, sandblasted finish, black or bronze ion plating
- CRYSTAL: Domed sapphire crystal
- WATER RESISTANCE: Water-resistant to 200 meters
- MOVEMENT: Miyota 8218, Automatic, 21,600 vph, 21 jewels
- FUNCTIONS: Hours and minutes in the center. Subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock. Date at 3 o’clock
- POWER RESERVE: Circa 42 hours
- STRAP: Of two parts, of 26mm and 14mm
- STRAP MATERIAL: High quality black or brown calf leather, engraved on the back
- BUCKLE: Stainless steel pin buckle
- DIAL: White dial
- HANDS: Luminous skeleton hands
- Earlybird pricing starts at $400
- Style: MAD MINUTE
- DIAMETER: 42mm
- MATERIAL: 316L Stainless Steel
- FINISH: High polish, sandlasted, black or bronze ion plating
- CRYSTAL: Domed sapphire crystal
- WATER RESISTANCE: Water-resistant to 200 meters
- MOVEMENT: Miyota 9100, Automatic, 28,800 vph, 26 jewels
- FUNCTIONS: Hours, minutes and seconds in the center. Date at 4 o’clock. Subsidiary “military time” 24 hour dial at 6 o’clock
- POWER RESERVE: Circa 40 hours
- STRAP: Of two parts, of 26mm and 14mm
- STRAP MATERIAL: High quality black or brown calf leather, engraved on the back
- BUCKLE: Stainless steel pin buckle
- DIAL: White dial
- HANDS: Blued distinct vintage style
- Earlybird pricing starts at $572
