We looked at the CODE41 a few weeks back and now we seem to have found its classy cousin: the KLYNT. Both have multi-piece dials, both proudly proclaim their Swiss automatic movements, and both seem to be shouting their names. But the KLYNT’s more traditional case shape and more elaborate dial might give it a broader range than the CODE41.
The case is by no means ordinary, with a melange of finishes: sandblasted lugs, vertical and circular brush effects, and polishing. But the round shape and tapered lugs look familiar enough that I could see this watch transitioning from sporty to casual office pretty well. It would still be a departure from the ordinary, but not quite as radical as something like the broad, angular CODE41—that could be good or bad, depending on your perspective. The case is on the large end at 43.5 mm, but still probably reasonable for most wrists.
Like the CODE41, the dial is the real star here. I lost count of the number of pieces screwed together to create the KLYNT’s multi-layer dial, but the whole thing comes together in a refined and very contemporary way. The date peeks out at an angle between 1 and 2, while a large running seconds subdial dominates the 9:00 position. That seconds subdial is smokey translucent glass, so you can peek at the movement and see the opposite side of the date wheel. That date wheel might end up looking sloppy and confusing in person, but the pictures give me hope. The smokey glass dims the numbers and the second register obscures them, so it looks like a wink rather than a mistake.
You can get a better view of the movement through the exhibition caseback. It’s a Sellita SW 290, basically interchangeable with the ETA 2824, so the movement is solid. (ed: The SW290 is based on the 2824 design, but has a small seconds subdial in the 9 o’clock position. Unlike the 25 jewel 2824, it has 31 jewels.)
The KLYNT will be popping up on Kickstarter soon at $990 for early birds. klynt.ch
Tech Specs from KLYNT Genève
- Case material: Stainless steel 316L or PVD
- Case diameter: 43,5 mm
- Water resistance: 50 metres / 5 ATM
- Sapphire crystal top and back
- Movement: Sellita SW 290 automatic; 31 jewels; 28,800 vph (4 Hz); 38 hour power reserve
- Strap: 22 mm hand-sewn black calf leather with black leather lining
- Price: $990 (early bird)
