Often, watches that show up on Kickstarter are just a tired retread of things that came before. It’s one thing to draw inspiration from the big brands, but to just flat out copy them (or even copy the littler brands) that’s just not what we’re here for. However, if you can bring something that reminds me of an Urwerk or MB&F? Then you’ve got my attention – and that’s the Atowak Ettore Drift, for sure.
Now, those are the brands I see reflected in the design (and general aesthetic) of the Atowak Ettore Drift. However, the brand calls a different marque to mind – Bugatti (sort of reminds me of our prior podcast episode). Here, they’re calling the front end of the cars to mind, and I can see it. I still see the watch brands more, however, with the elongated case shape, and wandering hour time display that’s happening on the stretched right-hand side of the case.
Unlike those higher-end brands, though, the Atowak Ettore Drift manages this unique time display via “just” a Miyota 9015, that well-known workhorse of the entry-level watch world. With this, they’ve managed to come up with two versions, the Atowak Ettore Lite, which swaps out the wandering, spinning spindles for a simpler disk, or the much cooler look known at the Atowak Ettore Drift.
Not content to just have the unique case shape and time display, they’ve also done some fun things with lume. Sure, you’ve got luminous paint on the “hands” of the watch, as well as the retrograde numerals on the right. They’ve also managed to put the luminous paint on the left side of the case, with that line that outlines things there. Not functional, no, but I’m always a fan of seeing luminous paint show up in spots we’re not normally expecting it. Not as much a fan of the engraved Atowak in there, given the space it takes, but have to brand somewhere.
Given how unique the design is, it’s no surprise that the Atowak Ettore blew though it’s funding goal (they’re currently sitting at 850% funded). Early bird pricing for the Atowak Ettore Lite starts at $359, while the more complex (and more visually interesting) Atowak Ettore Drift starts at $649. Definitely a look unlike any other, I just hope their engineering is up to snuff to keep that handset running smoothly for years to come, as the movement should keep going quite nicely with regular maintenance. The campaign will close out on August 17, 2021, with shipment expected to begin in November 2021. campaign page / atowak.com
Tech Specs from Atowak
- Movement: modified Miyota 9015
- Case: 316L stainless steel, 5ATM waterproof
- Size: 46.5 MMX40.8 MM
- Thickness: 13.5 mm
- Surface: 3D copper + aviation aluminum dial, Swiss luminous printing
- Watch strap: interchangeable Italian leather watchband with Built-in Quick Release Springbar System
- Watch strap width: 24MM X 20MM
- Length of Watch strap: 120MM X 80MM
- Weight: 103g
