For all you fledgling watchmakers out there who want to get their project off the ground, you could save yourself a little work and study what Redux & Co. have done with their first watch offering. First off, make an attractive watch. Second, make it a good value. Third, engage the press and build up supporters ready to jump as soon as the gun goes off. In less than 24 hours on Kickstarter, the Redux & Co Courg titanium watch already has over 400 backers and is over triple their funding goal of $30,000.
Their first offering out of the gate ticks off almost all my boxes, which is why I am still wondering if I am going to back the project, instead of telling you that I already did. First off, I like the blend of styles, a clean pilot watch with a diver’s bezel. Or is it a clean diver with a pilot’s dial and handset? Hmmm. Either way, the mix works. I have seen others watches with a similar blend, but I like it. Next, I have been thinking about getting a titanium watch. Third, the important features on my list are there, namely a reliable automatic movement (Seiko NH-35A) and a sapphire crystal. Lastly, I like the little touches, the matte finish, the minimal branding, Superluminova BGW9 (white that glows blue) lume, and the offset crown and date window.
The one thing that gives me pause is that the diameter, 39mm, is little smaller than I typically wear. I don’t like big watches, but the sweet spot for me is 42 to 45mm. Speaking of pauses, I will remind you that a pledge is for the backing of he launch of a product, not the purchase of a watch. Your planned reward would be a watch (assuming you back at that level), but projects do flounder, so there are no guarantees. I don’t think that they are over-promising, but there is a lot of value for the price, which was $199 for the first 200 backers (now sold out), jumping to $229 for the next 400 (about 1/2 still available) and $259 for the next 1,000 backers.
The watch is being offered with in four variations, with the handset and dial changed for each. There are also options for a leather NATO strap for an extra $39 and a waxed canvass roll for an extra $24. If I do jump in, it will be for one of the two on the left above, with a kicker for a leather NATO strap. The project funding runs through August 20, and the delivery timeline is planned for December, so give yourself a nice holiday gift. reduxwatch.com
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: Redux Co Courg
- Price:
$199(sold out)/ $229 / $259, depending on timing. - Who we think it might be for: Divers, pilots, and anyone who likes a cool tool watch.
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen?: I am thinking hard about this one..
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: Offer a slightly larger case option.
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: Cool looking titanium cased automatic watch for a good value. Is that one thing?
Tech Specs from Rdux & Co
- Movement: Seiko NH-35A
- Functions: Hacking seconds, unidirectional bezel
- Case: Titanium-Grade 2
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Water resistance: 15 ATM
- Lug width: 20mm
- Straps: Ballistic nylon NATO with optional leather NATO.
- Diameter: 39 mm
- Case Height: 13.7 mm
