As Matt and I have both mentioned in the past, we have noticed a lot of the same sort of watch being produced on Kickstarter (generally thin quartz two- or three-handers with a lot of marketing fluff). So, to see something crop up that has a bit more original of a design, then that is the sort of thing that makes you sit up and take notice. I am not saying that the Tenero Automatic will set the horological world on fire. It should, however, catch the eye of the those on the hunt for an interesting and affordable watch.
First things first – I am calling the watch the Tenero Automatic, because there really is no other name given for the watch in the project page, which seems like an odd play for a brand that is bundling in lifetime discounts for future models with the purchase of this first model. Oh well, that really does not impact the watch itself all that much, just something odd that kind of got stuck in my teeth. Now, on to the Tenero Automatic.
What initially caught my eye is the 40mm steel case of the Tenero Automatic. While it’s overall shape is pretty familiar, it’s the carved-out lugs that differentiate things. Along with this openness, the lugs extend up the side of the case a bit more, giving things a bit more of an oblong look and feel (at least from the photos we have seen). The next thing to stand out about the Tenero Automatic was the dial. First and foremost, this is due to the pale blue color that they went with. This is not a hue we commonly see (aside from a Rolex or two that pop to mind) especially not in modern indie brands. This lighter shade makes for a more subtle watch, and I like the effect.
What is not as subtle on the dial of the Tenero Automatic are the lumed pip indices – and I like it. They stand out crisply against the lighter dial, and it looks like they show up nicely in the dark. The handset pointing to those indices seems ok, with a sort of rounded propeller shape to them. Another bit of rounding is actually on the mineral crystal (which will become sapphire if the brand hits a stretch goal), where a cyclops is hovering over the date window. While I do not have a personal watch with a cyclops on the crystal, I have certainly grown more fond of them over the past year or so. Sure, it is not a make or break feature, but it is a nice, functional add.
Given that the Tenero Automatic is starting life out on Kickstarter, you probably have a good guess as to the movement inside. If not the specific model, at least the make. Here, they’re using the Miyota 8215. Perhaps not as popular these days as the 9015, but still a good option. That helps, of course, to keep pricing low (as well as the timing accurate). As of the time of this writing, the Tenero Automatic early bird levels of around $302 (depending on the currency conversion from Euros) is still available. Along with that discounted price, you would also be picking up a 15% discount on future models from the brand; the later tiers still have a discount, but it does decrease at each level.
While only time will tell if that ongoing discount will be of value, I think the Tenero Automatic certainly can stand on its own merits. It has smaller details, such as the case and dial, that do make it stand out from the crowd. The market segment for watches under $500 is certainly crowded, and while that could lead to analysis paralysis, I think it is good for the consumer to be spoiled for choice. It allows you to really refine what you are looking for, and forces the brands (new or established) to really come up with stuff that is unique and interesting. On that front, I think the Tenero Automatic certainly proves the point. The project is currently at about 12% of its goal, with it closing out on March 12, and delivery anticipated for May 2016. Let us know in the comments what you think of the watch, and whether or not you’ve decided to pick one up. Instagram
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: Tenero Automatic
- Price: Starting at about $300
- Who we think it might be for: You’re on the lookout for a watch to back that breaks from the norm (lately) of thinline quartz pieces
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen?: In the end, likely not. While I find things interesting, in light of what I already own, there just is not a space in the watchbox for it.
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: The case design along with the dial
Tech Specs from Tenero
- Case
- 40mm without crown (42mm with crown)
- 316L stainless steel with a matte finish
- Skeleton lugs
- 12mm thick
- K1 harden glass with 2,5x magnifier at 3 o’clock (view stretch goals)
- Movement: Miyota 8215 automatic movement, 21,600BPH
- Strap: 20mm genuine leather strap
- Water resistance: 5ATM, 50m
- Buckle: Butterfly buckle in matte steel finish
- Additional information
- Uses blue super luminova
- Screw down crown on production model
