Based in Dublin, Ireland, TOC watch is a new Kickstarter Watch brand founded by two lads by the name of Max and Will. In 2016, deep discussion of what makes a watch great grew into action. Starting on July 26th, 2017 the Kickstarter campaign will begin on their watch, the TOC19. The TOC19 is inspired by the Bauhaus era and uses a hand wound movement for its simplicity. They were kind enough to send me out one of their prototypes to review.
The Dial
The dial on the TOC19 watch is very clear and minimalistic. There is the main hour and second hands and a small seconds sub dial at the 6 o’clock position. Hour number markers are large, with only the TOC logo under the 12 o’clock and “hand wound” at the 6 o’clock. The polished hands and numbers look great against the dark black face, and that little red second hand adds just the right touch of contrast. Covering the dial is a domed anti-reflective, scratch resistant sapphire crystal.
The Case
The TOC19 watch case is made from 316L stainless steel with polished finish. Measuring in at 44m wide the case is a good size but fits well on the wrist. The polishing is very well done and has a mirror finish on all parts of this case. There is a nice screw down exhibition case back with large crystal so you can see almost the whole movement. Water resistance is 3ATm or 30 meters, so I would not be dropping this into water for sure, but this is no diver so just keep away from water and you will be fine.
The Movement
The movement on the TOC19 is a decorated hand wound SeaGull ST3621 with small seconds counter at 6 o’clock. Power reserve is estimated at 52 hours. With the large exhibition case back y0u can see all the details done to this movement. The nice part about the manual wind movements is there is no rotor and you can see all that’s going on. Looking at this movement is like looking at the back of an old pocket watch. It’s a nice change from all the automatics out there.
The Strap
The strap on this is a soft genuine leather strap and is very comfortable. This has a signed standard pin and buckle clasp.
Overall Impression
Although I am not personally into minimalistic watches I do like what TOC has done here. The look is clean, legible, and the finishing on the case is very well done. There will be several dial and strap choices available. Prices on Kickstarter will start at $209 for the first 100 then up to the $442 retail price. You can check the out on their campaign here on Kickstarter.
Review Summary
- Brand and model: TOC TOC19
- Price: Starts at $209 USD for first 100 then up to $442 retail.
- Who’s it for? Minimalists
- Would I wear it? Not really my style
- What I’d change: Fine the way it is.
- The best thing about it: Nice clean look.
Tech Spec from TOC
- Case – 44mm diameter
- Case Material – 316L stainless steel with polished finish
- Crystal – Domed anti-reflective, scratch resistant sapphire crystal.
- Water resistance – 3atm or 30 meters
- Movement – Hand wound SeaGull ST3621 21,600bph with small seconds counter at 6 o’clock.
- 52 hour power reserve
- Hands – Hours and minutes. Small seconds counter at 6H
- Strap – genuine leather
- Buckle – 304L stainless steel buckle with pin.
