It is no secret that I am a japanese watchmaking fanatic. I mean, every watch enthusiast in their right mind and with some kind of knowledge would be.
These people have mastered the art of precision. Not only in their movements and calibers —since that’s a given in the field of high watchmaking— but also in their finishings and every microscopic element of aesthetic perfection.
Names like Grand Seiko — considered the face of high japanese watchmaking — and Naoya Hida & Co — the company that in my humble opinion is the equivalent of 1930s Patek Philippe with their extremely-limited-production artisanal masterpieces — are testaments to everything you’ll ever need to witness to believe in the miraculous work of japanese watchmakers.
But here’s the catch.
These brands are not an approachable option for the regular Joe. Meaning, this is dangerous and intimidating territory for beginner collectors who are not willing to spend the large sums of money necessary to acquire entry level pieces from these companies.
Plain and simple.
The equivalent ?
As of these past few years, we have been witnessing the popularization of a new kind of Japanese watch brands. Affordable ones. Affordable small charming watch brands that can make a lasting impact on a beginner collector. And this is where Karl Leimon comes to play.
Karl Leimon is a young Japanese watch company founded by two friends in 2017. Karl and Leimon aimed to fill a gap in the market by offering high-quality, classically designed watches at accessible prices.
Their vision was strong and convincing enough and the brand gained significant attention through a successful crowdfunding campaign in Japan, raising over 100 million yen (approx $1 million USD).
The vision was clear and is very present to this very day: “Keep Modest Classic”. A brand slogan that can only be applauded, since the watch world is clearly in need of such fresh perspectives on more approachable timepieces like Karl Leimon’s.
My relationship with the brand.
If you have been following our instagram pages, I have taken it upon myself to introduce more niche/smaller brands to our Time-Telling community. You guys. I am thankful and grateful for the impact we have had on the African horology community, and I decided to take a more direct approach on you guys’ collecting journeys.
So when I got in touch with the kind people of Karl Leimon, I couldn’t be happier. The variety of options really impressed me, and the impression I got was one of a company that is NOT slowing down. Quartz collections for the amateurs of precision as well as automatic ones for those who are always on the go… There is literally everything for everyone.
The Standout Piece.
Speaking of collections, their latest is the automatic Classic Field. An assortment of field watches with the classiest of designs (pun intended). And that’s the one I have currently on my wrist while writing this article.
Let me tell you, this watch is going to get a LOT of wrist time. Why ? It’s everything someone as active and as “On the go” as I am would ever want to accompany them.
Quick spec run before I get into the details of my passion for this piece:
The Ice Blue Applied Indices Classic Field
- Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
- Case Finish: Polished, satin-brushed
- Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire glass
- Case Diameter: 38mm
- Case Thickness: 9.5mm
- lug to lug: 46mm
- lug width: 20mm
- Water Resistance: 10ATM
- Screw down crown
- Movement: Miyota 9039, Automatic and Hand winding, 42 Hour Power Reserve
- Strap: Rubber, Pin buckle + Navy Blue Calf Leather strap
Let me dig into my personal reflections.
So when I got the watch and went through the very pleasant unboxing experience, I took a second to go back to the website and look at a few pictures and details in order to see if anything jumps off. I wanted an authentic and strong first impression.
And boy was it strong ! This watch is exceptionally more beautiful in real life.
I could talk about the quality, about the dial, about the finishing… but what I’d rather do is congratulate Karl Leimon for their excellent work on the case of this watch.
More specifically, its dimensions. As mentioned before, we’re talking about a 38mm, 9.5mm thick case. And THAT was the deal breaker for me.
This watch wears so thin and by extension SO LIGHT.
I know a lot of you guys here love your dress watches to be as slim and sleek as possible. This Classic Field scratches that itch in every possible way.
I’m wearing it today with a quarter zip and an oxford shirt, with that Navy Blue Calf leather strap, and I could not feel more complete.
Yesterday ? on its original blue rubber strap while I was out at a construction site. A place where the “field” in its name truly comes out. Having full confidence in its 10 ATM water resistance, I did not shy away from putting it into the test.
As with all construction sites, the lack of light is to be expected. But with the Classic Field’s powerful super luminova, one can not complain.
A very robust and reliable tool, yet such a classy and sleek upgrade.
As you can tell, I wrote this article/ review with incredible passion for this microbrand. I’m known among my peers as the person who’s going to point out every single flaw in a watch (AKA a hater), but here, and while trying my best, I really can not bash down anything about this piece.
Okay, maybe the movement, yes. But for $550, you are not going to get anything fancier that a 42 hour power reserve Japanese caliber. Let’s not fool ourselves here.
Check out https://karlleimonwatches.com/en/ for more incredible options !
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