Microbrands in the time-telling industry are up against tough competition. Big names dominate the industry. Proven and time tested. They also have access to more resources, especially financially. That is why some brands fall into the trap of using platforms such as Kickstarter. Bern took a different route for the Milford making sure that it is ready for dispatch the moment it becomes available on the market.
The Milford timepiece from Bern was benchmarked amongst the very best wristwatches in the industry and surveyed to have the very best specifications available in the market at it’s price point. So, let us dive into what this timepiece has to offer.
The Look
The most noticeable feature of the Milford’s design is how it uses drop angles. You can see it on its bezel, indices, and all around its case. This gives the timepiece an angular design which provides depth and an edgy look for a watch that does not have many complications, literally.
Its dial has a blue color which compliments well with the indices, including the hour markers which are mostly gray or black in color. The same color is used on the hour markers at the three, nine, and twelve o’clock demarcation which is reflected by their numerical equivalent. In addition, the hands are uniquely shaped, and they are diamond cut to ensure a smooth run. Its color, although others might disagree, goes well with the dial’s color.
Additionally, these markers, including the hands, are imbued with lume making it possible for you to see even in the dark, which is vital for the kind of watch that it is. This is also present in the bezel for the same purpose, and the markers on it can also serve as markers for the minutes, especially those that corresponds for every five.
Its brand name is well thought of, neatly placed in the middle along with its model name which is at the bottom.
Quality Construction
The case is made of stainless steel, but the bezel is crafted from aluminum, and although the latter does not have the highest-grade quality of materials, the company believes that it has served the perfect balance that will benefit the user, especially for the piece’s wearability.
The same aluminum is what the company used to make the hands on the dial.
On the other hand, the band of the Bern Milford is made of leather, and although it is not as durable as stainless steel which is normally used by other companies to pair with a watch’s stainless steel case, this serves the same purpose as the aluminum material – wearability, especially with the comfort it provides. The underwater pressure might also make it more difficult for steel to be worn.
In spite the addition of aluminum into the making of this timepiece, which again is second only to stainless steel, Bern made sure that the dial is protected only by the best material possible – sapphire crystal. This one, however, is imbued with anti-reflective coating. This characteristic is to ensure that the user can still tell the time in spite conditions that would have caused high levels of reflection.
Specifications
The Milford is powered by a Japanese automatic movement with 24 jewels installed. Bern came up with this decision through a survey they made in Facebook, and also because there are only a few automatic watches in the market within the $300-$400 range.
Side note: This price range might be the reason why they chose at least one part of the timepiece to be made of a lower-grade material than the rest – to control the production cost so that they can stay within this price range for its retail price.
This automatic movement gives the watch a 41-hour power reserve when wound to its full extent.
As you may have already hinted, the Bern’s Milford was designed to be a diver’s watch, and that is the purpose of the unidirectional bezel and the clear markers for the minutes because divers need a clear cut way to keep track of time because this could easily be the difference between life and death for them. It is for this purpose why this timepiece was designed with a water resistance rating of 300M which is already diving territory. However, you should always remember not to use the pushdown crown while you are underneath water.
Kickstarter is not the only way for microbrands to get a head start. Complete the product first. Do your research. Reinvent. Gone are the days when this was the norm, but that is also the reason why you Bern went this route. A forgotten, slow pace method that does not cut corners giving birth to a timepiece that could easily become a classic; another to be benchmarked with in the future.
For release dates and more specs head over to the official Bern watches website here.
Leave a Reply