Earlier this month, Singapore based watch brand Schaffen launched their first line of watches; the Reference 65 Collection. The Han brothers started Schaffen in 2015, and their main aim was to permit their clients to get involved in the design and assembling procedure. In doing so, the ultimate result was a stable, first-rate time machine you can label as, “one of a kind.”
From this experience, the brother’s projects have since expanded; including a directive from Singapore Air Force for a custom-built wristwatch with a modified dial as a present for a retiring colonel.
With the fabrication of these “made to order” watches, Jonathan and Nicholas Han have identified their target audience and a market opportunity. Nowadays, Clients are progressively dictating what they desire and expect when it comes to shaping and customizing the products they purchase.
That is why Schaffen has decided to set out and produce responsibly prized customizable watches. “Custom tailored” was once a preference only provided by prominent trademarks, but today we witness numerous “reachable” watch trademarks entering the “custom-made” arena.
Customizing The A65
After the Kickstarter campaign, Schaffen released two watch models powered by automatic movements; the Schaffen A65 sports watch, and Schaffen A65 dress watch. Both models are customizable, but our product of interest in this meticulous review is the A65 dress watch, with pre-curated options of hand, dial, and even date windows.
Even though that might sound as a matter of course, the micro label goes an extra step through personalization because motifs, text, and unique signatures will be carved on the dial.
What’s even rarer in the watch realm is rotor customization. A watch with self-winding movements is typically wound by a rotor covering the breadth of the mechanics. It’s on this rotor that the firm is offering a canvas so its designing backers (clients) can get creative.
The Reference A65 dress watch will allow clients to transform the rotor into anything personal. The firm manufactures these rotors through 3D printing instead of the traditional procedure; CNC machining. They are subsequently refined by Schaffer’s jewellers and watchmakers.
According to Schaffen, dual-toned dials famous in the 1950s and 1960s inspired the creation of A65 dress watch. The dial is upright brushed at the center, with a dull outer ring holding the appliques. Both watch hands and appliques are faceted to catch the light at distinct angles when rotating your watch.
For extra contrast, the case side features a brushed finish and a polished bezel. The product is then finalized with sapphire minerals at the case back and the top. From a technical perspective, Schaffen A65 is power-driven by the “tried and tested” SW-200 spontaneous Swiss movement.
Even more, the 316L steel case with anti-reflective sapphire crystals mentioned above comes with a display case back fastened with six screws and is water resistant up to a depth of 50 meters. The calfskin, on the other hand, is attached using a pin buckle.
Warranty & Kickstarter Offer
The Reference A65 dress watch comes with a two-year warranty and price tags fluctuating from 449 dollars (for the early birds) to 649 dollars. And I guess there is no need to point out that this dress watch retails with a movement generally found on four-figure priced watches.
The Kickstarter page for Reference 65 Collection opened on January 8th, 2018, even though 1st shipments for early-bird backers will begin early July.
Do not worry if you cannot think of a flawless design for your rotor. After the Kickstarter campaign is over, the Han brothers will get in touch with every backer to discuss and point out ideas or motifs that might suit each client’s needs best.
Then again, after pointing out your rotor design of interest, you’ll still have a couple more choices to make. In addition to the rotor, you can ask the firm to customize the watch hands, dial, and date window combination. You can even change colors too.
The final product should feature a smart look with a brushed center and a leather strap in either tan brown, brown, or black. In case you are still not satisfied with the end product, you can opt to upgrade your watch more by picking gold plating (white, yellow, or red) for your rotor.
Before starting the manufacturing procedure, Schaffen will generate 3D replicas of the final products and forward them to the respective clients for final ratification.
Place An Order
If you think the Reference A65 Dress Watch suits your style and you desire to help fund the venture, head over to the firm’s Kickstarter page here for more information on how you can place your order.
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