Hands-On: Timeless Watch – Ref 001
In this hands-on review we will take a closer look on the Timeless Watches ref. 001, a modern sporty, yet classy steel timepiece with fine rose gold-plated details and a curved sapphire crystal.
Timeless Watches was founded by Mael Oberkampf, a freelance graphic designer who designs watches, cars and even yachts. These areas of expertise are also reflected in his creation of the 001; It is influenced by modern and classic design elements, which Timeless has named as “neo-vintage” design. For me it is close to the famous "steam punk" design because of its focus on open mechanical parts, which we comment on later in this article.
Timeless Watch Ref. 001 (wrist circumference: 18cm / 7")
The curved dial shows a vintage inspired numeral font and minute rail that surrounds the centre dial, which is finished with a mesmerizing Guilloché pattern. A very unique and special design element is the open dial in the middle of the watch. Here a skeletonized gold-plated hour wheel is presented and allows us to have a look in to the mechanical movement.
Timeless Watch Ref. 001 (wrist circumference: 18cm / 7")
Viewed from the side, you can clearly see how the watch sits comfortably on the wrist with a height of 12,80 mm. From this perspective you can also see the different finishes on the case surface very well: The main case is circularly brushed and the bezel has a contrasting sand-blasted finish, is curved itself and has 12 curved holes positioned at each hour.
The elements of gold and the special circuit board on which the serial number is written immediately catch the eye. This is attached to the housing with gold-plated screws.
The trademark of Timeless Watches: The large golden hour wheel
Let's take another and closer look to the most interesting element of the watch. The fine Guilloché pattern takes the attention on to the skeletonized golden hour wheel, which also is a motif of the brand and taken onto the crown. The hands take on the pink gold design elements, which are a kind of a modernized Breguet-hands-style. The golden date wheel is situated at the 6 o’clock position and the date window is covered completely by a loupe to make it easier to read the date.
The watch is powered by the Swiss STP-1-11 movement, which is based on the ETA-2824, a well known workhorse movement, which has been proven to be very reliable. The self-winding automatic movement has a power reserve of 44 hours, and it beats at 28,800 vph.
It is a pity that the watch does not have a glass case back that exposes more of the mechanical design of the watch. Nonetheless it is finely brushed and all informations, as well as the famous wheel logo, are laser engraved in it.
The winding crown also features the typical Timeless Watches mechanical wheel, a design element that can be found across the entire timepiece.
Timeless Watch 001 on the wrist
At first glance you can see that there is a lot going on here. The Timeless 001 is cased in a matte finished stainless steel case with a sporty diameter of 41.5mm. The lugs are screwed-in and have a speacial round, tapered shape, with a slightly curved spring-bar attaching a nice vintage leather strap. Timeless Watch Ref. 001 (wrist circumference: 18cm / 7")
The curved dial shows a vintage inspired numeral font and minute rail that surrounds the centre dial, which is finished with a mesmerizing Guilloché pattern. A very unique and special design element is the open dial in the middle of the watch. Here a skeletonized gold-plated hour wheel is presented and allows us to have a look in to the mechanical movement.
Timeless Watch Ref. 001 (wrist circumference: 18cm / 7")
Viewed from the side, you can clearly see how the watch sits comfortably on the wrist with a height of 12,80 mm. From this perspective you can also see the different finishes on the case surface very well: The main case is circularly brushed and the bezel has a contrasting sand-blasted finish, is curved itself and has 12 curved holes positioned at each hour.
The elements of gold and the special circuit board on which the serial number is written immediately catch the eye. This is attached to the housing with gold-plated screws.
Rich in details and finish
The trademark of Timeless Watches: The large golden hour wheel
Let's take another and closer look to the most interesting element of the watch. The fine Guilloché pattern takes the attention on to the skeletonized golden hour wheel, which also is a motif of the brand and taken onto the crown. The hands take on the pink gold design elements, which are a kind of a modernized Breguet-hands-style. The golden date wheel is situated at the 6 o’clock position and the date window is covered completely by a loupe to make it easier to read the date.
The watch is powered by the Swiss STP-1-11 movement, which is based on the ETA-2824, a well known workhorse movement, which has been proven to be very reliable. The self-winding automatic movement has a power reserve of 44 hours, and it beats at 28,800 vph.
It is a pity that the watch does not have a glass case back that exposes more of the mechanical design of the watch. Nonetheless it is finely brushed and all informations, as well as the famous wheel logo, are laser engraved in it.
The winding crown also features the typical Timeless Watches mechanical wheel, a design element that can be found across the entire timepiece.
Conclusion
The watch impresses with its unique and versatile design, which is elegant but could also be placed in the "steam punk" category. It is definitely an eye-catcher with its elegant dial and exposed golden hour wheel. The Timeless Watch is priced at 1,399 € incl. 19% German VAT and comes in two variants – white on grey reference 001, or grey-on-grey reference 002.Specifications
Case
- Finishes Circular satin finish, fine sandblasting polished details
- Diameter : 41.5 mm Thickness : 12,80 mm
- Waterproofing : 50 m
- Strap : Calf leather
- Clasp : Polished barb buckle
- Screwed-in lugs : Steel & gold
- Case back : Numbered and engraved with the Timeless logo
Dial
- Glass : Sapphire (domed), with anti-reflective coatin
- Exterior elevation : Circular satin-brushed anthracite or matte white
- Center dial : Guilloché finished Apparent decorative hour wheel
- Hands : Gold & steel
- Complication: Small date
Crown
- Made up of 3 parts
- Materials : Gold & steel
Movement
- Automatic : Swiss made STP 1-11
- Power reserve : 44 hours
- Access : Screwed case back
Guarantee
- 2 years
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