We regularly find ourselves trawling the likes of Kickstarter in search of new watch brands here at Coolector HQ and, it’s fair to say, we caught quite a bountiful haul over the years but one of the finest looking we’ve encountered to date is unquestionably these superb looking Centric Instruments Solar Powered Watches which are funding over on the crowdfunding platform as we speak and, we dare say, might just be one of the most popular watch campaigns of 2018.
Centric Instruments Solar Powered Watches have the Lightwell timepiece as their debut offering and, if this is anything to go by, this is a watchmaker that we’re all going to keep an eye on during the coming years. This magnificent looking timepiece is billed as a contemporary, robust, and, perhaps most importantly given the eco concerns of today, a sustainably-powered watch which has been crafted for everyday use.
California Cool
Centric Instruments are a new, independent design studio which is located on the Northern California coast. Their overriding ethos is led by a desire to deliver more focused and centered lives, and they create mindful tools that simplify the modern day to day – with the Lightwell Watch on Kickstarter being their flagship offering and a fine example of this very fact. Thoughtfully designed and boasting a striking, contemporary aesthetic, this is undoubtedly the sort of understated and casually elegant watch that we favour at Coolector HQ and it’s no surprise to see it off to a flying start over on Kickstarter.
Materials are chief concern when it comes to timepieces, particularly those on Kickstarter, and we’re delighted to report that the Centric Instruments Lightwell Solar Powered Watch certainly doesn’t disappoint. Crafted from some quality components which includes the likes of sapphire crystal glass, 316L stainless steel case and a powerful Japanese movement, you’ll immediately recognise the quality on offer the minute you pull this eye-catching timepiece onto your wrist.
Taking design inspiration from the aesthetic of the iconic 38mm field watch, these glorious looking timepieces from Centric Instruments are the sort of uncomplicated yet sophisticated watches that we’ll always find ourselves gravitating towards here at The Coolector. The solar powered Seiko movement has been fortified with a 316L surgical grade stainless steel case, a scratch-proof sapphire crystal, a screwdown crown and caseback to make sure that this adventure ready timepiece boasts 100 meters of water resistance, not to mention a lifetime of faithful, worry-free service.
Let Their Be Light
It is the solar powered element of the design which makes the Lightwell from Centric Instruments really stand out from the crowd and it uses a reliable solar-quartz movement from Seiko. This consists of a discrete solar panel underneath the dial which converts both natural and artificial light into electrical energy, so the watch is constantly charging– even when you are indoors. Immeasurably cool and well made, it’s easy to see why these watches from California watchmakers, Centric Instruments, are proving so popular over on Kickstarter right now, especially as you can pick one up for the bargain price of $160 during the campaign (for one watch with two straps).
For anyone on the hunt for uber-cool, well made and adventure ready timepieces this summer, the Lightwell from Centric Instruments on Kickstarter certainly sits at the top table in our opinion here at Coolector HQ. Boasting excellent components and an effortless aesthetic cool, these extremely affordable everyday timepieces have got everything we seek in an accessory and so much more. Another fine example of the sort of quality watches which can be unearthed on Kickstarter.
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