Raconteur Automatic Watches

Swedish watchmakers are experiencing a real boon in popularity of late and this is as a result of the fact that there are more and more magnificent brands heralding from Scandinavia over the last few years. Well, you can certainly add the name of Raconteur Watches to that list courtesy of their latest release of a series of automatic timepieces funding over on Kickstarter as we speak and the fact that they were fully funded in 24 hours is testament to just how attractive these watches are.

The Raconteur Automatic Watches on Kickstarter aims to blend vintage design with contemporary minimalism and provide a timepiece fit for any occasion. This cracking accessory from Raconteur takes design inspiration from the famed writer and intrepid explorer, Ernest Hemingway, as he represents the very essence of what Raconteur to represent. Hemingway’s style served as inspiration for the reinterpreted wire-lugs and durable double domed sapphire crystal.

Swedish Style & Performance

Boasting a geometric font and sharply-defined case which take their inspiration from 1920s art deco, these Raconteur Automatic Watches are a real sight to behold aesthetically. By expertly combining this art deco style with a touch of Scandinavian minimalism, a sun-ray patterned dial and thin leaf hands, these watches brilliantly tie together old and new. Available in a number of different colourways and with prices starting at just £175 during the Kickstarter campaign, these dapper looking watches represent excellent value for money.

The Raconteur Automatic Watches on Kickstarter have a completely custom made case that helps to set these classy watches apart from the competition and the case is moulded in three parts from 316L stainless steel. Boasting a 40mm width, it will fit most wrists effortlessly and the case comes with a polished finish for a fine and sophisticated visual impact. The caseback has a corrosion resistant engraving of Ernest Hemingway that immediately draws the eye and the first 300 pieces are individually numbered XXX/300.

These great looking timepieces from Raconteur are powered by the robust and reliable Miyota 821 self-winding movement. This is a true workhorse movement that features a date complication and a 45-hour power reserve. Made in Japan, Miyota has been producing watch movements for over a century and the quality of their performance is very well respected. It offers excellent shock-resistance with their proprietary method called Parashock. This method was first tested in 1956 and has been refined ever since.

Strapping Design

One of the stand out features of these Raconteur Automatic Watches is their straps. In order to maintain the vintage aesthetic, genuine leather has been chosen for the straps of these top class timepieces and you can choose from pull-up and suede leather during the Kickstarter campaign. The pull-up straps are made from soft, full-grain cow leather and lining made from calf leather. After they have been tanned, they are treated with a special wax and oil coating which creates a unique patinated look.

The fact that you can get your hands on one of these magnificent looking watches for under £200 during the Kickstarter is nothing short of miraculous considering their tangible quality. We’ve come across a fair few Swedish watchmakers of late here at Coolector HQ but it’s safe to say that Raconteur have firmly propelled themselves to the top table with these supremely dapper and well crafted new series of watches on Kickstarter.