UNDONE Basecamp Cali Watch

The original Basecamp Watch from UNDONE was one of our favourite watches of 2019 here at Coolector HQ so we were, of course, excited to hear that they were releasing a new version of this instant classic. The Basecamp Cali Watch from UNDONE has a bold visual impact that will bring attention to your wrist and the striking Californian dial is a real style winner for this new timepiece. For those seeking a dapper, well made and affordable watch for the autumn / winter, look no further.

The UNDONE Basecamp Cali Watch will is priced at $315 and this is a mighty fair price tag for such a classy looking timepiece that has so impressive features throughout. Made by the Swiss, used by the Italians and shared with the Germans, the California dial design; with its muddied military origins was conceived with one goal in mind, to aid WWII divers in referencing the time and 12 o’clock position without fail, coining the original name -the error-proof dial and it brings a real touch of class to this latest release from UNDONE.

Design Based on a Classic

At almost a century old, the quirky design of the California dial is still distinguishable by the unchanged half Arabic -half Roman numerical layout. Quartered by horizontal markers and a triangle; laid on thick for ease of application and higher legibility, this brilliant design has always been for those looking for a more esoteric, vintage twist and we’re big fans of this latest release from the guys at UNDONE here at Coolector HQ. The Basecamp Cali Watch is built for those seeking a well-balanced and operationally solid, EDC watch with a touch of panache and historical intrigue.

The UNDONE Basecamp Cali Watch ($315) is really set apart by its fantastic California dial which brings it to life aesthetically and really enhances the already high quality of the Basecamp range from UNDONE. At first glance this dial will look like the standard California design, highly legible, slightly barmy and eclectic but upon closer inspection and in the right lighting, the blank area reveals an intricate, waffle pattern typically seen on dress watches; fine lines that allow the light to explore deeper and bring an added dimension to the dial. At first it has your curiosity, then it has your complete attention and admiration.

The Cali dial launches in two different colour ways – namely, Olive Green and Ebony Black – which is a contemporary twist on the traditional, muted military tones. The default configuration will ship with the classic Mercedes hour and sword minutes handset and in trueUNDONE style, users will be able to customize this to suit. This will expand the dial, hand and colour options on the already popular Basecamp as well as compliment the three brand new graduated bezels which launched last month.

Attention To Detail

The Basecamp Cali Watch from UNDONE is housed in a 316L stainless steel case; circular brushed on top and polished along the sides and chamfers. The case measures in at 40mm diameter, 48mm lug-to-lug and 20mm strap width. Height comes in at 15mm from case back to the top of the double-domed Lexan Polycarbonate crystal; which gives it that curvaceous side profile. The timepiece is driven by the Seiko Instrument Inc. NH35a automatic movement; armed with a 42-hour power reserve when fully wound via the crown.

If you loved what UNDONE did with the original Basecamp and want to add another first class timepiece to your collection, you’ll get an absolute classic with the Cali – made all the more appealing by the stunningly reasonable $315 price tag. Classy from an aesthetic perspective with the sort of vintage style dial that we love here at The Coolector, it’s little wonder that we’ve fallen pretty hard for this one as well.