Giuseppe Marasco I just found on Instagram a really cool microbrand called MT&W that live on Kickstarter with their first campaign!
MT&W is a new microbrand founded in 2021 and inspired by the vintage style of the Seventies.
Some of their favourite designs came during this decade, including the Omega Chronostop, the Zenith El Primero, and the Fortis Marinemaster.
By the Seventies, the chronograph watch had come to resemble the designs we know and love; curved lugs, three subdials, and a tachymeter bezel were all key characteristics that you will find in this microbrand MT&W!
Eclipse is their first model and this watch combines a vintage shape with a slimmer, contemporary case.
One of the most noticeable ways the brand balances vintage style with modern detailing is through carefully selected colors.
MT&W – the Patina dial.
Patina is a scientific process that occurs naturally over the years through oxidation and can be quickened with the help of chemicals.
It gives certain materials like metal and wood a tarnished finish with subtle fading and changes in the surface texture.
Simply put, patina is an effect that gives items a more aged appearance.
These days, the technique is frequently used by luxury fashion brands to give jewellery and accessories an antique finish.
MT&W Microbrand – the color choice
All the Chrono watches are characterized by a range of distinctive color schemes as you can see.
Unlike more traditional colourways such as the familiar black and white Panda, the Eclipse aims to do something a little unexpected.
This name comes from the contrast created when the dark backdrop and subdials meet the lighter tones of the golden dial – an effect which resembles three moons eclipsing a sun.
The most unique aspect of the Eclipse watch is in the finer details.
Designed in a classic Tachymetre style, the bezel is finished in a matte black tone along with the dial background and three subdials.
While it’s common practice to combine opposing colors and tones like whites and blacks, MT&W wanted to do things in their way and break with this tradition.
All of the numbers and markers are also finished in matte black, complementing rather than contrasting the other elements of the design.
The result is a unique combination of dark tones that keeps things low profile, while the deep red minute and second markers on the main dial catch the eye nicely.
As always with MT&W’s timepieces, the dial is finished with their signature patina effect, which lends an antique touch to the design and ensures every watch is truly one of a kind.
The case of the Eclipse is crafted from hand-polished 316 stainless steel with a double curved lug.
They assemble the golden patina dial with Seiko VK63 movement, which allows the watch to retain its slim shape once it’s all put together.
MT&W’s skilled watchmakers assemble each piece by hand, combining the black bezel with thick dome crystal.
When it’s finished, the whole watch measures just 12.7mm in thickness, while the 40mm case allows it to maintain a classic appearance on the wrist.
MT&W Microbrand – Specifications and contacts
Their site here www.mtw.watch
Their Kickstarter campaign here https://bit.ly/3OVbDpP
MOVEMENT
Japanese Seiko VK63 Mechanical-Quartz Chronograph
DIMENSIONS
Bezel Width – 40mm excluding crown
Case Thickness – 13.5 mm including crystal
Lug to Lug – 48mm
MATERIALS
Case – 316L Stainless Steel
CRYSTAL
High Clarity Domed K1 Mineral Crystal
DIAL
Metallica dial with our Signature Aged Patina
STRAP
Premium Leather / Nato Strap with pin buckle
WATER RESISTANCE
3 ATM / 30 Meters
WEIGHT
58g
MT&W Why buy?
Many brands make watches inspired by vintage times, especially chronograph brands.
In this case, this microbrand has really made something original and I think that if you are a fan of microbrands watches, you absolutely must have this watch in your collection.
Definitely good value for money, choice of materials and especially originality of the dial!
