As The Time Bum reported here, and here, Manchester Watch Works has a new project in the works. I have already previewed the TatoskoQ, but now that it has launched on Kickstarter,
I got my mitts on a pre-production sample. Call it a post-preview
maybe? Protoype review? Whatever. I got it, I wore it, and after a few
days on the wrist, I found I rather liked this oddly named watch with
its clever spin on the familiar diver's design.
It is 42.5mm wide, 47mm long, and
just under 12.5mm thick, which is on par for a diver. The
Kickstarterpage lists it as 11mm thick, but that is the case only. The
case back adds a bit more. It is a standard sized watch for people who
want a larger look. The stainless steel case is shaped like a hockey
puck: broad, round, and flat-sided with straight lugs. It does not
occupy much space on your wrist, but its proportions suggest mass. This
impression is heightened by the flat bezel and crystal, and a vertical
rehaut that accentuates the depth of the dial. The case is offered in
three finishes: polished, matte blasted, and black PVD. My sample was
polished, a clean and attractive look that suggested some dress-diver
aspirations.
The bezel sits flush with the case
and has a knurled edge for easy grip. It made its 120 click rotation
easily with positive detents and no play. The glossy black aluminum
insert looked great alongside the shiny case surface, and the lumed
triangle in the red square at top center is a nice touch. The bezel
markers have attracted some controversy in the watch forums. The silver
numbers are rendered in a thin, serif font that is uncommon for a dive
bezel. I understand MWW is considering a second bezel insert option as
well, but I have no details. Personally, I like the current insert. I
found it easily legible (at least on dry land) and I like the fact that
the markers are different. [Update: MWW is now offering a second bezel option for an additional $5 pledge. See photo below the article.]
Speaking of different, the
TatoskoQ's dial certainly stands apart. When the watch was first
announced, it promised a sand textured dial. I pictured a rough surface,
and that assumption was correct, but I did not anticipate the way it
would catch the light. The tiny peaks actually sparkle in sunlight. You
may have to squint a bit to read the red model name and white water
rating, but the large rectangular markers and white index are plain as
day, as are the broad arrow shaped hands. [Update: MWW has added an new option for different hands too. See pic below.]
The trapezoidal 12 o'clock marker is split crosswise, not unlike a
diver down flag, an association underscored by its position beneath the
red bezel marker. It is a handsome dial and these unexpected twists set
the TatoskoQ apart from its competition.
The TatoskoQ is more than just
flash. It also has all the right specs for undersea adventure. A 6mm
knurled and signed screw down crown sits at 4 o'clock. A notch in the
underside of the case affords easy operation. The sapphire crystal has
an anti-reflective coating. The watch is rated for 200m water resistance
and has C3 SuperLuminova on the hands, markers, and pip to ensure
visibility as the daylight fades. It is supplied with a 22mm perforated
polyurethane strap and the option of a MWW designed tricolor NATO. The
sample had the poly, and frankly, it was not my favorite. I found it
unpleasantly stiff and overly long. Given my druthers, I would opt for
the more comfortable and attractive NATO. While nylon straps are an
excellent practical choice for water, many dive watches are just too
tall and bulky for them; however, the TatoskoQ's relatively low profile
has no such problem. It would also look rather sharp on black leather or
sailcloth with red stitching. Drilled lugs make strap swaps a breeze.
The
watch is named for a mythical creature of Native American Abenaki
mythology that was said to inhabit Lake Champlain, Vermont. A friendly
cartoon drawing of the beast graces the case back. Inside, you will find
a Swiss
made Ronda 715Li quartz, a long life movement with 5 jewels, gold
plating, and a battery end of life indicator. The "Li" denotes the
lithium battery, which should last 10 years. The watch may ordered with
or without a date window. My sample came without, and while I generally
prefer it this way, I am less adverse to dates on quartz movements as
they are more amenable to set and forget. The TatoskoQ's date will be
black-on-white, replacing the 4 o'clock marker for a relatively seamless
integration into the dial.
The TatoskoQ will retail for $358 and early backers can get theirs for as little as $198.
The three finishes, two strap, and date options allow you to tailor the
watch to your needs. I liked the polished sample, but if you seek a
more rugged appearence, you might try the blasted finish. For me, the
black PVD is right on the money, combining the utilitarian stealth look
with an almost piano lacquer gloss. If you are in the market for a
diver, you should a have a look at MWW.
12/6/14 Update: The TatoskoQ failed to fund, but MWW is moving forward with production and has replaced the quartz with a Miyota 9015 automatic! You can pre-order one for $230 on Watchuseek.
Pro: Unique NATO, striking dial
Con: Polyurethane strap
Sum: Nicely done diver. The Time Bum approves.
