Objest

REVIEW: PETA approves watch that won’t cost the Earth

The strapline used by Objest in bringing its new, PETA-approved watch to market is that it won’t cost the Earth.

Prices starting at £325 certainly won’t do that and with contemporary design and two complementary monochrome palettes, WatchPro takes a closer look.

Featuring an ETA 2824-2 automatic movement, the ethical values not only tap into a fresh, forward thinking market, but also one which values the quality that traditional Swiss watchmaking brings.

Objest, the London-based product design studio, has ensured the Hach V retains the signature simple, soft pebble-like silhouette of the brand’s previous collections while ensuring a its followers, fans and those new to the brand see a transition within its watchmaking.

In spending a week with the new watch, the Hach V certainly does not disappoint on that front and offers a lightweight feel which not only oozes usability, but also a perfect combination of traditional, contemporary class.

In driving that thought home, Objest founder, Jared Mankelow says: “Good design shouldn’t cost the earth. That’s why we’re striving to be more ethical, better at caring for the environment and protecting animals and their welfare.

“This is helping to form our mandate and vision for the future of the brand. As a start we are donating 10% of all profits of this watch collection to The World Land Trust, FRIEND and The Farm Animal Sanctuary.”

The Hach V features double-domed sapphire glass, a concave dial and open caseback while the rounded sides and cambered surfaces make the 42mm case wear smaller, ensuring the design will appeal to men and women – again offering real usability on any occasion.

The watch is fitted with scratch resistant sapphire glass for optimal clarity and protection.

Hour markers at 3,6,9,12 sit below and surface and are polished, with small dots marking the indices in between. Thin controlled lines are printed on the concave surface of the dial creating a graphical pattern, while still being functional.

The hands come in a contrasting matte colour, with the seconds hand featuring Objest’s signature reverse teardrop design.

Detailing of the pattern on the caseback continues through onto the rotor, which comes in a black or silver finish. The lugless design is fastened to the wrist with apple skin vegan leather, made from a by- product of the apple juicing process in Northern Italy.

Mankelow continues: “The Hach V automatic remains true to Objest’s original design values: The simple, modern design combined with a concave dial has a sense of control, yet still being graphic in nature. We’ve tried to produce an everyday watch that is considered, not too fussy but still has character, with subtle texture changes, controlled line weights and a sense of craft.”

In leaning into the vegan and earth-conscious market while staying true to some elements of traditional watchmaking, Objest has managed to strike just about the perfect balance in doing so with a new timepiece that is sure to excite when it goes live on Kickstarter from the February 2.

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