stuff we drool about

Techne Sparrowhawk Ii Watch

The brand Techné is the brainchild of Switzerland-based Franck J. The word "techné" comes from the Ancient Greek TEXVN, which translates to craftsmanship or craft, « the rational method involved in producing an object through art ». Their new watch SparrowHawk II is an affordable, vintage/military aesthetic watch. It is available in two styles: brushed steel on steel bracelet or nato strap, and cockpit black on canvas strap or nato strap.
 
The watch arrived in a nice military spec packaging with a cool retro-inspired utilitarian design, the cardboard outer box and field manual are made of unbleached cardstock, in fact, Techné try to uphold accountability and sustainability as much as possible, they use recycled paper for their printed literature, and recycled cardboard for their shipping boxes. The watch itself comes in a practical capsule case, similar to a sunglasses case with foam inside. Contrary to other fancy and big elaborate cases, you can actually use this compact sturdy case for travel.

The watches feature a modern aviation style design, with simple case design and a very attractive dial. Two models of case are available as we mentioned, both have matte black dials making the markers stand out, they are very easy to read. We got a few of the straps to play with,and although we think the black case looks better with the khaki strap, we agreed that the nato straps are perfectly suited with the brushed steel case. Techne offers a range of colors for the nato straps, allowing you to decide witch fits the character of the watch better.  
 
The watch is moved by an energy-efficient Seiko Instruments VK63 mechanism. Seiko engineers limited to 2 the amount of 4 or 5 step motors usually found in chronographs, and allowed to use the pressure of the finger for reset. Showing 1/5th of a second, this "stopwatch on a diet” runs one year longer than similar products, which means 1/3 less battery change. Pretty amazing how they can apply this innovative technology at an affordable price. Every SparrowHawk II watch is individually numbered, adding to their collectibility.
 
Overall, this is a well-executed aviator watch, perfect for special occasions or even as a daily wear. If you are looking for a military-style watch, with a great array of strap options, at an outstanding value, this is definitely a good option.

Quick Overview: 

Wrist watch with seconds register, minutes and hours hands, military time (ISO 8601 Standard) and mechanical chronograph with central seconds (1/5th) and 60 minutes register.

Specs:

- Water-resistance 10 bar (100 m / 333 ft, static)
- Time base Quartz Oscillator
- Limited Warranty 12 months
- Measure between horns (lugs) 20 mm
- Accuracy (minutes per year) ±0h02
- Autonomy (hours) 26�00
- Calibre Seiko Instruments VK63
- Measurements: 41.5 x 49.5 x 11.7 mm
- Smallest unit displayed 5 Hz

Photography: Bless this Stuff




techne-sparrowhawk-2-watch-2.jpg | Image

techne-sparrowhawk-2-watch-3.jpg | Image

techne-sparrowhawk-2-watch-4.jpg | Image

techne-sparrowhawk-2-watch-5.jpg | Image

UNDONE BASECAMP WATCH - Image

UNDONE BASECAMP WATCH

Undone offers high-quality personalized and customized timepieces for lovers of classic tool watches. Their latest offering is the Basecamp, a watch built for the urban explorer.  The sleek sports watch features a 40mm-wide, 15mm-thick case, and is powered by a reliable Seiko NH35a automatic movement. Armed with a 42-hour power reserve, the watch fuels up by wrist motion, but can also be wound manually via the crown. The minimalist bezel features only a lum...
read more
Nomad Glow 2.0 Collection - Image

Nomad Glow 2.0 Collection

Nomad, the renowned Apple accessories maker, has unveiled its latest Glow 2.0 Collection, featuring an upgraded Sport Band for the Apple Watch and the all-new Glow Sport Case for iPhone 15 Pro models. The Glow 2.0 Sport Band promises three times the brightness of its predecessor, boasting a vibrant neon green glow that stands out even in the darkest environments. Crafted from durable FKM fluoroelastomer rubber, this band offers comfort, water resistance, ...
read more
MINUS-8 DIVER 2020 - Image

MINUS-8 DIVER 2020

Minus-8, is a San Francisco-based watch brand putting a spin on classic designs. Their best selling watch, the Diver, is back in stock and better than ever. Now available, the Diver 2020 has improved lume, a tighter bezel, a stronger bracelet, and the same innovative design that made it their most popular watch. Powered by a fully automatic Seiko movement, it is waterproof up to 300 meters (30 ATM), and has a helium-release valve for smooth surfacing under extreme c...
read more