JORD Watches: Wooden Timepieces Done Right

JORD Watches: Wooden Timepieces Done Right

Standing out from the crowd is easier said than done when designing and crafting a watch. Over the years, we have seen watchmakers turn to various gimmicks and unique designs to appeal to wearers. One of those unique flourishes has been the wooden timepiece, which if done well can be elegant, but if done poorly can look and feel cheap. JORD is a company that does the wooden watch justice with its slick designs for men and women.

JORD understands what it takes to make a good timepiece. Through a painstaking development process, the company has been able to craft appealing wooden watches. The key to the success of JORD products is a clear understanding of what a timepiece made from wood should offer. Firstly, excellently sourced materials, detailed craftsmanship, and finally ensuring the watch itself is quality.

No gimmicks here, just designs that will appeal to watch enthusiasts combining mechanical accuracy with cool visuals. In addition to exotic woods, such as Zebrawood, Koa, Black Palm, and Ebony, JORD incorporates other natural materials such as black Marquina and white marble. JORD has also quickly become a favorite amongst Apple Watch owners, who can buy specialized straps made from wood or leather.

Men’s JORD Watches

JORD men’s watches are available in a wide range of series. Covering all sizes and aesthetics, the selections are affordable and appealing, while each series is available in several wood finishes and designs.

The Black Palm Limited Edition MERIDIAN is a particular standout in the men’s range. This spectacular watch is made from Borassus Flabellifer and is only available in a run of 300 made-to-order pieces. JORD has also debuted its RIST (Resin-Infusion Stabilization Technology) on the Black Palm.

RIST is a specialized resin solution that has been developed to allow added strength and a more premium finish. JORD achieved this leap in technology by placing the Black Palm wood into an activated resin, which was then put under a vacuum. The company describes the innovation as horology first, providing the wearer with a more durable and resistant material.

MERIDIAN – 45mm Dual wheel self-winding automatic with power reserve

DOVER – 42mm Self-winding automatic (full skeleton design)

CONWAY – 42mm Sport 6-hand quartz chronograph with date

HYDE – 43mm minimalist multi-dial with date

SAWYER – 50mm 7-hand self-winding automatic chronograph with date

FRANKIE – 45mm ultra-thin quartz minimalist

Women’s JORD Watches

Some JORD watches are suitable for both men and women, such as JORD’s most popular seller, the Frankie, which comes in several color/wood combinations. Elsewhere, timepieces are versatile and elegant in the ladies range, available in several finishes, such as leather, mesh, and of course wood.

The latest addition to the JORD lineup is the SIER ARCADIA series. Four new timepieces designed for women, the SIER ARCADIA marries elements such as black Marquina and white marble combined with rose gold. Customers can choose between mesh or leather interchangeable bands, as well as JORD’s famous wooden offerings.  

Early in 2019, JORD will release its new Cora watch for women. Available in several color combinations (Walnut & Navy, Zebrawood & Turquoise, and Koa & Rose Gold). The Core is a 34mm timepiece with a Swarovski constellation dial with an open window to the Citizen Miyota 6t28 automatic movement.

SIER – 38mm Stone dial minimalist. Interchangeable leather & metal mesh bands

CASSIA – 40mm 2-hand classic quartz minimalist

CORA – 36mm Self-winding skeleton automatic with Swarovski crystals

FRANKIE – 45mm ultra-thin quartz minimalist

Go Your Own Way

JORD understands that their timepieces are unique, making them interesting talking points or fantastic gifts. Customers can add that extra touch of interest by personalizing their JORD timepieces. Customization options include personal engraving, while each watch can be opulently presented in a cedar humidor box.

Available now in a range of designs and prices, JORD watches are quickly becoming a hot topic amongst watch aficionados, who appreciate the attention to detail. JORD has simply done the wooden watch right, and the results are a series of unforgettable timepieces.

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Zahnd And Kormann ZK Diver 2 | Hands On Review

Zahnd And Kormann ZK Diver 2

The Zahnd And Kormann ZK Diver 2 launched on Kickstarter this morning and offers a very affordable way to get a COSC certified dive watch that is available in many different colors, different metals (steel or titanium), and also as a GMT. I only had a short time with the Diver 2 as I had to get it passed on to another person and I was heading out on vacation shortly after the watch arrived but I was able to record a video review which you see posted above. Because of my short time with the watch I am not sure if I gave it the fairest shake or if I was a little jaded in my view of it, which sometimes does happen. I will try here to be as objective as possible, within reason of course.

Zahnd And Kormann ZK Diver 2 Specifications:

• Available in Stainless Steel, PVD, Titanium or Solid Gold Cases
• 44mm Width
• 15mm Thick
• 51mm Lug To Lug
• Ceramic Bezel
• Sapphire Crystal
• Sellita SW200 or SW300 (GMT) Movement
• COSC Certified Movement Upgrade Available
• 600 Meters Water Resistant
• Delivery in August/September

Price:  As low as $462 for the NON–COSC movement. Check Kickstarter for all pricing and rewards. 

https://timeisyours.ch/en/

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1953974228/zk-no2-cosc-certified-swiss-made-automatic-diver-g?ref=nav_search&result=project&term=cosc

The Zahnd And Kormann ZK Diver 2 is the second watch to be released from the Switzerland based brand. Their first, a moon phase chronograph was successful on Kickstarter in 2017 and of course, the company is hoping the lighting will strike twice. While moon phase chronograph watches are not rare, I personally feel there was a little more originality to the overall design of that model. This Diver and the GMT (which share the same case and bracelet, etc), are very reminiscent of a Rolex Submariner. The size is larger than most submariner homages at 44mm and of course, the dial and hands are very different but it is obvious to me where the inspiration came from. Now, many know I have covered many sub homages here on Watchreport, but those watches replicate the original more closely. Here, they wanted to do something different, but not totally different and I feel they could have gone with a different case and bracelet so that the watch would stand out more and not be compared to those others.

Now, let me be clear here. For those that are not familiar with this site or my point of view, I am here to give me an opinion, and yes, I always try to be objective and compare to what is currently on the market. It also does not escape me of course that many watches no matter what will end up looking similar to others or homage others etc. It is inevitable. So why do I have an issue with the case and bracelet of this Zahnd and Kormann Diver 2? I am not exactly sure. In a way, I guess it seems to be the easy way out. On the other hand, using a more simple and well-recognized case design might have helped keep the cost down and allow for the very affordable pricing for the COSC movement and because of the very popular case style, allow it to have a wider audience base.

So what exactly are you getting with this Diver 2? Well, there are a lot of options. On Kickstarter, the base pledge (where you receive a watch) is $462, which will get you the watch you see being reviewed here, in any color combination and choice of steel or black PVD steel. This option uses the élaboré SW200 automatic movement. There are then options to upgrade to a titanium case and bracelet and of course, the COSC option. If you really want to upgrade, you can now also get this watch (or the GMT) in solid rose gold, solid yellow and solid white gold,  which of course is going to set you back a good chunk of change.

Initially, I felt that the best value would be the titanium and COSC option, which would put you around $720 and I still stand by that. That said, at $462, the élaboré version with an SW200 or just a little more if looking at the GMT versions, is not a bad price at all, considering you do get a very nice looking patterned dial, ceramic bezel, solid steel bracelet that has a quick removal mechanism along with a ratchet extension clasp. All of that for under $500 is very appealing, especially if you really like the design.

This watch is built, or at least the company claims it is built to be a hard use dive watch as well, as it has a 600m water resistance rating and a helium release valve on the non-crown side of the case, which it oddly promotes on the dial as you see above. If that claim holds true, then this watch is more than just form and functions well above many dive watches in its price range that are normally rated only to 200m. Are Zahnd and Kormann actually testing these watches to that depth? I hope so.

The watch I had in hand was, of course, a prototype, a sample and I am not sure what changes are planned for production. I do know what changes I would like to see. Most have to do with the bracelet as opposed to the dial or case, but I will say the large Z&K logo is a little off-putting, but it is lumed as you will see in the lume shots below. No, the biggest thing I would change would the high polished center links of the oyster link bracelet. If that is not an option, maybe then add some high polish areas to the ratchet dive clasp, as it looks like it was meant for a different watch as is.

As far as comfort goes, I would say this Zahnd And Kormann ZK Diver 2 feels like a 44mm Steinhart Ocean One on the wrist and of course looks similar as well, as far as the case and bracelet go. I did not have to remove any links from this bracelet and considering I have a 7 1/12 inch wrist, I would consider the bracelet to be short. Again, this was a sample watch, so hopefully, more links will be included come to the production models. If you do need to size the bracelet, it uses split pins as opposed to screws, which I would prefer.

Lume

I always state when I am in love with or enamored with any watch I review, and that is clearly not the case with The Zahnd And Kormann ZK Diver 2. That does not mean I do not see the tremendous value it offers and while this watch is not for me, I can see why many would want it and be happy with it, especially if you have always wanted a COSC movement and can get one here for well under $1000. As far as the solid gold options, I am not sure who would be dropping the coin for those-lets be realistic, the brand does not have the name or history for someone to spend that kind of money on a watch, gold or otherwise. Steel and Titanium are where it is at for this model lineup at this point in time. As always though, this is just one man’s opinion. Click the links through the review to take you to their Kickstarter if you are interested in pledging or to their website for more info. I want to hear what you think, so leave your comments below.

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Ayers Metropolitan | Hands-On Watch Review

Ayers Metropolitan

Many people when discussing microbrands talk about how there is no originality sometimes, with the countless Rolex homages, Panerai homages and many more that are available out there and continue to pop up daily. The Ayers Metropolitan, while not being completely uninspired by other brands is a nice breath of fresh air if you will, as they decided to something very different compared to their competition. The highlight of this cushion case wristwatch is the full lume dial that has a two-layer sectioned dial that really stands out, especially in the dark.

Ayers Metropolitan Specifications:

• MOVEMENT Miyota 9015 Premium Slim Automatic Movement
• DIAL & LUME Full Swiss Super-LumiNova® dial, Swiss Super-LumiNova® hour & minute hands and indices.
• CASE 44mm Stainless Steel 316L Cushion Case with Exhibition Case Back
• CRYSTAL (Top) Sapphire crystal with Anti-reflective coating and (bottom) sapphire crystal
• BRACELET Stainless Steel 316L Bracelet with butterfly clasp
• WATER RESISTANT 10ATM (100m)
• DIMENSIONS 44 x 52mm (49mm diagonal)
• THICKNESS 10.50mm
• LUG TO LUG 51.20mm
• LUG WIDTH Internal width 14.00mm and external width 26.00mm
• CROWN Screw-down
• FEATURES Date window at 3 o’clock, Limited Edition engraving
• WARRANTY 2 Years

Price $790 USD

https://ayerswatches.com/

Most of the time I really do not mention the packaging of a watch because usually, it is just cardboard or leather-like box and nothing really special. The Ayers Metropolitan, on the other hand, comes in a gorgeous lacquered wood box that you just don’t usually see with a $790 price tag. It really is a nice wood box, it not only looks great but is solid and hefty and is well made. Also included is a metal warranty card.

While cushion case watches are nothing new, and you can see some inspiration from some luxury watches with the Ayers Metropolitan case and bracelet, the case and bracelet are very well machined and finished, with horizontal, vertical and circular brushing throughout. This is not an off the shelf case or bracelet and Ayers definitely wanted to make a serious watch and paid attention to the small details.

The case and bracelet are mostly done in a brushed finish and you will find just a little bit of high polish under the fixed bezel area and the crown. Normally an all brushed finish is reserved for tool style watches or divers, but the use of brushing patterns gives a nice contrast, especially on the sides of the case and the H-Link bracelet.

Not to disregard the case finishing I just highlighted but the main attraction of the Ayers Metropolitan is definitely the sectioned dial. Full lume dials are nothing new and sectioned dials are not either, though they are not the norm. In different lighting, the dial can come across as bright white, slightly green or slightly blue and that is due to the dial being coated in Superluminova. For this variation, orange Superluminova is used for the hands and markers and I love the white and orange contrast, as usually it is black and orange that is used for dial colors and this is a nice change. Also, note how the brand name is written on a little nameplate if you will and not actually on the lower dial. Ayers kept the dial text to an absolute minimum and beyond the sections, the only other item added to the dial is the date cutout at 3 o’clock.

Getting close up to dial while in full darkness, you can see evenly the lume application is applied to both the dial, hands, and markers. If you want lots of lume and are looking for something different, look no further.

Moving around to the case back, you find another sapphire crystal which exposes the Miyota 9015 automatic movement which has an Ayers engraved rotor. Being a 9015, the rotor is loud and having the exhibition case back makes it even louder, but that is just a quirk of this movement that is otherwise fantastic.

On my 7 1/2 inch wrist the Ayers Metropolitan fits perfectly and that is not something that I expected when I first looked at it, as it has a dual deployant clasp and those type of bracelets I usually struggle to get the perfect fit. Fortunately, Ayers was smart and included two half links on the bracelet and sizing was a breeze due to one piece screws that are easily removed. I removed 3 and a half links to fit my wrist, and the fit was perfect and overall the watch is very comfortable. One thing of note though, because of the crown guards and small crown, trying to unscrew the crown and change the time or the date on the wrist is really not doable, at least for me. I have a slightly difficult time with it off the wrist too.

I honestly did not expect the Ayers Metropolitan to be as nice as it is. I am truly impressed. From the packaging to the case finishing, gorgeous lume dial and the well thought out bracelet, this is a watch that really does punch above its weight. My only real gripe would be that for a 44mm watch, the crown is on the small side and is hard to grasp, at least with my fingers. Other than that, I think they have a real winner here. The overall style is not something I would personally choose to wear every day, but I can definitely see the appeal and it would be something I would grab out of the watch box every so often to change things up a bit. I am looking forward to seeing their second model, which I hope is in the works.

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