Set to be the first grade 5 titanium watch funded on Kickstarter, TiMe22 Robusto Titanium Watch from The Netherlands is a display of engineering feat mixed with interesting design. It has an unusual vibe that brings us back to the 70s and reminds me of my childhood love for futuristic alien technology.
Designed and engineered by Dutch engineers Stefan Wessels and Marc Schot, the TiMe22 Robusto is meant to be an engineer’s watch. In my opinion, it has no intention to appeal to hipsters and style-seekers but to those who values the merits of ingenious engineering and one who desires an (almost) indestructible tool watch.
The case and bracelet are made from grade 5 titanium, an element more robust and 45% lighter than steel. Mind you, this grade of titanium is predominately used to construct airplane frames and turbine engine components; and for use in surgical implants. While titanium is more prone to attract scratches, it is extremely durable and resist corrosion much better than steel. Bring it to the pool, rough it out in extreme sports, throw it into the sea (don’t do that, please); it will prevail.
The look of the TiMe22 Robusto is anchored on the most important ethos of Dutch designs: Simple and Powerful. Known for their unusual and quirky designs, Dutch designers achieved international recognition since the 1990s. This timepiece is no different from other Dutch designs; its oddly-shaped case looks almost formless after staring at it for too long. The integrated bracelet is seamless with the case but this may proof to be a problem for those who are keen to change into alternative straps. Relatively, the same issue comes with most watches with integrated bracelet.
Dial design is pretty much run-off-the-mill featuring bronze dial painted in either Royal Blue or Mocha with three-hands and a date window at the 3 o’clock position. Below the dial is either an ETA Normflatline 955.112 Quartz movement (Robusto Precision) or ETA 2824-2 automatic movement (Robusto Automatic), depending on which Robusto model you go with. They are both Swiss-made, what’s there to complain?
On the wrist, the TiMe22 Robusto is a rather handsome watch, especially with the Royal Blue dial. It is not a very thick watch, safe to say, pairing it with a suit is quite acceptable.
You can now back the TiMe22 Robusto on Indiegogo from a special price of €359 for the Precision and a little more at €489 for the Automatic!
TiMe22 Robusto Specifications
- Brushed grade 5 titanium* case
- Brushed grade 5 titanium* band (attached to case with screwed bars)
- Stainless steel (316L) hidden butterfly clasp with double push button
- Grade 5 titanium* case back
- The TiMe22 Robusto Precision features a Swiss ETA Normflatline 955.112 Quartz movement with 7 jewels and battery End-of-Life display.
- The TiMe22 Robusto Automatic features a Swiss ETA Mecaline 2824-2 Self-winding movement with 25 Jewels, 28.800 vibrations per hour and ETACHRON regulator system.
- Water resistant up to 20ATM / 200m / 660 ft (ISO 6425)
- Screwed down crown
- Sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating on the inside
- Two piece bronze dial, painted
- Easy to read Luminescent Hands coated with Swiss Super-Luminova® BGW9
- Large Luminescent Hour markers coated with Swiss Super-Luminova® BGW9
- Etched TiMe22 Logo
- Individual Serial String with authenticity method
- All watches are hand-assembled
- Lifetime warranty
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