MICRO MONDAYS: The Arctic Explorer Signature Series from Tool Watch Co.
Ricardo SimeWhat constitutes the ultimate tool watch for you? Should the case be made of durable materials? Do you want a movement that’s robust, reliable and easy to service? Should the size be small enough so it’s not prone to daily encounters with a door jam? It’s these type of questions that Tool Watch Co. (I know – very straight-forward brand name) have tried to answer with their inaugural release. Say hello to the Arctic Explorer Signature Series.
The Arctic Explorer is a time-only watch that screams “purpose built”. The case, made of titanium, has a smoky grey colour that the material is known for. Tool Watch Co. chose it for both its lightness and overall strength. Being mindful of titanium’s low hardness rating (high scratchability), the brand has chosen to add a coating to both the case and crown that raises its overall hardness. The screw-down crown, located at 3 o’clock, is titanium as well and helps the watch achieve 200 metres of water resistance.
As for the dimensions, the Arctic Explorer is 38mm with a lug-to-lug of 46.35mm and a thickness of 11.35mm. The case is quite angular, with blocky lugs and well defined, sharp lines separating facets. The finishing is brushed, however there is a bit of polished trim on the side of the bezel. That breaks up the uniformity and adds a bit of flair.
Sitting behind a beautiful boxed sapphire crystal (AR-coated), we have a truly unique, natural meteorite dial. Blue in colour, with striations, it’s reminiscent of a blizzard landscape and really builds on the Arctic name. From there, we jump to the hands, with the hour hand outlined in black, while the minute and seconds hand are icy blue in colour. BGW9, grade A, blue superluminova, is used on all three, as well as on the indexes. Looking closely at the seconds hand, you’ll notice an interesting toothed design. This is modelled after an arctic hunting-tool (pictured in the bottom left).
Beating inside the watch and clearly labelled on the dial, is a Sellita SW200 automatic movement. It is a 4hz movement (28,800 bph) and has a 38 hour power reserve. The seconds hand can be hacked for precise time setting and the movement can be hand wound in the first position. As for movement finishing, we can’t tell because it is hidden behind a closed caseback. For our viewing pleasure we are instead treated to a polar bear etching; another one of the many arctic-related design cues on this watch.
The Arctic Explorer Signature Series will come on a titanium H-Link bracelet, completing the titanium look. In addition, you will get the pictured 20mm Saffiano tanned leather strap. When on the wrist, this strap is quite pliable thus leading to a very comfortable wear. The dark blue colour also works perfectly with the blue of the meteorite dial.
Overall, the Arctic Explorer Signature Series presents as a very capable watch. By using titanium, the wearer is assured that it will stand up well to anything thrown its way. That is also aided by the hard coating Tool Watch Co. adds to the mix. Though some may question the heavy use of the Arctic theme, I appreciate the brand going all out. That decision turns what could have been a run of the mill watch into a truly unique proposition. I also have to give Tool Watch Co. major props for still managing to give us a cohesive watch with all these Arctic design cues. Small decisions like colour matched strap stitching and the lack of a date help. With their debut watch, Tool Watch Co more than live up to their name.
Tool Watch Co. Arctic Explorer Collection Price and Availability:
The complete Arctic Explorer Signature Series collection will become available for preorder starting November 2nd. The brand will also release an edition limited to 150 pieces with a black dial and a limited edition of 10 pieces with a white dial. Price $800 USD. For more information, check their website.
Made in partnership with Tool Watch Co. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.