Karl-Leimon Classic Field
Karl-Leimon is a Japanese brand born under the “make an affordable luxury watch” slogan that is all too popular these days. Cutting the middleman and all that stuff, launching a Kickstarter and then seeing where that takes the brand. Many brands have started this way, and many have died due to having sub-par products and a weak business plan. Karl-Leimon, however, seems to be thriving. Launching new models, and actually producing decent watches at an affordable price. The Classic Field has arrived at my test bench, and if you keep reading, you might find out why I think Karl-Leimon sets itself apart from much of the competition.
It is a good looking watch, let there be no doubt about that.
DESIGN
While some of their designs awaken some sort of skepticism within my analytical headquarters, due to looking a slight bit too much like Pateks, the Classic Field steers clear of these homage accusations. It carries the go anywhere do anything aesthetic of a field watch, while being elevated into a dressier territory by its polished surfaces and fantastic dial.
The high polish case and facets, might suggest that this is a field watch better left at home when you inevitably have to go to war. It's just a bit too good looking. The black sunburst dial excels under differing light conditions, and you will be sure to look once or twice at it when the sun hits at the correct angle. I am a massive fan of the raised and lumed indices, with 3, 6, 9, and 12 in Arabic numerals.
With a case diameter of 38mm, and a lug width of 20mm, this timepiece sits right in that sweet spot. Adding on a thickness of no more than 9,5mm (thank you Miyota), this is a very wearable and comfortable watch.
A modern take on the field watch
12 - 3 - 6 - 9 in arabic numerals, combined with lume filled block indices.
MOVEMENT
The Miyota 9039 is what allows this watch to slide right under your cuff. It is a slim and incredibly durable movement, offering significantly higher standards than the old de-facto microbrand movement, the NH35. I like that it is no-date. This example runs very well.
BUILD QUALITY
Japanese watchmaking is known for the high quality of their case work. The Classic Field is no exception. All facets are sharp and precise, while both the polishing and the brushing is beautifully executed.
The dial is pristine, with zero dust or marks. It holds up very well even under the scrutinizing eye of my macro lens
STRAP
The Classic Field is supplied on a fitted rubber strap. An unconventional, but welcome, choice. The strap is thick and feels very durable, while having a perfect fit towards the case. I find that it attracts too much dust, and that it is difficult to keep clean. It is also quite sticky, making it somewhat of a hassle to pull the strap through the keepers when putting it on the wrist
The watch will look great on a myriad of straps, and I can't wait to put in on a nice pass through textile strap.
X-FACTOR
This is a good looking watch, no doubt. It is better than any modern Seiko I have tried in the price range. I could, no doubt, recommend this to someone looking for a reasonably sized daily from a smaller brand. My favorite aspect is the brilliantly finished case that is guaranteed to keep you looking at it longer than you probably should.
