Almost everything about the first watch from indy watchmaker David Rutten is unusual. Called the Streamline, its tank-like case is made of meteorite and, in place of a traditional dial, it features an uncommon fully “digital” display with a mechanically interesting movement providing a jumping hour complication. Most unexpected of all is that its design is Art Deco, avant-garde, and retro-futuristic all at once, and yet feels simple and harmonious.
The case measures 37mm wide by 12mm thick (50m water-resistant) and curves slightly to help its blocky shape fit the wrist more easily. A lot of brands have offered watches with dials of meteorite in recent years because the material is exotic by nature and offers interesting textures with organic patterns. Use as a case material, however, is rare, and mixed with the unusual case shape, the result is striking.
The case back (titanium, as is the crown) displays the hand-wound movement with plates that are skeletonized and decorated in a manner consistent with the watch’s overall industrial, Art Deco motif. Made for David Rutten based on the Christopher Ward SH21 movement, it has 120 hours (five days) of power reserve and adds a jumping hour complication developed specifically for this watch — which the brand claims jumps instantaneously and audibly on the hour.
Aimed at collectors, all these elements together in a Swiss watch are not going to come cheap, but the David Rutten Streamline’s price of $9,850 is lower than expected and a fraction of also very avant-garde and visually comparable Swiss watches by the likes of, say, Urwerk or MB&F. The David Rutten Streamline is limited to only 88 pieces.
Gear Patrol also recommends:
Humber Droz HD4 Watch (~$610)
Zelos Skyraider Bronze Meteorite Watch ($1,099)
Azimuth Mr Roboto 2 Watch ($6,000)
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