Anyone who regularly visits Total Watch Reviews knows that I am a huge fan of Kickstarter. This crowdfunding platform has enabled many companies to bring their creations to market. Previously they would have had secured finances from Banks, which usually comes with numerous clauses and conditions. It also gives budding entrepreneurs a clear insight into whether their products have commercial appeal. Ultimately this eliminates the risk because if people don’t bid they haven’t wasted huge amounts of money on marketing. This business model seems to really work in the watch industry and especially below the $1,000 threshold. Recent success stories have included Watchismo, Klokers and Singapore based brand D.M.1936 (formerly Deutsche Master).
In the last eighteen months D.M.1936 has really developed its product range. When I first featured the company their watches were derivative of more exclusive Swiss brands like Panerai and IWC. For example the Panzer V (from Heer Collection) was an absolute pleasure to wear but not massively original. Fortunately nowadays Deutsche Master has refined its designs and are producing some really interesting timepieces. The 1936 Bronzter SS-249 Flasher perfectly illustrates this point.
A few weeks ago D.M.1936 sent me one of their latest models for review purposes. The 1936 Bronzter SS-249 is probably the company’s most expensive and accomplished watch so far. With a diameter measuring 45mm (excluding the Emergency Tool and crown) the timepiece is predominantly targeted towards the male audience. Generally I found the watch sat comfortably on my wrist and I didn’t encounter any friction from the lugs. Primarily this is down to the innovative case design and use of German Bronze in production. Certainly I would be more than happy to wear this watch on a daily basis.
Visually the 1936 Bronzter SS-249 has a very bold and striking appearance. Although the façade is very similar to the U-3001 Automatic Power Reserve there are many noticeable differences. For example the choice of German Bronze for the bezel and case really elevates the design. The crown is now on the left hand side and the Emergency Tool on the right. These modifications give the watch its own unique and distinctive identity. Other features include a retro coffee coloured dial with large contrasting numerals and a really cool retrograde power reserve indicator.
Powering the watch is an upgraded Japanese (rather than Chinese made caliber used on previous models) Miyota 8215 self-winding movement. This mechanism comprises 21-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. Functionally the 1936 Bronzter SS-249 Flasher features hours, minutes, seconds and small date facility. The timepiece also has a power reserve of 40-hours and is water resistant to a depth of 100 metres.
The 1936 Bronzter SS-249 is limited to 50 pieces and come with a high quality tan leather strap. Priced competitively at: $890.
For more information about D.M.1936 visit the company’s website: http://www.dm1936.com