Update from the workshop

 

2023 was a huge year for us in the workshop. We hired three new machinists in the last 12 months, hired a mechanical engineering intern in just the last month and grew our project list massively. As many of you know, we have a sister business called NH Micro that uses our capabilities to manufacture high precision parts for parallel industries. We manufactured parts that are in satellites that are currently in orbit, in medical devices that are currently in people's bodies, parts for particle accelerators, components for telescopes, assemblies for quantum computers... the list goes on. 2023 proved that Australia sees tremendous value in onshoring its manufacturing, and that the AU manufacturing market has strong demands in sourcing highly precise, highly demanding components. We saw that our skills that are birthed from watchmaking are valued in nearly every field outside of horology, yet in weird ways, it always seems to come back to timekeeping. On the NHW side, we manufactured more watches in more ranges this year than any other year. Our yearly production still sits just under 100 watches per year, which for a small company like ours is a mammoth task. We manufactured four new colours of MK2's, made an entry into a world-wide watchmaking competition, and have made tremendous headway on our NH55 watches (more information to come shortly!). We invested in more equipment, focusing on polishing, metrology (measuring) and surface finishing. And most importantly we were "chained to the bench". Every after-sales query was handled and resolved by Andrew - promptly and accurately. Growth is a strange concept sometimes, it can quickly vary from feeling like your wheels are spinning in the mud, to moving at a significant portion of the speed of light. But despite either feeling, there is a constant. The people. Nothing would be possible without our team. So, to the team; Gemma, Andrew, Emily, Nick, and Tanya in Castlereagh St, Josh L., Declan, Fred, and Victor in the workshop, thank you. So it leaves a biting question... what's in store for 2024? Well, man makes plans, and God laughs. So who knows, but if you keep reading along with this newsletter I'm sure you will find out... Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year. Josh

One of the smallest parts we've made in 2023. Each slot is 60 microns wide, the part is 180 microns thick, and about 400 microns in diameter. Was not even quoted by Swiss, German or American machine shops.

Back to 1968 - Seiko GMT

 

A modern watch with an unmistakeable 1968 vintage feel. What is vintage? The overall dial layout, the hands, the 1968 case shape, domed crystal, the caseback true to original design, SEIKO logo. What is modern? Very comfortable well engineered bracelet, superb clasp, new 6R54 mechanism, sapphire crystal, rotary GMT bezel. And what remains unchanged? Made in Japan. Value for money. Pride and pleasure of wearing a genuine SEIKO. If you are of the 68 vintage, then this watch is made for you. I’ve said this so many times, and I’ll say it again. Get yourself a SEIKO – stop bashing those Omegas and Rolex like there is no tomorrow. Especially so if you are planning an overseas trip. Why risk it? If the SEIKO gets stolen, not a big deal.  And I have no doubt, like most of my messages, this one will be ignored too. Such is life.

Seiko Prospex Land Mechanical GMT SPB411J 38.5mm case size. Stainless steel (super hard coating) case and bracelet. Sapphire crystal. Automatic movement. Water resistance 10 bar.  Limited Edition of 4,000 pieces worldwide. Our price: $2,500

Curl Curl Orange

 

What a sweet little victory: based on your feedback, and consequently, the number of orders, the orange Curl Curl is on top of the 'wanted' list. I knew it. The moment the first guilloche orange dial was assembled, it became obvious that it will be a hit. It is really hard to put a finger on it, but the burnt orange dials are rarely seen in horology. And to produce such a vibrant, warm colour in Titanium is really a peak in our manufacturing capabilities. I am extremely proud to have my name on that dial, an honour and a privilege indeed. Consequently, and looking entirely from a business perspective, we are left with two options: to make as many orange Curl Curl watches as we can - or, to make as little as possible. This morning, the decision has been made: to ‘lock it in time'. Choosing between volume production (which generates revenue) and rarity, which means exclusivity to our ambassadors, we are opting for the latter. The small batch of ten orange Curl Curl will be the first one to be completed. Actually, as I type this, the assembly is already in progress: we want our ambassadors to receive their watches before Christmas. We want them to be special!

Next year, mid-December, a small batch of orange Curl Curl will be released again. This time, it will be only nine watches on offer. And so on for years to come – eight in 2025, seven in 2026, etc. In 2032 there will be just one orange! The total production for the next ten years will be 55 watches. And that will be it. Our message is simple: we are here to stay, and we are not in a hurry. Our time is yet to come. With two orange to be delivered to the US, one to Europe, one kept on display, and four already allocated to Australian collectors, what would be the chance that you will ever meet in person another Curl Curl ambassador wearing the same watch? Today, we are closing the 2023 batch with only two Curl Curl orange still available for Christmas delivery.   Thank you for your support.

Curl Curl Orange: automatic movement, 40mm case diameter, titanium guilloche dial and hands, manufactured in Australia. Price: $7,900. 2023 production batch of 10 watches.

Sydney Watch

 

Today, I am pleased to share with you exciting news: an ‘Australian’ watch. Or, more precisely, a Sydney watch. But before we go any further, let me make a disclosure: I am not paid to advertise, endorse or promote Luminox. I am talking about Luminox because I believe it is a watch worth talking about. Quite frankly, Luminox does not need me to sell their watches. The core Luminox customer base – the watch owners who actually wear their Luminox daily – are loyal followers for a reason. My reason to jump on the Luminox bandwagon is simple: I don’t want you to miss out on the limited release “Australian” watch. For a Sydney watch dealer not to offer a watch with the Sydney skyline would be simply unimaginable. Yes, I am here to serve you. Here are the four reasons why you should join the excitement of a new release:  -  This watch is literally made FOR YOU, the Sydneysider. The skyline of the harbour city; Opera House, Bridge, Chifley Tower, MLC Tower, Centre Point Tower, Queen Victoria Building and the rest.

- ‘James Bond’ blue wavy dial, Formula 1 case and bezel! Yes, the Australian Pacific Diver 3120 does look like a crossover of Omega and TAG. And I like that – a proven look which simply works.

- Every Second Counts, Always Visible engraved on the caseback is a reminder of what horology is all about. It is also a play on the H3 LX tritium radioactive material used to ‘glow’ the hands and numerals.

- Blue and red silicone strap in addition to bracelet! The red strap is actually a special deal for the first five buyers only. Enjoy it!

44mm case size. Stainless steel case and bracelet. Blue dial. Sapphire crystal. Quartz movement. Water resistance 200 metres. Comes in a pelican case.  Price: $1,499. Limited edition of only 100 watches.

But wait, there is one more ;-)

 

SEIKO Limited Edition Australia and New Zealand ONLY  “Whitsundays Sumo” Seiko Prospex Australasian Exclusive Limited Edition Dive Watch SPB429J, inspired by the iconic beaches of the Whitsundays. The SPB429J pays homage to the breathtaking beaches of the Whitsundays, including the renowned Whitehaven Beach. This timepiece captures the tranquillity of the region's calm and serene waters with a striking gradation dial. Just as the turquoise waters come alive under a cloudless sky, the dial bursts into vibrant life when present in sunlight. This is not just a big watch, perfect for a large wrist, but a collectable SEIKO that should be added to your Noosa and Eucalyptus collection. Yes, two straps included – blue and white. Individually numbered, xxx/1000.  Boutique price $1,800.

Today is the day

After almost a year of development, today, I am pleased to introduce a new Curl Curl watch. Actually, not one – but four. What is the big deal? We have four new titanium guilloche dials in four new colours.    I am not going to bore you with the details: sleepless nights, significant investments, the challenges titanium machining presents. And certainly, I am not going to talk about high precision manufacturing in a country where high precision manufacturing barely exists. You already know all of that.   Instead, allow me to point out just two important details related to this project.    The first is obvious: we make watches to prove a point - that we are serious about watchmaking. While our time is yet to come, our watches are practical proof of our manufacturing capabilities. For those who understand and appreciate precision, the Curl Curl is a powerful statement. It is our business card: when customers from medical, space and science knock on our door, looking for help turning drawings into real, physical objects, they get the message fast - those who can make a watch can make anything.    Second reason: the Curl Curl is an object of art. That is how we feel about it, and that is how we want you to feel about it. It is a combination of our desire to offer you a unique piece of mechanical art, and your appreciation for mechanical art. A partnership between a passionate watchmaker and a passionate ambassador. A relationship that will continue to flourish in years to come.    Based on these two premises, the Curl Curl will be available as a special order only. We have no intention to ‘flood the market’ nor to rush sales, nor spend a great deal of time and money chasing buyers. Those who like what we do, and what we offer will find us anyway.   The new dials are impossible to present in photographs or words, so the images below are purely reference points. We invite you to visit the shop, inspect the watch in person, strap it on the wrist and only then, to place your order.   The range consists of the deep blue Curl Curl we already have in stock, plus the four new colours: the ‘platinum’, ‘black’, ‘orange’ and ‘ice blue’. Each dial and hand set is unique, made one at a time, a process which takes a week. It takes a further two months before the watch is assembled and ready for collection. Again, we will only produce as many watches as you want us to make, there will be no ‘stock on hand’. If art could be mass-produced, it wouldn’t be art.   Price: $7,900.    Thank you for your support and your enthusiasm. To start a conversation about your Curl Curl, simply reply to this email.   Nick Hacko, Master Watchmaker   With the support of Josh and Andrew.

The Classic Platinum  Black Orange Ice Blue

One of 800 in the world

 

You say: yes, whatever. And I do agree: limited production run is cool, but not a main reason to invest in a watch.  The main reason to invest in this one: if you make and build things for living – anything from wood, metal, concrete, steel – then you should wear an Astron. This SEIKO is so well made that it will remain a constant inspiration on how things should be done: to perfection. Actually, to be perfectly honest, comparing your own work – even if you are a watchmaker – with the perfection of an Astron is simply painful and extremely humbling.  Perfection is almost impossible to obtain. Actually, even a ‘fairly close’ is painfully hard. Try to cut a brick, or a piece of steel to a millimetre. Or, try to drill 3 equally spaced holes in wood. Very quickly, you will realise that the final result is always related to the quality of machinery or tools used, as well as years of experience invested in doing the same thing over and over again. What the heck – even assembling an IKEA drawer would challenge most of us to the point of frustration. Then look at the Seiko Astron. Crafted in Titanium. Perfectly. Absolutely perfect hour markers and hands, winding crown and seemingly invisible integrated pushers. All the edges polished (yes, to perfection!). All surfaces sealed. The look at the stainless fold over buckle. What a piece of engineering! How in the world could they do it?

They can – because they’ve been doing it for 110 years. A million times over and over again, for generations, until perfection is attained. Made in Japan, only one of 800 in the world. This time, I am not even going to talk about what makes Astron the most exciting horological timepiece of modern watchmaking. I am sure you know that already. Neither to try to convince you that the most striking design is the one ‘you’ve seen before, but can’t exactly remember where and when’. Nor to remind you that the taupe strap - a blend of grey and brown -  is a colour so rarely seen in watchmaking. Discover it for yourself! Thanks to titanium, the total weight of 74 grams makes this Astron one of the lightest watches in the entire Seiko range. 41.2mm case size. You’ll LOVE it. Price: Boutique price $2,850.