Back in the 90s, I was really into watches. I remember sitting across from the man on the train wearing a Rolex Explorer. The 1 hour marker doesn’t have white gold surrounded, so perhaps it’s a reference 1016. I asked him about it.
There was no further discussion about the watch itself. It has little interest in him. The Rolex was clearly a watch that he needed or relied on. He was dressed in a way that he thought he was about to travel abroad with his duffel bag and shoes. He didn’t look like someone who worked in a boring office work, but once he reached his destination (office), I got off and began to think more about what he meant. Unfortunately, I couldn’t ask him. But what was very clear was that he bought this watch and didn’t show off or have a “luxurious product” on his wrist. No, this watch was probably a companion in his life, and was on his wrist when traveling the world, working in a car or bicycle.
Still a tool watch?
When I meet someone wearing a (modern) Rolex Explorer today, I give a very different impression. People should do what they like without judgement from me or anyone else. That said, I firmly believe that other brands offer tool watches that are more suitable for people like the guys I met on that train. Will he buy a Modern Rolex Explorer today? Probably not. Rolex was by no means cheap, but it had a different importance than today. Gold dates and gold Rolex have always been considered status symbols, but explorers are not. It was a tool watch – yes, it was expensive, but a very good, reliable watch that can be hit.
The same applies to IWC Mark series models or other watches originally designed or developed. All this ran through my heart when I opened the box with a watch made by Earthen Co. and gave it my first look.
Earthen Co. Summit Collection
Meet The Earthen Co. Summit Collection
It’s no surprise that these new watches from Earthen Co.’s summit collection remind us of last year’s Tool Watch. I’m a sucker of nostalgia (also a bit of a drawback, I have to admit), but fortunately, Earthen Co. has confirmed that these watches are just as modern as Hublot.
All Summit Collection models are black or white ceramic watches. The white ceramic summit watch has two dials available: the “Classic” Black One and the white ceramic full room version.
Blue bird, cloudy, white out
The white ceramic watch with a white dial is called The Blue Bird and comes with a baby blue sail cloth strap. The Black Dial Edition is named Whiteout, which has a white sail cross strap. These are modern interpretations of practical watches.
Finally, there is the cloudy model. This model features a black ceramic case with a matte black dial and khaki green sail cross strap. My favorite part about the cloudy version is that the case and bezel finish is more visible than the white ceramic model.
The satin finish on the case band and bezel, as well as deeper brushing on the rug, are often seen on the black ceramic version. Plus, I like markers and hands filled with fake patina. All three Summit Collection watches come with NATO straps. The switching strap is not an issue as the mounted sail cross straps have a quick release system.
Specifications are at the point
In addition to the 38mm and 45mm diameter lug-to-lugs, the case has a very wearable 10mm profile. It sits perfectly on my 18cm wrist and feels a little more compact than my colleague’s 38mm Hamilton Khaki Field Auto, for example.
The oversized crown doesn’t bother me at all, and it’s very easy and fun to operate. As you can see in the photo, each crown has a rubber gasket. One of the blue birds is blue, and the other two models both have black gaskets. The blue bird also has a blue gasket under the crystal, giving it a fresh charm.
A alpine-style clock for adventurers
The summit is easy to wear, sturdy and very gada-like (or GADA with a 100m water resistance rating). The case back is made of stainless steel and is attached to the case with four screws.
There is this little logo between the center pinion and the 6 o’clock hour marker on the dial. At first (I have poor eyesight), it looked to me like a wide arrow sign, but it is slightly different. However, a detailed inspection reveals that it is a graphic representation of the mountain with skiers. I say I’ll go there because the earth collection is inspired by alpine trees.
Miyota is not a high clock
The Summit Collection Watch has a Miyota 9039 automatic movement. “It’s not geologic, but bold. It’s bold to provide unparalleled quality at this price.” Earthen Co. priced these watches at $899 (tax) each, and ceramic watches with this level of finish are a huge problem. If the Summit had used Swiss mechanical movement instead, the price would have been significantly higher.
Experience on the Rice
I started this article with a bit of anecdote about my encounter with Vintage Rolex Explorer. Does the Summit Collection give you the vibe of the Explorer or Mark series after a more thorough “Touch and Try”? At a glance, it certainly was and it still does. However, these watches offer a variety of experiences, especially as they are more modern interpretations with ceramic cases.
But I think that those who are still after the utilitarian watch (the brand likes to present it as a watch built for adventure) will enjoy the summit collection. In my opinion, for example, it can withstand very well the mentioned Hamilton watch. If Earthen Co. had used ETA calibers with chronometer certification, the watch could have been significantly more expensive. The question is whether the market is more saturated with watches in that segment ($1,500-3,000) than the $1,000 one that offers similar looks and specifications.
Ceramic surprises
What surprised me most about the Summit Collection is that it shows that ceramics don’t always have to be shiny plastic material. I saw Blanpine use ceramics with a very nice brush and satin finish surface, but it was in a very different price category.
Although the quality of these Summit Collection watches is not argued to be equal to that of Blanpine, the types of finish used on different surfaces are more attractive than most other ceramic watches. The cloudy model has a clear view of the different types of finishes on the ceramic surface, and we have found this high-tech material ready.
A matter of time
Earthen Co. demonstrates that friendly priced microbrands offer tough competition and alternatives for watches from established major brands that still dominate the production number category but may not be worth the money. And I believe that brand awareness will no longer play a crucial role even in a large (especially younger) audience, so it’s only a matter of time before microbrands reach people outside the watch bubble.
Earthen Co. will first produce only 100 units of each Summit Collection model. The brand then replenishes them more. For more information, please visit the Earthen Co. website.
