Tom Austin The brand behind the ultimate children’s watch is back – but this time it’s not just for kids. The Blok 38 is a 38mm watch that captures all the personality of the kids model, only with enlarged proportions for big kids (and adults). Available in four variants, the Blok 38 has also been upgraded with a quartz GMT movement.
In 2023, a new watch brand was born in the wake of Moonswatch, which brought about a paradigm shift between Swatch x Omega. Not only does MoonSwatch remind everyone that watches don’t have to be stuffy and boring, but by highlighting MoonSwatch’s bioceramics, the finest unobtanium metal is used to make watches desirable. It also reminded me that it doesn’t have to be made of. Ceramic and plastic watches. Meanwhile, in the foothills of South Carolina, USA, a new independent brand called Block was doing something similar, but very, very different.
Block’s initial philosophy was simple. They wanted to create a watch for kids that would not only help them learn the important skill of timekeeping, but also have the durability and quality level that we, as watch enthusiasts, think is so important. . The resulting watch, the Blok 33, is not only a tool for young people, but also a way for watch enthusiasts to connect children and families with the wonderful world of watch ownership and teach them about the importance of caring for something. It was also designed as a product that can. I value that. But of course kids will be kids and these things will get slammed by those around them. It was therefore essential that the watch had to withstand what small hands could throw at it, or in some cases, what the watch could be thrown at.
Block 33 was a cult hit. Hard as nails, colorful, vibrant and fun, this small 33mm Destro plastic clock helps kids understand the concept of time management. The brainchild of brand founder and design engineer Neil Ferrier, Blok was born out of a desire to create something interesting and unconventional. And it comes from Neil’s background in developing perhaps some of the most interesting engineering projects we’ve ever seen. It’s no wonder the brand quickly started breaking the mold (except, of course, for the molds used to make these watch cases). There was just one big problem. For Neil, that was a big problem. Everyone who was fascinated by the original block clock and bought one for their children also wanted one for themselves.
Finally, Block 38 will arrive in late 2024. Like any great company, Block listened to its customers and, even better, the young people who wear smaller variations. Brock has spent the past 18 months or so subtly updating its collection with improved functionality and comfort, and now they’ve finally expanded the proportions significantly so us big kids can join in on the fun. It has become.
The watch case remains the same, only larger. Now measuring 38 mm in diameter, it is made from the same Swiss nylon polymer for a comfortable wearing experience and a luxurious feel. This model features a steel core, which not only simplifies the installation of internal hardware, but also gives the watch a reassuring weight. This was important to Brock. Because as a brand, we are fully aware of people’s perception of the relationship between quality and weight. It doesn’t turn into a tank, it’s far from a tank, but it feels like a well-designed, high-quality piece of equipment rather than something that’s going to float around.
The rotating bezel, which has a unique timer function that measures time in 5, 10, 15, and 30 minute increments, is also luminous-filled, making it a very welcome addition for luminous fans. The great thing about this bezel is that (as highlighted by About Effing Time staffers Andrew, Adrian, and George on the podcast) on the original watch, this type of timing bezel helps adults better manage time in their daily lives. That means it’s perfect for. And I have to say, it absolutely makes sense. Want to spend just 15 minutes on those awful emails? Easy, set up a block. The case is water resistant to 100 meters thanks to its screw-down stainless steel crown and caseback design. This means that this is actually a proper analog plastic watch that does what you would expect. Even the clicks on the bezel are designed to match those on Neil’s own artisanal Geneva Rolex Submariner. The devil is in the details of the block.
There are four color options, ranging from the dark blue Discommon Edition (Discommon is Block’s parent company and home to Neil Ferrier’s major engineering experiments) to black with yellow and gray accents. White with gray and pink accents. And finally, there’s the totally crazy glow-in-the-dark edition. Yes, the entire case glows in the dark.
Beneath the bright, clear and uniquely laid out dial is a Swiss quartz Ronda GMT movement that has been modified to eliminate the movement’s date function. Block wanted to keep things clean and simple from the beginning, as children didn’t really need to know the date and this character element would remain in the older children’s version. The quartz movement has a theoretical battery life of 6 years, so you don’t have to worry too much. Set the clock as needed and you’re ready to go. Finally, this watch comes with a recycled mil-spec nylon band with 316L stainless steel hardware, which is slightly modified from before. Some kids commented that the old strap was a little “itchy” at times, which was actually the same thing my finicky 9-year-old niece commented about her Blok 33. The new straps are soft, malleable, and contour to your foot. wrist. There were no complaints this time either.
The Blok 38 is a long-awaited timepiece from a relatively young brand that is making big strides in the world of watches in a different way. Watch brands don’t have to take themselves too seriously, and the brand’s growing popularity with kids and big kids alike speaks volumes. For this level of attention to detail in functionality, each Blok 38 costs around $400 USD, so they’re throwing their hat in the ring to some tough competition. If I’m being completely honest, Blok is knocking them out of the arena at 38. It’s a cool, fun, affordable watch with lots of personality that will have everyone asking, “Oh, what is that?” That’s what really excites us watch lovers.
Block 38 pricing and availability
Blok 38 is now available directly from Blok. Price: $379 (black, gray), $429 (phosphorescent, discommon)
Brand Blok Watches Model BK38 Case dimensions 38 mm (D) Case material Swiss nylon polymer Water resistance 100 meters Crystal Sapphire Dial Luminescent color contrasting with 24-hour markers Lug width 20 mm (fixed bar) Bracelet Recycled nylon NATO strap Movement Ronda GMT , Quartz Battery Life 6 years Features Hours, Minutes, Seconds, GMT, Timing Bezel Availability Currently Available Price US$379 (black, gray)
US$429 (phosphorescent, discommon)
