Time + tide
We don’t get enough of the 1970s. Bold design, unusual case shape, and most importantly color. The brand was bold and tried everything, but much of what they experimented with had a huge impact in the decades that followed. In fact, many of today’s micro/independent brands want to fully embrace the 1970s and regain the glory days of watch design. And that’s exactly what we’re trying to discuss, looking at Ferrotime Master 70 Silver. (The clue is in the name…)
case
This must be the main factor that distinguishes the design of watches from the 70s. At the time, watches came in all kinds of shapes and shapes. There were no restrictions on what was accepted and what wasn’t. Ferro was soaked up with this unique feature of the ’70s when designing the Timemaster 70. The case has a profile between the square and the round, and looks like polygons as all sides of the bezel appear to peak in the center.
The bezel is fixed and its outline is highlighted by the juxtaposition of lines radiated outwardly on the top and mirrored sides. Some of the sapphire crystal is located in millimeters above the bezel and has the same unique shape, allowing you to enjoy a clear view of the dial thanks to several layers of inner anti-reflective coating. The overall case shape is further emphasized by the dominance of the vertical and horizontal brush surfaces.
Furthermore, this model is worn very well on the wrist thanks to its 39mm diameter, 47mm lug-to-lug, 10.4mm thick and 20mm lug-to-lug. (Additionally adds the dimensions expected of modern enthusiasts.) The Timemaster has an overall flat profile. On the right side there is a short crown guard that protects the screw down crown, which, combined with a screw down caseback, gives the Ferro a 100m water resistance.
Dial
The Ferro Time Master 70 comes in four versions: silver, orange, blue and salmon, each with a specific monochromatism. Silver (the version I had for review) comes in three colors that dominate the dial, so there are three phones, silver and black. It’s not the monochromatic dial itself, but it seems to be due to the three colors and how the dial was laid out.
The radially brushed silver disc frames the whole thing and is traversed by long printed voice time markers starting from the outer black section, while the long minutes of hash marks are printed in various sizes and printed to a unique dial shape, frames the silver disc. We find ourselves in semi-sector designs that are common in themes of the 1970s. To preserve the clean look of the Timemaster, the center black disc is decorated with only the brand’s applied logo and the word “automatic” printed to follow its curves.
But perhaps one of the dials that stands out most is the mobile phone. The hands of hours and minutes are narrow, pointy triangle-shaped, and are made up of two elements. Therefore, the hands look completely flat, but not, the orange look during the day is impressive and makes your hands easier to read. This slight dimension is a good touch to the 1D dial otherwise.
The second hand is also shaved to a place where there is white paint, so at night the time marker and second hand shine orange with time and instantaneous hand. It is a unique combination of colors, which is unique to the silver variant. The entire Hands + Dial combo is complemented by a cap above the pinion. This is a design element that is often seen in vintage-inspired watches, and is not seen very often today.
bracelet
The Ferro Time Master 70 is shipped in a stainless steel bracelet with a hidden 3-link construction that the pins hold together. Yes, it’s hidden. On the outside, the link looks very 70’s with its monoblock appearance, but the three-link construction means that it makes a little more clear than a true single-link bracelet. The CLASP has a double pusher setup and an on-the-fly micro adjustment mechanism with six positions, which is practical. The perfectly mounted end link comes with a quick release spring bar for additional practicality.
Movement
The inside of the ferro is a mites ringing at 4Hz and hits the Miyota 9039, which comes with a 42-hour power reserve. It’s a reliable and common movement, and it tends to get out of the box. Finally, the caseback is decorated with a portion of orange sapphire, which gives 50% more to 50% in the vintage category.
Ferrotime Master 70 Prices and availability
The Ferro Time Master 70 is now available for immediate delivery from the Ferro website. Please note that at the time of publishing this article, the blue version is sold out. Price: USD 650, USD 1,020
Brand Ferro Model Time Master 70 Case Dimensions 39mm(d) x 10.4mm
It was created in collaboration with Ferro & Company. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with the editorial policy.
