Sponsored Post written for aBlogtoWatch by advertiser
McDowell Time was launched in 2016 with the release of our first watch, the DelRay, which was fully funded on Kickstarter. While we were thrilled to have our first successful watch, our real goal was to establish a watch company which would allow us to create many more designs. Essentially, the DelRay was the initial stepping-stone towards further creativity. Since we are a “micro-brand,” we have the freedom to explore new ideas and create the types of watches that we, as enthusiasts, want to wear. The new McDowell Sonoma is the vision for our first chronograph. It’s a race-inspired watch featuring the tried-and-true meca-quartz hybrid movement and carbon fiber strap. The cushion case measures 39MM and sits comfortably under the shirt cuff due to its low profile and angled lugs.
For us, creating a new watch brand was quite a steep learning curve with many bumps along the way. When you factor in all the aspects of running a business (customer communication, web design, shipping and logistics, paying bills, etc.), it can be very daunting. There is no instruction manual, no guidebook, and no map on how this journey is going to proceed. So why do it at all? Because we have ideas we want to create, to put our mark on watch world, and say “yup, that’s our watch.”
At McDowell Time, we have a soft spot for vintage chronographs, especially 3-dial varieties. While looking to vintage designs for inspiration, we wanted to put our own flair on the 3-dial layout while also continuing the McDowell Time “family look.” We are using the same dial colors & fonts as our successful DelRay model that we released last year. The contrasting sub-dials provide a “panda” look that enhances legibility, and frankly, we love panda dials. Surrounding the dial is an angled chapter ring that is used for chronograph timing as well as giving depth to the watch.
We appreciate having options when buying a watch, and that’s why the stainless steel case is available in either Natural Brushed or PVD Black Coated finishes. As with our DelRay, we are providing three different color options for the dial; White, Black, and Blue. These color options allow for six distinct looks and, therefore, the buyer to choose their perfect color combo, not to mention straps options discussed below.
The McDowell Sonoma is powered by a Seiko VK63 meca-quartz movement which combines the accuracy of a quartz watch, but also the mechanical feel that we as watch enthusiast crave. Pushing the buttons gives a positive feedback, just like a vintage chronograph, you can feel that “click.” The chronograph hand moves at 5 beats per second which helps give the appearance of having a smooth sweep instead of a one-second tick like traditional quartz watches. This movement also includes a fly-back chronograph reset, which means the chronograph hand instantly snaps back to zero, a feature we love.
We are excited to have partnered with Clockwork Synergy in making custom Carbon Fiber Leather straps. These straps are made specifically for the McDowell Sonoma and come in two color options; Red or White stitching. The Carbon Fiber Leather works perfectly with the racing vibe of the McDowell Sonoma. Our favorite feature of these, as well as many other Clockwork Synergy straps, are the Quick-Release Pins. Strap changes are effortless with no tools required.
The McDowell Sonoma is done in 316L stainless steel in brushed or PVD black finish, sized at 39mm wide and 12mm thick (22mm lug width). With a 10 ATM water resistance and 24-month warranty, these USA-assembled watches are currently available on Kickstarter with early-bird tiers starting at $219.
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