The case back on the Moto Koure MK I Column Wheel Driver’s Chronograph features an engraved Moto Koure logo within a Fred Perry like wreath along with descriptive text around its circular perimeter. The watch is water resistant to a more than adequate five atmospheres. A racing inspired leather strap with requisite rounded square cutouts, contrasting stitching, and a signed buckle completes the old school racing look.
Moto Koure decided to use the Seiko NE88 automatic column wheel chronograph movement here. For those who are unfamiliar, column wheel chronograph movements are typically considered higher-end and are significantly more complicated and expensive to manufacture and maintain. Compared to a lever-operated chronograph which operates by simpler means of several arms, levers, and a cam, column wheel movements operate using a very highly finished geared wheel. This column wheel is actuated by pushing the upper “start” pusher on the case which moves an arm which allows the column wheel to rotate one “click” and starts the chronograph second hand. Pushing the stop lever rotates the wheel the other direction, stopping the chronograph.
Importantly, the vertical clutch system in the column wheel movement provides for a much smoother start to the chronograph movement and a positive (stiff) feel at the pushers. Seiko’s relatively new NE88 movement was designed as a direct ETA Valjoux 7750 competitor in a modern watch world where the Swiss are playing hard to get with movement acquisition, especially for smaller independent makers. The movement on my MK I is a joy to operate and has extremely positive pusher action and kept very good time during the course of the review. The inclusion of the NE88 is perhaps the highlight of the MK I.
Ok, now that we have a handle on the particulars of the Moto Koure MK I Column Wheel Driver’s Chronograph, you’re probably wondering whether or not it revs my engine (I’m sorry). Honestly, I wasn’t in love with this watch at first glance. It seemed like there maybe a bit too much going on and that the watch was too tall and perhaps too densely packed with too many design nods. In addition, the small attention to detail issue with the printing on the dial logo is a little bit disappointing. Finally, the strap is a bit of a let down for me. It feels pretty thin and inexpensive and other than the laser etched logo, the buckle is much the same as any eBay “rally” strap you’d come across. There is some room for improvement there. Of course, most buyers will probably end up buying a higher end strap to accommodate the hidden 22mm lugs and that upgrade would probably do wonders for the piece overall. A mesh bracelet would probably also look cool though that could make it look a bit Apple Watch-like.
Despite my initial reluctance about the watch and these fairly small issues, I very quickly came to appreciate the care and thought which went into this piece. This is not a Heuer Silverstone copy with a different name on the dial. The Moto Koure MK I Column Wheel Driver’s Chronograph is a stab at a watch design which represents a deep-seated love for an era of motorsports and the associated lifestyle.
This chunky, loud chronograph is like a time machine, begging to be worn whilst driving a really cool and expensive vintage car. Although I don’t do that very often (or ever), the Moto Koure MK I Column Wheel Driver’s Chronograph makes me feel like maybe I could. Further, the MK I is very reasonably priced considering the column wheel movement lurking within. For $1,250 AUD (about $935 USD), you get a unique and well thought out racing inspired watch which is very purposefully completely different from anything else currently out there. In designing the MK I, Moto Koure have dared to be unique, eschewing the ubiquitous Swiss calibers which most would choose in favor of the a very interesting Seiko movement with some definite respect for the movements of yesteryear. motokoure.com
Necessary Data
>Brand: Moto Koure
>Model: MK I Column Wheel Driver’s Chronograph
>Price: $1,250 AUD
>Size: 40mm wide, 15.5mm thick
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Yes
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Someone who likes retro sports watches but doesn’t necessarily want to wear one of the mass produced pieces from large brands. Or pay the premium those come with.
>Worst characteristic of watch: The strap is underwhelming.
>Best characteristic of watch: The attitude and style make for a watch that is fun to wear without going too far into gimmicky terrain.
