One of the most active and exciting areas of modern watchmaking is that of the microbrand. Young and dynamic teams are better able to bring their products to market thanks to improved access to manufacturers and creative funding strategies. The result is a diverse and ever-evolving sector of the market that is constantly refined by its competitiveness. That competitiveness compels brands to make a statement of either design, novelty, or value. Canada-based Rossling designed its latest model, the Rossling Hydromatic C.01 watch, to meet the criteria of ISO 6425/DIN 8306, the international standard for dive watches. And at such a competitive price, such a high spec watch stands out.

The Canada-based brand was founded by two brothers in 2013,with a third brother joining a year later. This three-strong familial unit set out with a simple goal, not unlike many microbrands — to create an excellent watch at a reasonable price that met or exceeded their aesthetic expectations.

But many other brands desire much the same thing, so the three brothers decided to take drastic action with their latest release to make a statement of intent for the future, while offering their customers, old and new, a really remarkable product that boasts specifications way beyond what one would normally expect for a three-figure price tag.

As such, the brothers decided that the Rossling Hydromatic C.01 watch should be designed and made in Germany. With production moved to Pforzheim, renowned Swiss-made movements from ETA and Sellita selected to power things behind the scenes, and the reputation of German watch manufacturing to rely on, Rossling has everything in place to make the follow-up to its previous six Kickstarter campaigns with another stellar success.

The Rossling Hydromatic C.01 brings wearers a comfortable, reliable, well-proportioned product that puts execution over embellishment. As such, the dial is supremely legible, with raised, luminous hour indicators playing against a matte black base that is surrounded by a 120-click ceramic bezel also treated with Super-LumiNova. Flashes of neon red pick out the minute hand and the tip of the running seconds, which acts as a going indicator as per the requirements of ISO 6425/DIN 8306. To improve legibility further, the standard date ring has been replaced with a custom component so the date can be viewed at 6 o’clock, adding to dial symmetry. And to ensure that the watch keeps running, it is resistant to chemical corrosion, magnetic fields, shocks, and water to 200 meters.

The 42mm 316L stainless steel case comes in either a brushed or black PVD finish. A box sapphire crystal, treated with an anti-reflective coating on the underside, brings the total thickness of the piece to 14.9mm, while the lug-to-lug length comes in at 51.5mm.

The sapphire crystal on the front is mirrored by a display caseback that proudly displays the Swiss caliber within. Around the edge of the display crystal, the individual serial number of each watch is engraved. The Rossling Hydromatic C.01 is currently available for pre-order and has been live on Kickstarter since November 12th. The pre-order price starts at $399, which will rise to $599 at full retail. Included in that price is a solid-link stainless steel bracelet and a black silicone strap, along with a 24-month international warranty. Learn more at rosslingco.com.