Arms-On: The Atom AT.01 Brings Clear Minimalism To Kickstarter Quickly

Atom is a brand new child on the block. The York-based model debuts on Kickstarter this yr with the Atom AT.01. The ambition is evident — to supply timeless mechanical watches at sincere costs. I am going hands-on with a prototype of Atom’s first mannequin to see whether or not the model meets that ambition.

We’re taking a look at a design that’s absolutely bespoke to Atom. There aren’t any generic elements to be discovered right here. Properly, aside from the succesful computerized Miyota 9015 motion, after all. Nonetheless, it’s good to see a design executed by and thru. No generic handset that doesn’t fairly match the dial and different such points generally discovered on aspiring watch manufacturers’ first efforts.

Atom AT.01 specs

The Atom AT.01 measures 40mm throughout, 48mm lug to lug, and 11.8mm thick. The lug width is a handy 20mm, and the stainless-steel case is waterproof to 100 meters. It’s fitted with a domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on the underside.

The Atom AT.01 is available in three dial colours — carbon black, azurite blue, and the chalk white you see right here. The dial is textured and fitted with utilized indices. There’s a spherical, faceted date aperture above the stick marker at 6 o’clock. The Atom brand and “Automated” textual content full an in any other case clear and easy dial.

The watch comes in your alternative of three straps. There’s a chestnut Buttero (seen right here), black Barenia, and grey nubuck choice.

The design of the Atom AT.01

Atom founder Karl Moran is an industrial designer by commerce. I’m certain that makes life as an proprietor of a watch microbrand rather a lot simpler. You’ll be able to clearly see that the AT.01 was developed by a skillful designer. Particulars that many aspiring watch designers get flawed are effectively achieved right here. Look, as an illustration, on the proportional relation between the arms and indices. Actually, the dial structure generally is well-balanced and proportioned.

That being stated, I do really feel the watch is a bit bland in aesthetics. There aren’t any actual standout options in its design. It is extremely trendy and clear, however not within the notably fashionable approach of a few of the acquainted Bauhaus-inspired candidates. This makes me marvel who the watch is for. If you’re purchasing on this phase, there are nice choices from Seiko and Tissot, as an illustration. I can think about you would like a microbrand various for an outspokenly totally different look or one thing distinctive. However then, this may be a bit too conservative for that function.

After all, seems to be are at all times a matter of style. In the event you love this design, let me know within the feedback. I’m curious to listen to your ideas.

Sporting the Atom AT.01

Having spent a while with the Atom AT.01 on the wrist, I really feel that I can share some sincere findings with you. Just a few points stood out to me, that are excusable for a debut watch at this worth stage. And because the Kickstarter marketing campaign has not but began, they may nonetheless be addressed. The crown is the primary. It’s fairly sharp, and I discovered it uncomfortable to function. One other is the date, which isn’t fairly within the middle of the aperture. The aperture is kind of slim for the date font, making it look cramped and onerous to learn.

I’m advised the case ending might be improved earlier than launch. As you’ll be able to see within the photos, it’s nonetheless quite coarse at this stage. We have no idea what the ultimate model will appear to be, however I’m glad it’s on the model’s radar. You might also spot unfinished cut-offs on the information of the arms in our images. Once more, I’m advised that these might be improved for the ultimate model.

I might not suggest the Atom AT.01 for individuals with small wrists or a style for classical sizes. Being practically all dial, it wears bigger than its 40mm diameter may recommend. The conclusion you draw from that relies upon totally by yourself style. In the event you just like the fashion, this may be thought of a do-it-all watch. It has a sporty dial and dimension mixed with a proper total aesthetic. If it isn’t your cup of tea, you’d be excused for considering it’s neither fish nor fowl.

The worth proposition

The Atom AT.01 is priced at £360/US$450. The Kickstarter worth might be about 25% decrease at £270/$340. Some options stand out on the worth. First, you get 100 meters of water resistance, which is offered, partly, by a screw-down crown. Second, you get a higher-end Miyota caliber within the 9015. Whereas these options usually are not unprecedented on this phase, it’s good to have them right here.

What impresses me, although, are the straps. They’re of a lot larger high quality than something I’ve seen as normal on sub-€500 watches. The leather-based actually may be very good on all three choices. They’re additionally very effectively made. They’re, nevertheless, quite lengthy. On my 17cm wrist, they have been approach too large and caught out awkwardly. I hope Moran decides to supply a shorter choice when the Kickstarter marketing campaign commences. Nonetheless, it’s nice to see a model on this phase not skimping on the strap.

Closing ideas

Evaluations are hardest when you find yourself not left absolutely satisfied by a watch. You change into very conscious of the truth that somebody is constructing one thing with nice ardour, and you need to be very cautious and exact in your evaluation of it. I’ve nice admiration for individuals like Karl Moran who exit and convey their creativity to the world. I root for such entrepreneurs to succeed. It’s simply so cool {that a} lone maverick can upset a shareholder-dictated trade of fits and ties with progressive merchandise and a private reference to the fanbase.

That being stated, the Atom AT.01 doesn’t fairly try this for me simply but. It isn’t a watch that claims its place on my want checklist because it stands. I’m curious to see the way it develops between now and its precise launch, and I’m curious to observe Atom in the long run. Moran is clearly a succesful designer. It will likely be nice to see how he develops Atom and what future fashions will appear to be. I’m by some means left feeling that he may have pushed his design into barely extra daring territory. There isn’t any scarcity of microbrands, and you really want one thing exceptional to assert your spot and shake up the trade. At this level, I’m lacking that killer characteristic on this first watch.