Burlap is a new watch brand created by a longtime Hong Kong-based ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) that previously only produced private label timepieces for third parties. The company’s first collection, which debuted today on Kickstarter, the Propeller Automatic, is a classic-style self-winding Pilot’s watch powered by an affordable Japanese made Miyota movement, available in six variations:
-vintage brushed black IP case with a black dial, beige lume, and a chocolate leather strap
-polished rose gold IP case with a turquoise dial, beige lume, and a chocolate leather strap with beige stitching
-semi-polished stainless steel case with a black dial, white lume, and a black leather strap
-semi-polished green IP case with a green dial, light cream lume, and a toffee leather strap
-vintage brushed stainless steel case with a black dial, beige lume, and a chocolate leather strap
-vintage brushed black IP case with a black dial, white lume, and a toffee leather strap
One of signature design elements is lugs that have been specially contoured to improve the ergonomics, compared to typical Pilot’s watches.
All versions of the Propeller feature a stainless steel case that measures 43 mm in diameter x 11.5 mm in thickness. Case length lug-to-lug is 49 mm and interlug width is 22 mm. There are three case finishes: polished/brushed, vintage sand brushed, or fully polished. The case features a sapphire crystal on the top and a mineral crystal on the caseback. The push-in crown measures 8.5 mm in diameter and is onion-shaped for easy handling even with gloves on. Water-resistance is 50 meters.
Each dial is bead blasted resulting in a matte finish. The hour markers, which include Arabic numerals at 12, 6, 9, a triangle at 3 o’clock and baton indices are stamped onto the dial and feature luminescent material. Additionally, the Burlap logo at 12 o’clock and the propeller logo at 6 o’clock have been applied to the dial. The minute/second graduations for the chapter ring are printed on the dial.
Large luminescent aviation-style Sword-shaped hands indicate the hours and minutes, along with a centrally mounted luminous sweeping baton-shaped seconds hand. A rectangular aperture at 3 o’clock indicates the day-date.
The Propeller Automatic is powered by a 3Hz (21,600 vph) Miyota automatic caliber 8205 which can be wound by hand (although there is no hacking seconds function). The movement has 21 jewels, unidirectional winding, and a 40-hour power reserve.
Burlap watches are designed and completed in Hong Kong. All watch components, including the Japanese-made movement, are sourced to the brand’s Hong Kong office before being assembled and tested. They can be seen here on Instagram.
Retail price is $299 during the Kickstarter campaign and will go up to $465 after that campaign ends.
