Review: Aloha GMT 40 Gradient Dial (Prototype)

I recently had the pleasure of spending some time with a fantastic micro-watch brand coming out of the United States called Aloha started by a passionate watch enthusiast by the name of Spencer Leu. He is producing timepieces with an exceptional level of detail and quality that you don’t typically find when you look at other micro-watch brands. I can think of several mainstream entry level luxury brands that do not even come close in terms of movement, dial, and case finishing.

On the wrist: The Aloha GMT 40 (Prototype) with deep blue gradient dial displaying an orange 24hr hand, AM & PM with a miniature sun and moon indicator on the dial.

The caseback displays a finely finished top grade swiss made ETA 2893-2 movement with a bespoke rotor engraved with the Aloha logo and intricately painted “flower of life” motif.

A closeup of the nicely finished movement as seen through the exhibition case back with bespoke painted rotor and Aloha brand logo.

Hands and hour markers are filled with Super Lumi-Nova GBW9 making for easy reading in low light conditions.

Here are the technical details for the Aloha GMT 40 timepiece as well as alternative dial versions that are also available for purchase:

The proportions of the case and dial are very well done with a deep glossy blue shade for the dial which goes from lighter to darker in a seamless transition. The one thing about this watch that really impressed me was the depth and richness of the dial which changes colours depending on the lighting conditions. The other feature that I love is the fact that this is a GMT watch which is great for travel as it displays a second time zone via an orange 24hr hand. The use of the gradient to display day (with a sun) and night (with a moon) is also clever and adds to the aesthetics of the dial without making it look busy or over complicated. It should be noted that the final version of this timepiece will have Arabic numerals and a white sun and moon disc on the dial as well as top grade swiss made ETA 2893-2 movement, or alternatively if that movement is not readily available a top grade Sellita SW-330-1 will be used instead.

Photo Credit: @braindrain232

Retail price for the Aloha GMT 40 gradient dial: TBD but similar GMT models in the current collection start around $1,475 USD+applicable taxes.

For more information regarding Aloha watches as well as an overview of the current collection please visit https://www.aloha.watch

An Evening With Vacheron Constantin

Recently Vacheron Constantin hosted RedBar Vancouver for an exclusive evening to view their new flagship boutique that has been open for just over a month now. This boutique marks a first for the brand in western Canada.

Situated on Alberni Street it fits seamlessly with neighbouring luxury boutiques. Rich tones of dark wood, leather, and chrome accents adorn the interior of the boutique making it feel luxurious, but still warm and welcoming.

Leslie Kobrin: President, Americas for Vacheron Constantin sharing her passion for the brand with fellow watch enthusiasts. Photo Credit: Julian Fok

A fellow RedBar Vancouver member admiring the craftsmanship of a Vacheron Constantin timepiece. Photo Credit: Julian Fok

Passionate and attentive boutique sales professionals explaining the unique features and finer points that make Vacheron Constantin timepieces special. Photo Credit: Ryan Fowler

On the wrist: The Oversees Chronograph in stainless steel with a beautiful deep blue dial. Photo Credit: Julian Fok

The Oversees Chronograph in stainless steel with an intuitive “easy change” system that allows the wearer to swap out bracelets and straps at a moment’s notice with no tools required. Photo Credit: Julian Fok

The Oversees Ultra-Thin Perpetual Calendar in 18k pink gold. Photo Credit: Adrian Burke

The Oversees World Time: 37 time zones at a glance. The ultimate globe trotting timepiece. Photo Credit: Julian Fok

Oversees Dual Time: A high-end stainless steel sports watch with an easy to read AM/PM indicator and secondary time zone. Photo Credit: Julian Fok

The Oversees Automatic on a stainless steel bracelet. Maltese cross motif seen throughout the design of the watch from the bezel, to the bracelet, as well as the clasp. Photo Credit: Jason Mak

The Historiques American 1921 in 18k pink gold. A dial created with a 45 degree tilt designed for drivers to read at a glance when behind the wheel. Offset running seconds, bold track markers, gorgeous moon shaped hands, and classic Breguet style numerals. Photo Credit: Shawn Prashant

The Tradionnelle Tourbillon: With hand finished Maltese cross shaped flying tourbillon carriage in 18k pink gold. Photo Credit: Shawn Prashant

A closeup of the hand finished flying tourbillon escapement. Photo Credit: Julian Fok

Patrimony Minute Repeater Ultra-Thin Platinum: A beautiful platinum cased timepiece with minute repeater, even the stitching in the strap is weaved from solid 950 platinum! Photo Credit: Ryan Fowler

The beautiful open-worked caseback on the Patrimony minute repeater. A majority of Vacheron Constantin timepieces bear the Poinçon de Genève or the Geneva Hallmark stamp awarded by an independent Swiss organization that only stamps timepieces of the finest quality that meet the criteria of having provenance, craftsmanship, and reliability. Photo Credit: @lordnantucket (Instagram)

Among other things Vacheron Constantin is also known for gem setting and artistic craft. An example of meticulously hand set diamonds filling the dial, bezel, and lugs seen above. Photo Credit: Jonaton Montpetit

Historiques Ultra Fine 1955: One of the worlds thinnest mechanical hand-wound watches measuring only 4.13mm in thickness. Photo Credit: Jonaton Montpetit

The Historiques Triple Calendar 1942: A beautiful vintage inspired calendar watch in stainless steel. Photo Credit: Jonaton Montpetit

The Historique Cornes De Vache 1955. A classic mid-century inspired chronograph with distinct “bull horn” lugs. Photo Credit: Jonaton Montpetit

The Fiftysix Complete Calendar in stainless steel. Month, day of week, pointer date, moonphase indicator, and central running seconds all presented with a more modern look and feel. Photo Credit: Julian Fok

The Fiftysix automatic date in stainless steel. Introduced last year this is the most accessible timepiece in the Vacheron Constantin lineup with a more approachable price point targeting a younger demographic. The Fiftysix collection is a great introductory timepiece for those that want a timepiece from the brand, but perhaps they are not ready to invest in a more complicated piece. Definitely a great value proposition from a brand with a reputation for being one of the top 3 watch brands in the world. Photo Credit: Ryan Fowler

Photo Credit: Julian Fok

Thank you Vacheron Constantin and the Vancouver flagship boutique team for a wonderful evening.

For more information regarding Vacheron Constantin timepieces please visit: https//www.vacheron-constantin.com

Vacheron Constantin Boutique:

1055 Alberni Street

Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 1A1
Phone: +1778-309-4816

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