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
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
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The Oversees Ultra-Thin Perpetual Calendar in 18k pink gold. Photo Credit: Adrian Burke
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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
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A closeup of the hand finished flying tourbillon escapement. Photo Credit: Julian Fok
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The beautiful open-worked caseback on the Patrimony minute repeater. A majority of Vacheron Constantin timepieces bear the 
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The 
The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date 80th Anniversary Edition. 40mm in a solid bronze case with a deep green dial.
The original Big Crown Pointer Date from 1938. Photo Credit: Oris
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This limited RedBar edition Oris Diver Sixty-Five was produced with an oxblood red dial that takes on different shades depending on the lighting.
The case back on the Limited RedBar Edition Oris Diver Sixty-Five. Featuring the RedBar logo and production number.
Photo Credit: @braindrain232 (Instagram)
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The Omega Seamaster Railmaster “Denim-Inspired” timepiece symbolizing the industrial and innovative 1950’s this piece draws inspiration from mid-century designs with a casual blue jean textured NATO strap and brushed blue dial. Photo Credit: @braindrain232 (Instagram)
The Omega Seamaster Olympic Games Watch: Part of a new “Olympic Official Timekeeper Collection.” With design cues taken right from a high precision stop watch. Being the official timekeeper since 1932 this collection is a natural progression of Omega’s proud Olympic roots. Photo Credit: @braindrain232 (Instagram)
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Some highlights from the Oris X RedBaryr event. Photo credit: @lordnantucket (Instagram)
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A pair of Oris Big Crown Pointer Date watches. Stainless steel on the left and a bronze variation on the right with an interesting mint green dial. Photo Credit: @lordnantucket (Instagram)
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A trio of vintage Oris timepieces made it out to the event worn by RedBar Vancouver members.
The Oris Regulateur ‘Der Meistertaucher’ dive watch. Photo Credit: @jestacey (Instagram)
A side-by-side comparison of my 34mm vintage U.S. Army issued Hamilton on the left from 1982 and the updated 38mm 2018 vintage inspired model on the right.
The case features a rugged looking brushed finish. It is a proper tool watch through and through. The oversized crown is easy to grip and provides easy winding.
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