New designs are not easy to find – the Rocket from Ember Watch Company

We always complain that plenty objects, especially when it comes to watches, they all look very similar. This is mainly because watches have become more of an accessory and not a need, a personal touch that helps to express how you feel or what you like.

One of my favourite categories in watches is the field watch and mainly because they are simple in nature, no complication and no nonsense, the purest form of functionality. That said, there are two side on each coin and because of that purity needed in terms of design, well, they can become a bit boring, almost generic.

The current formula for a field watch is a smaller round case usually at 38mm, large crown with no guards, and a 3, 6, 9 configuration on the dial. It might sound like I am describing the Rolex Explorer, but the truth is that it has become the footprint for the whole industry. Also, to be completely fair, it is a good design, legible but then again because it sells, it tends to drag the whole watch scene to create homages and lazy reproductions with minimal alternations, it is all a bit sad because I am sure that the evolution would be much more interesting.

After endless scrolling trough Instagram, I came across something a bit bolder, different and angular, a watch that made me stop: the Rocket from Ember Watch Company. It had all the characteristics I was looking for (at least the visual ones) for a simple 3 handed watch. I was a bit sceptical coming into the website, I was sure I was going to find a huge price tag (more on that later) or a massive case size but no, everything kept ticking my boxes. I’ve decided to investigate more.

At an event in London, I’ve meet John Glinister who is the founder of the brand. It was a short meet with a lot of people glazing over his stand, but one thing got clearer to me, his first watch, the Rocket, was a testament on good design. From the colours to the shapes of the case, everything gave a futuristic vibe that I have not yet experienced, I’ll come to that later.

Join me to discover a new design language that I am sure it will be replicated in future models. Let’s begin.

Technical specifications

Stepping out of the field watch comfort zone, the Rocket is 40mm in diameter with a 47mm lug to lug, the magic trick is that the case it wears more like a 38mm watch, not sure how that is possible but, I have plenty clearance on both sides of the wrist. The shape of the bead blasted stainless steel case is steals the show (the pink dial will come later), it reminds you a bit of an Octo Roma from Bulgari but a tad more angular and aggressive, a more utilitarian look. The only ‘’luxury-like’’ feature is the polished bezel which is to me the best way to highlight even further the matte surface of the watch, it is a constant reminder that the Rocket is a serious object but well thought out.

Staying with the case, if you move it the side you can count already 10 different angles, which means that there are no round shapes to be seen. I can really picture this watch in an Hublot-Orlinsky exhibition, we already got 2 big names that can trade punches all day long with the Rocket.

When we move to the dial, our version is called Skyline Pink, and it offers a matte surface dial with the most vibrant colour in their catalogue. As the name suggest the Candy like shade is a breath of fresh air, specially now that grey October skies have reached us. The yellow seconds hand and rail track numerals break the palette which also includes white letters, a sandwich construction and a black rehaut, very clean and goodlooking. The blue hue of the BGW9 lume is potent and lasts quite a bit, it is easy to read the time at a glance in the dark creating a great show.

The screw down crown controls the NH38 movement which is reliable and surprisingly quiet. I’ve asked John if he did some work on it because I was expecting much more noise coming out of the rotor. The watch offers 41 hours of power reserve and 100 meters of water resistance. Another part that needs to be mentioned is the closed case back which includes which includes a lovely geometric pattern, much more preferred than a see through one.

On the wrist

Wearing the Rocket is a great experience, not only because the way it looks but how also that case design is functional. The lugs hug the wrist quite well because of their downward position and in my 6.25-inch wrist, the flat back of the case fits like a charm.

The watch comes with an H-link bead blasted bracelet which is as good as the case. It fits very well giving the impression that the Rocket has an integrated bracelet with end links that do not extend beyond the case, maybe this is the reason why the watch feels a lot smaller. The double triggered clasp is precise and includes a micro adjustment on the fly, which is appreciated. This last feature together with the quick release system makes the Rocket more versatile and user friendly.

I wore the Rocket everywhere, from dinner to office, it looks great with a pair of jeans, sweater and white sneakers, but also if you decide to use the supplied rubber or leather strap (yes it comes with both) then you have a more casual watch that can be worn every day.

That said, going out with a bright pink watch is not the most subtle choice, but I have to say that it blends more that I thought. It is a serious watch that is meant to express a different side, and if this is not your cup of tea, there are other versions that can work for you, all of them with that Ember touch, none of them are generic.

More on this last point, we were very taken by the Midnight Neon version, not sure why but because it doesn’t have a coherent set of colours, it brings multiple focal points depending on how you look at the watch, kind of like a new one every time (hope that makes sense).

Joining the Midnight Neon and the Skyline Pink we have the Glacial White which was the initial version I saw scrolling on the internet, then the Sky Blue and the Sunset Orange, quite a representation on the time of the day.

Concluding thoughts

After seeing and experiencing the Rocket, I can say that prices are getting much better for the consumers. The number of features and details per GBP on this watch are truly amazing. The Rocket not only is refined but also unique, no one will come to you and say: ‘’is that the new …?’’, it is its own thing.

Coming back to the price, the Rocket is live now priced at 449 GBP and to me that is quite a deal considering what can be found out there at that price. It is a strong proposition with all you need for an everyday watch including versatility as the Rocket includes 2 extra straps.

If you are in the market for a true GADA watch but with a twist, this could be it for you, from the black dials to the crispy whites, I am sure there is a version that can safely work for you, I would be tempted to that Midnight Neon but the Skyline Pink has become a constant wearer. My watch box has been closed over the last 3 weeks and it is not a surprise.

for more information please visit: https://www.emberwatchcompany.com/products/skyline-pink

Technical Specifications

·       Case material - 316L stainless steel

·       Case finishing - bead-blasted matte finish with polished accent around the bezel.

·       Dimensions - 40mm wide / 47mm lug to lug / 12mm thick

·       Movement - NH38A movement - automatic winding / no-date / hacking seconds / 21,600vph / 41 hours power reserve.

·       Screw-down solid caseback with embossed and polished geometric pattern.

·       Dial - Sandwich dial - lumed bottom layer / cutouts to top layer.

·       Lume - Superluminova BG-W9 to minute and hour hands, and bottom layer of dial.

·       Sapphire crystal.

·       10ATM / 100m / 330ft water resistance, with screw-down crown.

·       Genuine leather strap with bead-blasted stainless steel buckle.

·       FKM rubber strap with bead-blasted stainless steel buckle.