Wancher Watch: Gurkha 30-degree tilted dial watch
Wancher watch got its start when the President of the company, Taizo Okagaki, developed an interest in watches while working in Egypt. Wancher crafts their watches in Japan and they are assembled in either Oita, Bungotakada, or in China. The watches pull together various elements that celebrate Japanese philosophy and literature, with Wancher, “aiming to preserve its profound beauty and wisdom through our timepieces.” Wancher holds true to these elements as various models highlight traditional Japanese artists working in various materials such as Urushi, Raden, and mother of pearl. Many of these artists are localized and highlighting their work allows Wancher to share these amazing types of art with watch lovers around the world. I have previously reviewed the Wancher Olympus Titan fountain pen and Wancher offered me the chance to review one of their watches. They graciously sent me their Gurkha model to review. This is a interesting design and I hope you enjoy hearing about it. Thanks go out to Wancher for sending this over to me, and you can order your own at the link above.
Packaging: The watch comes in a black cardstock flip top box with no labeling. Opening the lid reveals an internal cutout presentation window showing off the watch. The box opens on the sides, in addition to the watch, there is an instruction manual as well as a guarantee certificate. I am a fan of simple packaging, I prefer the product to speak for itself, not the packaging.
First Thoughts: The Gurkha has a unique tilted face design, and the black and white coloring pops against the black rubber band.
Design: Let’s talk about the dial. The Gurkha model has a 30-degree tilted dial, which puts the 12 o’clock position where the 1 o’clock position would typically lay. This is the first watch I have seen with this layout. The tilted watch layout dates to the early 1920’s, initially to help read the time while driving a car and not having to take your hand off the wheel. I have found this layout easier and quicker to read than my other watches, without having to change the position of my hand while typing or while driving.
I received the Dual-X dial with a white “0”, and rubber band. The watch is light coming in at roughly 21grams, with a case size of 34mm, thickness of 10mm, and diameter of 37mm. I measured the band at 236mm or 9 5/16 inches which allowed me to easily fit in on my wrist on the third watch band hole and I have fairly large wrists. The face of this model is split down the middle, black on the left, and white on the right, from 0 (12) to 6, with military time laid out on the inside for the traditional 1-12 indices. Below the 0 is “Wancher”, above the 6 o’clock position is “From The Land of the Rising Sun,” as well as the Wancher logo at the 3 o’clock position. The minute and hour hand have a traditional sword shape, with the minute hand extending into a needle shape at the tip. The arrow and needle shaped second hand ticks as opposed to sweeps, and hits the indices perfectly in alignment. The lume on the watch is on the hour, minute, and second hands as well as rectangular indices at the hour markers. The lume is bright and easy to read in darkness and has a fairly long brightness time. The crown is located at the 4 o’clock position with knurling around the sides to grip easier.
The caseback has multiple engravings. Starting with the Wagara pattern, I found this pattern interesting so I looked up the meaning/origin of it. This pattern commonly called yabane or yagasuri, means “arrow feathers.”
Found weddings and other important ceremonies, comes from a traditional Japanese saying that once an arrow is shot, it flies straight and does not return. During the Edo Period (1603-1868) brides were often gifted a kimono with this pattern which represented their never having to return to their original family home.
In more modern times, female students wore this pattern starting in Meiji (1868–1912) and Taisho (1912-1926) Periods in Japan, and it is often worn by female graduates at graduation ceremonies to represent their flying straight towards happiness.
Around the outside is “WATER RESISTANT 5ATM 30-DEGREE FIELD WATCH MIYOTA 2035 QUARTZ.” Below the Wagara pattern is the model name “Gurkha,” below that is “Designed in Japan Assembled in China,” the Wancher logo, and lastly “Wancher.”
Price: $65.99 USD
Overall: I am impressed with this watch. I usually prefer chronographs or larger diver style watches, but this watch checks all the boxes for me. It is comfortable, given the weight I honestly forget that I am wearing it. It is very accurate with the Miyota 2035 movement, and I saw no time loss or gain over the month I have had it. The dial is easy to read both during the day and at night and it is easy to set as there are no additional complications outside of the time. Lastly, I can easily dress up or down with this watch, go swimming with it, work outside, or go into the office. The price point is the perfect level for something different that won’t break the bank and has solid reliability. If you are looking for a new watch, or even if you aren’t, I would highly recommend this model.
Specs:
Name: Gurkha
Design: 30 degree tilted dial
Case: Black PVD coated Aluminium
Caliber: Miyota 2035 Quartz
Dial: Painted Steel Dial
Case size: 34mm x 10mm x 37mm
Lug width: 16mm and 40mm lug to lug
Water Resistance: 5atm (50 meters)
Crystal: Mineral Glass
Weight: 21g
Strap: Stainless steel mesh, Leather (black, brown, green), Rubber, or Nylon (green or black)
Closure: buckle
Strap Length: 236mm (9 5/16 in)
