AboutTime Issue # 17 Summer 2019 | Page 52

WESSEX WATCHES way to make dials, it’s probably a good idea to fit a mechanical movement under the hood. So if you do hold a Wessex up to your ear more often than not you can expect to hear the stately pace of the ETA (Unitas) 6497 or 6498 to be ticking away at 18,000 bph in your ear. Typically these are in the form of the Elabore’ version, but even here you can work with the company to customize not only the dial, but even the movements inside and other options including automatic winding mechanicals are available. Most of Wessex’s watches are in the 43-44 mm case size range and are water resistant to 5atm with a sapphire crystal back. There are a few variations on the crowns currently offered so if you are really keen to bring your own watch to life, Wessex can work with you on the details. 52 | AboutTime Magazine After the initial time to program the design, each dial takes approximately 3-4 hours to produce. Process time for each dial includes machining for 1.5-2 hours, and another 1.5-2 hours of hand finishing. The result of all this work is an exceptional, high quality, hand produced and engraved dial normally found on watches costing thousands, or even tens of thousands of dollars. Currently, most of Wessex’s collection retails between $1,125-$2,500 USD at www. wessexwatches.com. Now I almost never say this, but Jamie Boyd is not charging enough for his watches. If you like the type, the time to buy is sooner rather than later as I have little doubt that once Wessex Watches establishes a name for itself in the watch world the prices are bound to go up!