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SUCCESSFUL : Kickstarter: Wolbrook/Douglas - Skindiver "Worldtimer" reissue

Posted: Thu Dec 12, 2019 9:40 am
by TheJohnP
After being asleep for 50 years, Wolbrook and subbrand Douglas are being resurrected in France to reissue the Skindiver Worldtimer watches.
This is their first Kickstarter campaign.

Super Early Bird price for the Wolbrook mechaquartz is around $144
Early Bird price for the is around $167
Regular price will be $255

Super Early Bird price for the Wolbrook auto is around $267
Early Bird price is around $311
Regular price will be $467

Super Early Bird price for the Neil Armstrong inspired Douglas auto is around $267
Early Bird price is around $311
Regular price will be $467

In addition, you can add on various straps for:
- Extra Nylon Strap: Add 29€ / around $32
- Extra Pilot Plate: Add 19€ / around $21
- Extra Leather Strap: Add 39€ / around $43
- Extra Mesh Band: Add 49€ / around $54
- Extra Rubber Strap: Add 69€ / around $77
- Extra Solid Band: Add 89€ / around $99

Estimated delivery is May 2020 for the mechaquartz version or Jun 2020 for the automatics.


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The main draw to this campaign is the Douglas branded Skindiver Worldtimer that is inspired by a watch that was worn and owned by Neil Armstrong.

With an Hesalite glass, 4 color combinations and an automatic Citizen / Miyota movement, this version is the most faithful reedition for the watch passionate and space conquest fan looking to own a piece of history. Like all professional line watches from Wolbrook, these models boast a Douglas logo on the dial.

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There is also a regular automatic version with added sapphire crystal

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There is also a cheaper mechaquartz version, using a Seiko VH31 movement

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Re: PREORDER: Kickstarter: Wolbrook/Douglas - Skindiver "Worldtimer" reissue

Posted: Thu Dec 12, 2019 9:52 am
by MoT
The mecaquartz Wolbrook is enticing. I've been wanting Seiko's VH31 for awhile now...

Re: PREORDER: Kickstarter: Wolbrook/Douglas - Skindiver "Worldtimer" reissue

Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2019 9:57 pm
by tommy_boy
I'm in for the Automatic (for sapphire).

Not sure whether I'll go for white dial/steel bezel or the black/black.

Regardless, I like the story and what I hope is a good value.

Re: PREORDER: Kickstarter: Wolbrook/Douglas - Skindiver "Worldtimer" reissue

Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2019 10:07 pm
by MoT
tommy_boy wrote: Fri Dec 13, 2019 9:57 pm I'm in for the Automatic (for sapphire).

Not sure whether I'll go for white dial/steel bezel or the black/black.

Regardless, I like the story and what I hope is a good value.
The Wolbrook mecaquartz is sapphire as well. I kind of wish it was acrylic though, to be more "authentic" to the original. (And to be cheaper. :lol:)

Re: PREORDER: Kickstarter: Wolbrook/Douglas - Skindiver "Worldtimer" reissue

Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2019 10:14 pm
by tommy_boy
ManOnTime wrote: Fri Dec 13, 2019 10:07 pm
tommy_boy wrote: Fri Dec 13, 2019 9:57 pm I'm in for the Automatic (for sapphire).

Not sure whether I'll go for white dial/steel bezel or the black/black.

Regardless, I like the story and what I hope is a good value.
The Wolbrook mecaquartz is sapphire as well. I kind of wish it was acrylic though, to be more "authentic" to the original. (And to be cheaper. :lol:)
Point taken, but I have no experience with that movement.

Maybe I should spring for one of each :D to see whether the second hand moves smoothly.

Re: PREORDER: Kickstarter: Wolbrook/Douglas - Skindiver "Worldtimer" reissue

Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2019 10:18 pm
by MoT
Ok, I'm in for a Wolbrook mecaquartz. 40mm, drilled lugs, no date. It's basically everything I'm looking for in a "vintage" watch.

This is the first KS I've ever joined.

When the time comes I'll one of these variants:


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Re: PREORDER: Kickstarter: Wolbrook/Douglas - Skindiver "Worldtimer" reissue

Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2019 10:22 pm
by tommy_boy
I hesitate to get either of those with the aluminum insert.

I am not gentle with my watches. :oops:

But the red looks really nice.

Re: PREORDER: Kickstarter: Wolbrook/Douglas - Skindiver "Worldtimer" reissue

Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2019 10:24 pm
by MoT
tommy_boy wrote: Fri Dec 13, 2019 10:14 pm
ManOnTime wrote: Fri Dec 13, 2019 10:07 pm
tommy_boy wrote: Fri Dec 13, 2019 9:57 pm I'm in for the Automatic (for sapphire).

Not sure whether I'll go for white dial/steel bezel or the black/black.

Regardless, I like the story and what I hope is a good value.
The Wolbrook mecaquartz is sapphire as well. I kind of wish it was acrylic though, to be more "authentic" to the original. (And to be cheaper. :lol:)
Point taken, but I have no experience with that movement.

Maybe I should spring for one of each :D to see whether the second hand moves smoothly.

It's very reminiscent of the electric/electronic/quartz-controlled balance wheel watches (Timex Electric/Electronic/Dynabeat, ESA Dynatron, Seiko EL-370, Lip R148, etc) of the '60s and '70s.


Re: PREORDER: Kickstarter: Wolbrook/Douglas - Skindiver "Worldtimer" reissue

Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2019 10:28 pm
by TheJohnP
Here's another video from Just One More Watch reviewing a Vario with that movement. It is smoother than most quartz, but not precisionist smooth, IMO


Re: PREORDER: Kickstarter: Wolbrook/Douglas - Skindiver "Worldtimer" reissue

Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2019 10:32 pm
by tommy_boy
TheJohnP wrote: Fri Dec 13, 2019 10:28 pm Here's another video from Just One More Watch reviewing a Vario with that movement. It is smoother than most quartz, but not precisionist smooth, IMO

If that movement was in a chrono and the small seconds was ticking, I'd be OK with it. With a center seconds hand, it looks to me like a standard quartz movement that drank three quad espressos.

Re: PREORDER: Kickstarter: Wolbrook/Douglas - Skindiver "Worldtimer" reissue

Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2019 4:04 pm
by pdsf
ManOnTime wrote: Fri Dec 13, 2019 10:18 pm Ok, I'm in for a Wolbrook mecaquartz. 40mm, drilled lugs, no date. It's basically everything I'm looking for in a "vintage" watch.
...
I am tempted to get a mecaquartz variant as well! All black I think...

Re: PREORDER: Kickstarter: Wolbrook/Douglas - Skindiver "Worldtimer" reissue

Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2019 1:10 am
by Jabrnet
I'm in for the Mecaquartz, I also would love the all black but I doubt the funding will unlock that stretch goal unfortunately at this point...

pdsf wrote: Tue Dec 17, 2019 4:04 pm
ManOnTime wrote: Fri Dec 13, 2019 10:18 pm Ok, I'm in for a Wolbrook mecaquartz. 40mm, drilled lugs, no date. It's basically everything I'm looking for in a "vintage" watch.
...
I am tempted to get a mecaquartz variant as well! All black I think...

Re: PREORDER: Kickstarter: Wolbrook/Douglas - Skindiver "Worldtimer" reissue

Posted: Sat Dec 28, 2019 6:39 am
by tsteph12
Mecaquartz will likely be my choice. Anyone here going for the white dial?

Re: PREORDER: Kickstarter: Wolbrook/Douglas - Skindiver "Worldtimer" reissue

Posted: Sat Dec 28, 2019 8:20 am
by pdsf
tsteph12 wrote: Sat Dec 28, 2019 6:39 am Mecaquartz will likely be my choice. Anyone here going for the white dial?
I am in for the mecaquartz. I was just thinking I might go for the white dial (was going to go for the black).....

Re: PREORDER: Kickstarter: Wolbrook/Douglas - Skindiver "Worldtimer" reissue

Posted: Sat Dec 28, 2019 9:03 am
by tsteph12
pdsf wrote: Sat Dec 28, 2019 8:20 am
tsteph12 wrote: Sat Dec 28, 2019 6:39 am Mecaquartz will likely be my choice. Anyone here going for the white dial?
I am in for the mecaquartz. I was just thinking I might go for the white dial (was going to go for the black).....
Black is a consideration for me too, but prefer steel bezel and this choice seems to be only offered with vintage brownish looking lume.