As the resident Canuck of the ABTW group, I’m at all times looking out for one thing fascinating north of the border to share. After I crossed paths with the Intrepid Diver, I felt compelled to get my palms on the Whitby Watch Co.’s inaugural launch. The watch and model had been developed as a method to honor the reminiscence of William Stephenson and his creation of the spy-training facility often called “Camp X.” The ability itself was inbuilt Whitby, Ontario in 1941 as an Allied covert operations effort throughout World Conflict II. Stephenson himself was the real-life inspiration for Ian Fleming’s James Bond, so the attraction to his legacy undoubtedly is sensible. Being a former resident of Whitby myself, I’m comfortable to push this slice of Canadian content material to the watch loving public.
The Whitby Watch Co. model is co-founded by Jay Harrison and Greg Tsagris. Jay is a former NHL defenseman who performed for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, and Winnipeg Jets. In recent times, he determined to tackle the event of a watch model as a ardour challenge. The model mission? To ship a high-quality Swiss look ahead to the bottom price attainable and unfold the appreciation for mechanical watches throughout the entry-level market.
Did they obtain their goal? Let’s take a better take a look at the watch itself.
Whitby Watch Co.’s Intrepid Diver actually units the tone for the piece proper out of the gate. Arriving in a branded Nanuk pelican case, the theme is already clear. Upon opening the case, you might be greeted by the Intrepid Diver centered in a show with a brief introductory writeup about Camp X.
After eradicating the watch and the information card, you can see the chrome steel bracelet and commemorative problem coin. The coin is emblazoned with a crest and “STS 103 CAMP X” for “Particular Coaching College 103.” The corresponding manufacturing quantity is laser etched just under the crest, and the reverse of the coin carries the compass rose of the Canadian Forces Intelligence Department.
There’s additionally a hidden compartment with just a few additional top-secret goodies inside, which undoubtedly provides to the enjoyable issue. There are photos of William Stephenson and a few historic Camp X coaching scenes, which assist flesh out the story behind the inspiration.
I do know you put on the watch and never the field, however it’s actually heartening to see such thought put into the presentation of the Whitby Watch Co. Intrepid Diver — particularly contemplating the $700 CAD price ticket. Moreover, given Whitby Watch Co.’s mission of partaking and thrilling entry-level consumers, this presentation makes an entire lot of sense.
The Watch
Beginning with the general feel and appear, the watch actually has a ample heft to it at 44mm of 316L Stainless Metal. The case is totally polished, with the manufacturing quantity laser-etched on the facet. Whitby Watch Co. despatched me a prototype for hands-on evaluate, which is fittingly numbered #007 for the William Stephenson tie-in. The screw-down crown helps obtain the 200M water resistance score and is branded with the “W” icon from the emblem.
On the prototype I reviewed, a generic caseback gave a glimpse of the ETA 2824-2 that powers the Intrepid Diver. Nevertheless, the manufacturing mannequin does have a a lot nicer strong again that options the identical compass rose of the Canadian Forces Intelligence department. I’ve included a picture of each so you continue to get to see what’s on the within. Additionally, the case itself is manufactured in Germany, which is one other thoughts boggle, given the affordability.
This show case again was for prototype preview functions solely. Nevertheless, The ETA 2824-2 motion you see is what you get within the manufacturing mannequin.
The uni-directional bezel is sweet and chunky, though the design of the insert does actually remind me of the Omega Seamaster 212.30.41.20.01.003. Nonetheless, it operates crisply and there are not any purposeful considerations when giving it a twist. It’s legible and purposeful, though maybe it might be a bit extra distinctive.
Utilized indices mark every hour on the Whitby Watch Co. Intrepid Diver, and the markers do praise the palms fairly nicely. Pad-printing on the dial is crisp, and the date window is trimmed out to match the utilized indices. A delicate sunburst end is utilized to the bottom of the dial, and all of that is viewable by way of the AR-coated sapphire crystal.
A pin buckle silicone strap was fitted to the Intrepid Diver for my evaluate. The bracelet was included however with out end-links for me to strive it out. Polished H hyperlinks with brushed facilities and clasp made up the hefty linkage on what I did obtain. Undoubtedly substantial and weighty. Though I didn’t get an opportunity to strive it out, the development and clasp high quality certainly improve the bang-per-buck issue.
On the wrist, the watch wears nicely, although 44mm is massive for me — however the brief lugs made this a superb match for my wrist. It does sit a bit tall to suit below the cuff of my formal shirts, however I believe it’s extra suited to informal apparel and energetic put on.
It’s sporty and technical trying general, and though it actually doesn’t seem like of the period of William Stephenson, I don’t assume a throwback design would have been the correct name, both. If Camp X had been nonetheless in operation right this moment, maybe this could be what they handed out to modern-day brokers of espionage within the Nice White North. The federal government would possible recognize the sticker worth, too, at $700 CAD for every Intrepid Diver.
So, do I believe Whitby Watch Co. was profitable in its mission? Is the Intrepid Diver an inexpensive watch that delivers on high quality and expertise? I believe so. Though the design isn’t groundbreaking, the standard and intelligent presentation actually make for the correct expertise. Co-founder Jay Harrison clearly cares in regards to the mission of Whitby Watch Co., and I hope the Intrepid Diver helps encourage budding fanatics across the globe.
The Whitby Watch Co. Intrepid Diver is on the market in three colorways and priced at $522 USD. Test it out at whitbywatchco.com, and embrace some wrist-worn Canadian content material.
