With a retail price of $419 CND / £215, but starting at $259 CND / £135 on Kickstarter, the Heritage is much more in line with what we like – automatic, individual design yet classy, and decent specs; all tied together with a pretty outrageous price tag. Let’s take a brief look to see if it’s worth backing (or if you’ve missed out, worth the full RRP).

The specs

• Domed sapphire crystal
• Applied indices on an enamel dial
• 316L polished stainless steel case, rose gold plated
• 40mm diameter
• 11mm thickness
• 49.5mm lug to lug length
• 78g weight
• 20mm lug width
• Genuine Italian calf-skin leather strap
• Butterfly deployment clasp
• Exhibition case back with perimeter engraving
• Miyota 8215; 9015 as a stretch goal
• 24 month international warranty
• Piano black wood presentation box with certificate of authenticity

The dial

What really stood out to me immediately was the reflective enamel dial. A bit of a pain to photograph, but in the flesh it looks the part. When coupled with the polished applied hour markers, date window frame, and pitched dauphine hands, the entire dial radiates at every angle.

Design-wise, I think it’s simple and splendid. I really like the date window at 6, and all of the elements are all well-balanced and designed.

The printing is ok, it could have been a little bit more detailed, but this is only the case when you’re looking at it very closely or under under a macro lens. I also think that the applied hour markers could have been a little thicker to denote better quality, but that’s just me being picky.

The case

The case is a great size for me and my 7 1/4″ wrist: 40mm diameter, 11mm tall, and a 49.5mm lug to lug length. The entire case is very well finished: the entire polished finishing is mirror-like and there’s no signs of any poor QC. The case also has a nice fluid profile to it and an angular bevelled edge.

The 78g weight also provides a comfortable wear; it’s lightweight whilst providing the feeling of quality.

The crown is a nice alternative to what would be the norm on a watch styled like this: it’s a dumpy onion shape. Again, it’s nicely made with the Hastings “H” deeply engraved.

The caseback is smart and simple, with the exhibition window doing most of the talking. The perimeter engraving surrounding the window is deep and accurate.

The strap

The strap is 20mm wide at the lugs, reducing down to 18mm at the butterfly clasp. It’s made of genuine Italian calf-skin leather, which is surprisingly supple and comfortable – not stiff at all.

The rose gold butterfly deployment clasp is also very well made and finished for the price of the timepiece, and the logo engraving on the top bar is likewise deeper and better quality than one would expect.

The movement

The movement selected is a Miyota 8215. The physical watch I have reviewed contains a 9015, which is a stretch goal. The 8215 is not on the same level as the 9015, as it’s a lower beat and is even more industrial (or, “plain”) looking. Obviously the 9015 would be the ideal choice, but still, at this price – the 8215 is still acceptable.

The box

It’s always good to see an affordable watch manufacturer make an effort with the packaging, and Hastings & Co have provided an impressive piano wooden box for the Heritage. It’s well made, looks the part, and is a nice size too.

Final comments

Even at the full retail price of $419 CND / £215, the Hastings & Co Heritage is a great value automatic option. But starting at $259 CND / £135 on Kickstarter is simply outstanding. This is truly a lot of watch for that kind of money. It’s well designed, well made, and boasts good specs. Also the presentation box shouldn’t be forgotten about.

So yes, I’d highly recommend it, and I believe the backers will not be disappointed when the first batch arrives.

The post Hastings & Co Heritage Watch Review appeared first on 12&60.