Hamtun is back with the Kraken H3, and this time there is a GMT option!
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Availability: April 21st, 2020 at 4:30pm BST. See your local time at
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kickstarter
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rossdavis/hamtun-kraken-h3-the-best-titanium-watch-replaces-the-h2?ref=2ce66q&token=6321d9f1&__s=421mw6p2hn4aeuilw87r--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Now that it's shipped, it's time to come back with the 2020 version, and it ups the game further still. I'm excited. Here are the details.
First, the basics
I haven't messed with the stuff that was right, so:
Material: Scratch-resistant titanium
Crystal: Sapphire, with internal anti-reflective coating
Bracelet: Oyster-style scratch-resistant titanium
Bezel: Ceramic or titanium
Pricing: Super-affordable
So what's changed, then?
Lots of stuff, so get ready to concentrate!
The movements
The Kraken H2 launched with an entry-level choice of the Seiko NH35a, or for a fee you could upgrade to the premium option, the Swiss made Sellita SW200-1. The Seiko NH35a is a great workhorse movement and I was pleased with it, but I thought we could do better this time.
The ALL-NEW Kraken H3 entry level
For the Kraken H3 entry level model I've upgraded by switching to the PT5000 automatic movement. I've got a few reasons, but here are the main ones.
It's slimmer, so I can make the default case just that little bit more compact. In fact it's exactly the same dimensions as the premium movement option, so it's easy to swap out (even by you later on if you decide you want to upgrade your watch without replacing the whole thing.) Interoperability is good. It's better/easier for me, it's better for you and your options, and it's better for the environment. Less waste, more re-use.
It's based on the ETA 2824-2 so all watch makers in the world should be able to work on it, wherever you are.
A few of us have been testing them for ages. In our tests, it's more accurate. With the ETA 2824-2 being such a well-known base movement design, I expect the PT5000 to explode in popularity over the next few years. I'm just a little bit ahead
It's higher beat, operating at 28,800 bpm. The second hand sweeps more smoothly making the watch feel more premium
So it's got all of those upgrades/benefits over the older NH35a, but it's only a tiny bit more expensive. It's a great option for this model. I've written in more detail about it over on the blog if you're interested.
The premium option
For the premium option I'm using the Swiss made Sellita SW200-1. For those with good memories, yes, I used a Sellita SW200-1 in the 2019 edition as well. Well known, well tested (we've shipped so many I've lost count) and it's also a ETA 2824-2 based movement, so compatible with all the parts for the entry level option.
The GMT option
The final, and biggest, change is the addition of a GMT movement to the collection. It was by far the most requested change, and I've spent a lot of time and effort building it right.
Movement: Swiss made Soprod C125 automatic
Beat rate: 28,800 bph (same smooth sweep as the classic edition)
Bezel: 24 hour in titanium or ceramic
The extra 24-hour hand was custom-designed to fit in with the design of the default hour-hand, while being distinct enough to never possibly be confused for each other. You won't find this GMT hand on any other watch (unless they copy it), it took ages to get right and I'm really proud of it.
So that's the technical changes. The entry level model is slimmer and has a better movement, the premium model remains astonishing value for money, and the super-premium new GMT option exists.
But that's not all. I've of course we've got a load of new colour options ready for 2020! Let's see them!
When is it available and what does it cost?
It'll be available for pre-order so soon. I've just got a few things to finalise on the sign-off of last Kraken H2 campaign (a few people that weren't home to sign for their orders and so they were returned to us, a few warranty repairs to complete that were delayed due to COVID-19 etc) and then we're go on the H3.
