Collaboration designs sacrifice design for marketing: Hemel/Islander Check Six is poster child
I was curious. I picked up the Hemel/Islander ‘Check Six’ field watch. I’m a self proclaimed field watch officionado (not to mention I’m a sucker for sector dial features which this watch also has).
I did have a major reservation, all the logo crap strewn throughout the watch. It has a billboard look and feel. It’s part of why I’ve never like etchings on the side case with the company’s name. Reminds me of the cars wrapped in advertising and mindlessly drove around during rush hour traffic.
I do like the watch, for now I’m going to keep it.
Not only are the company logos on the dial, subtle for sure. They’re also in bold print on the back. And for some reason, I have to be reminded that this design was a collaboration…because they printed “the collaboration” so that you’ll never forget…ever.
Did I mention the the collaboration logos on the clasp?
I am writing Hemel and Islander asking them to make a caseback naming the model, specs, and an image of two soldiers holding a position…one soldier covering their ‘six.’ See, that wasn’t so hard.
I could’ve handled the logos only on the caseback. Leave the dial of a field watch plain as they’re intended to be.
I am thrilled about one thing…
They didnt etch ‘The Collaboration’ on the side case (there was room for that ya know).
What say you?
Christian, watch enthusiast/collector, host (@realidealgear)
Acutally I think the two circular logos on the dial look pretty good but I agree that casback is way too busy. Not sure why the two companies needed to be in size 50 font jeez
I just ordered one and it's being shipped today! Happy tomsupport these guys as they are probably the closest to a "home town Microbrand" I will get to see as I'm in Jersey and they are out on LI. Sweet collab.
Great looking watch all in all
I watched Marc's video on this earlier today and was intrigued, but I had similar thoughts on how crowded the dial (and entire watch) is. I have their earlier collaboration, the Hawkeye pilot watch, and the branding is much more subtle on it.
The back is more subtle as well.
It occurs to me that the Check 6 is similar to the Rangemaster Mechanical in one respect; they took what worked in the first collaboration and tried to pack more of it in until it almost doesn't work anymore. 😆
I watched Marc's video on this earlier today and was intrigued, but I had similar thoughts on how crowded the dial (and entire watch) is. I have their earlier collaboration, the Hawkeye pilot watch, and the branding is much more subtle on it.
The back is more subtle as well.
It occurs to me that the Check 6 is similar to the Rangemaster Mechanical in one respect; they took what worked in the first collaboration and tried to pack more of it in until it almost doesn't work anymore. 😆
Exactly. For a field watch, simple is better.
I watched Marc's video on this earlier today and was intrigued, but I had similar thoughts on how crowded the dial (and entire watch) is. I have their earlier collaboration, the Hawkeye pilot watch, and the branding is much more subtle on it.
The back is more subtle as well.
It occurs to me that the Check 6 is similar to the Rangemaster Mechanical in one respect; they took what worked in the first collaboration and tried to pack more of it in until it almost doesn't work anymore. 😆
There was a limited edition for sale on eBay earlier, maybe I should have taken that one instead lol. But I really liked the details on it. The caseback isn't something I look at often, so it doesn't seem like a big deal as to what's there.
There was a limited edition for sale on eBay earlier, maybe I should have taken that one instead lol. But I really liked the details on it. The caseback isn't something I look at often, so it doesn't seem like a big deal as to what's there.
If you mean the limited edition Hawkeye, I saw that one on ebay. I considered the limited edition Hawkeye when they released, but I just didn't like the bright orange rehaut and counter weight on the second hand.
If you mean the limited edition Hawkeye, I saw that one on ebay. I considered the limited edition Hawkeye when they released, but I just didn't like the bright orange rehaut and counter weight on the second hand.
I liked it, reminded me of a red bar edition or something similar. 😂