Knot Designs Raden Review

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Knot Designs Raden Sumi Monochrome AT--38SVJRBK-R

The dial is finished in “Raden” (螺鈿) which is natural lacquer — from Japanese Lacquer trees — with flakes of Japanese freshwater Mother of Pearl embedded in the lacquer, a 1300-year-old technique. Tiny differences in the angles of the mother of pearl flakes makes them catch the light differently, but not in a distracting way.

Steel case, 38mm, 18mm lugs, 10mm thick, polished bezel and lug tops, horizontally-brushed sides. Sapphire front and back crystals with AR, very gently-narrowing blunted dagger indices, tiny gradations in an outer contrasting chapter ring, and highly polished hands with extremely subtle facets at their edges. A simple but distinctive loop counterbalance on the seconds hand adds character.

The model employs a Miyota cal. 9015, which personally I think is the equal of the NH35 in reality if not specs. Slow 3 seconds in 7 hours first day, and it will break in.

on the downside, the white date window is not my fave with this dark of a dial, but it’s not awful. The lugs are drilled, as well, which is my favorite on anything but a dress watch; this happens to be a dress watch, or near to, however. Knot sells the watch, strap, and buckle separately, and the beautiful straps are all far too short for me, so I just bought the watch alone. I have a beautiful “museum-patina” deep brown strap on order from Tun’s Leather for it however.

And it’s affordable! Only 85,000! 85,000 Yen, so about $600 USD today. It was like $570 when I pre-ordered for this restock. I had read numerous testimonials on the quality of Knot and first impressions are excellent.

Knot Designs Raden Review

4.8
Yes No
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
4/5
  • Stunning dial of traditional raden
  • 38mm and 10mm thick is a great size
  • Fantastic attention to detail
  • Date dial not color matched
  • Drilled lugs on a dress watch
  • Factory straps way too short
#reviews #knotwatch #lacquer #japanesemicrobrand
Reply
fplourde
·

Nice review my friend, that dial is stunning. Beautiful watch, congrats and enjoy

watchnate
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fplourde

Nice review my friend, that dial is stunning. Beautiful watch, congrats and enjoy

Thanks! Im loving it so far!

dpfotographic
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Thanks for reviewing this watch, it's stunning! Another microbrand added to my favourites tab.

watchnate
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dpfotographic

Thanks for reviewing this watch, it's stunning! Another microbrand added to my favourites tab.

My pleasure and thank you!

Fieldwalker
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Love the watch!! I’ve got to take a look at knot.