A story of passion
de Jong Watches, was founded after my first small project of ten watches three years ago. This was a limited edition run of a watch inspired by my favorite classic car, Lancia Delta Integrale Evo 2. Right during the time of that project I started to get passionate about independent watchmaking. I thought about creating a next, bigger project to transfer that passion.
The main goal is to provide a watch that uses high-end materials and techniques, is versatile and affordable.
This had resulted in the ‘de Jong edition 1’. A timepiece that derives from passion with subtle design choices. A watch you can wear everyday with different looks, outfits and styles.
Variations
De Jong Watches Edition 1 is wearing my last name, which is common in the watchmaking world, but it is also done because it symbolizes my taste in watches. I created something I would like to wear.
The Edition 1 has a 39,5mm case, a thickness of 11,5mm including the crystal. Lug to lug it measures 47mm and between the lugs, the strap size, is 20mm. The watch is available in two different versions. White enamel with blue heated steel hands and blue enamel with steel hands. All come with three quick release straps, a mesh steel bracelet, a blue leather strap and a creme suede strap. The watch is limited to a total 200 piece run, not depended on color of the dial, and they will be numbered on the back case.
Automatic Swiss movement
de Jong Edition 1 timepiece had a Sellita SW260-1 as its driving heart. Which is a very robust and reliable movement. Providing precision and a power reserve of 42-hours. It runs with a frequency of 28800 beats per hour. The movement has a 60-second subdial at the 6 hour mark.
Design
The case design is classic with a subtle twist. The lugs are a modern version of the teardrop lugs with a line in the middle that runs over the side of the case giving it more layers.
The shape of the lugs is also an inspiration for the hour hand, where you can also find that subtle line running through the middle, making it play in the light from certain angles. Which is even more visible with the white version with the blue heated steel hands.
The dials are made from enamel (oven baked) which are layered. That is also referring back to the whole design of the watch. I used enamel dials because of the history it has in horology and the overall classic look that is gives.
Straps and bracelet
The watch will come with three quick release straps. A leather blue strap, a creme suede strap and a steel mesh bracelet. All three have a quick release pin, making it easy to change the strap and the overall look of the watch.
Specifications
Retail price of future models: €499,00
Packaging
de Jong watch Edition will come with a blue canvas watch roll. This will be able to hold three watches. Handy for travel.
About de Jong Watches
De Jong Watches is based in The Netherlands. I, Ron de Jong, am a certified watch-nerd with a big passion for independent watchmakers. With de Jong Watches I want to create something that I, myself, would want to wear daily.
After some years of being into watches I decided to create my very own timepiece on Kickstarter in 2016. Not hitting the goal was a let down, but looking back at it, it was a very big learning point for me. Following this project I made a new watch, limited to 10 pieces, inspired by the Lancia Delta Integrale Evo 2. Knowing what I had learned from the pervious project it all went a lot smoother and just better in general. Now with de Jong Watches everything I have learned over the years has come together.
The aim of de Jong Watches is providing a high quality timepieces with a unique design. Using techniques that are normally only used in expensive watches. Also I would like to become a stepping stone for people that love watches to open their eyes for the world past the main brands, and will spark the passion for independent watchmakers.
What I like most in the design process is making sure the watch is balanced, has subtle design elements in it, and is very aesthetically pleasing. It shouldn’t be all in your face directly. Discovering details is a big part of the fun.
Ron de Jong,
de Jong Watches
Rewards
Timeline
de Jong Watches are being produced with a very reliable factory, which I have worked with before without any troubles, and we are very confident that we will be able to deliver on time. We have put in place a production schedule. That said, there will always be unexpected events or discoveries that may impact production/shipping time. If anything untoward takes place, backers will be notified with a resolution already in place. It will take about 6 months for the first batch to be delivered to you, and of course you will be kept up to date throughout. Thank you to everyone who has supported the project from the start and to all our backers!