Kuyl Watches – The Introduction To A New Dutch Watch Brand

June 15, 2012

comments 5

Just a few moments ago, Kuyl Watches has been introduced to a number of watch journalists, enthusiasts, bloggers and friends in The Hague.

Owner Jan Jaap Kuyl welcomed the attendees at the opening reception in the Watch-Site boutique (official dealer) and presented his first collection of timepieces.

Timepieces by Kuyl Watches are modern looking with a classic twist. The hands, hour markers and leather strap make it a classic timepiece, but the large case is up-to-date and very wearable for young people.

Most impressive is the case, designed by Jan Jaap Kuyl and manufactured in Germany with the greatest care and precision. The Swiss movement is a Sellita SW200 (basically the same as ETA’s 2824-2) and can be seen through the display back of the watch.

As you can see above, the case back has engravings in Dutch and the Dutch motto (since 1815) ‘Je Maintiendrai’. The display back has been screwed down to the case as you can see.

Kuyl Watches are configurable by the buyer via their website, you can decide about the type of bezel, the color of the hands, dial and strap. The straps are very high quality and you can choose between a Shell Cordovan strap or an alligator strap (both in various colors). Every watch comes with a folding clasp, but for those who prefer a buckle, there will be delivered one separately with each watch.

Specifications of Kuyl Watches:

Case: Stainless steel 316L
Diameter: 44mm
Height: 11mm
Movement: Sellita caliber SW200, Swiss made
Power reserve: 38 hours
Crystal: Sapphire (both)
Dial: Various options
Strap: Shell Cordovan or Alligator
Buckle: Folding and buckle
Water resistance: 5ATM / 50 meters
Price 1500 Euro (in any configuration)

More information (and ordering) at www.kuylwatches.com

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Kuyl Watches – The Introduction To A New Dutch Watch Brand

That entry price is prohibitive given what I see here, with no lineage or history to back it up (or even a brand raison d’être) . Given the movement and the pedestrian appearance of the watch I am challenged to see why I would pay double from other like watches (that one would consider in the same category; e.g. ocean7, steinhart, etc). If it’s in a category above those brands I would need to see what the differentiators are (thus the raison d’être).

weinig origineel, maar ik wens hem succes. ik zou voor mijn 1500 iets anders kopen. ik vrees dat deze horloges alweer snel op ebay zullen verschijnen…

A watch with a Sellita movement should cost about 350 Euro, and I see nothing special that makes these watches justified in their price. They’re not extra well made or extra durable, they can’t go extra deep or have extra bright lume. Its just extra expensive for no reason. Next!

I agree with the Dutchman Roald! However, the price is rather high for a watch that doesn’t strike me as original and a bit juvenile looking as well. I think with time and a better design, they may have something profitable in the near future. As a side bar, look at how Nixon watches developed.

A wrist watch has almost become an indispensable item in our lives. This is not just because of the functional aspects that we can find in a watch, but also that wrist watches are items of high value.