If there’s one kind of watch that’s perfect for EDC, it’d be the field watch. Its rugged design, rich history, and iconic style makes it such a versatile daily driver. But even in a field watch, movement matters: automatic watches can be high maintenance, and quartz watches can run out of battery when you least expect it. That’s why Centric Instruments built their take on the field watch around a solar-charging movement for high performance and low maintenance. And despite its unique solar-charging capabilities and slew of premium features, the Lightwell is modestly priced, making it easier for you to invest in a quality watch that lasts.
Upon first glance, the Lightwell is unmistakably a field watch, but with a few more modern twists. Its 316L brushed stainless steel case measures a versatile 38mm in a classic shape, with a screwdown caseback and crown making the watch water-resistant to 100M. Looking at the dial under the ultra-clear, scratch-resistance sapphire crystal is where you can really see the Lightwell’s unique design cues. The outer ring gives a sense of depth to the face, with large luminous markers and easy-to-read Arabic numerals lending to its legibility. Subtle branding and a smaller date window round out the minimalist aesthetic.
Under the dial is what makes the Lightwell truly unique. Its Japanese solar-quartz movement from Seiko powers the watch with exposure to both artificial and natural light. A minute under the sun gives a full day of timekeeping power, while a full charge keeps the movement running for a full 6 months without ever needing to replace a battery.
The Lightwell is available in a black, white, or vintage-inspired “gilt” dial, with easy-to-swap straps in waterproof silicone or veg-tan leather. Pledges start at just $180 for a Lightwell and two straps, making this an impressive value for an EDC watch. See the Lightwell in more detail at the Kickstarter link below before the project ends June 14th.
