I find that it is my duty to share with you information about  limited offerings of unique and attractive watches that you might not learn about anywhere else. This is the case with this limited edition Arctos Elite GPW K1 watch constructed with a ceramic case. GPW stands for “German Precision Watch,” which is honestly a silly phrase, but for a serious watch. All you need to get out of that name is that this Arctos watch is proudly German-made, which means it constructed well and a good value. Now, what makes this Arctos Elite GPW watch so interesting is that it is a limited edition concept based on another GPW watch model – the standard K1. The limited edition uses the same ceramic case (yes, the ultra hard – virtually scratch-proof – zirconium oxide compound) but with a much more interesting dial than the standard version. The limited edition is also less expensive than the standard model! How can that be? Well it really has to do with the fact that this is basically a concept watch. Arctos wanted to play around with interesting designs and released only 50 of these watches. The dial uses a jet black face with bright hour markers that are a mix of Arabic and Roman numerals. If you’d ask me in theory to say whether I thought this was a good look, I wouldn’t be sure how to respond – but seeing it like this convinces me that this unique avant garde design firmly positioned between a functional militarist look and a designer style – is quite nice. I’d dare say handsome too.

I’ve placed some comparison images of the limited edition model and the standard GPW for you to see the difference. You probably agree that the Elite limited edition model is something special. The case of the watch is 44mm with and about 15mm tall. Part of that has to do with the thick 3.5mm tall sapphire crystal. The lugs are place 24mm apart to allow for an impressively wide strap. 24mm is the same width as most Panerai watch straps. The design of the case itself is a blend of aggressive styling with technical futuristic look. It does this in a subtle manner because use of too many complex curves and angles makes a watch look awkward once it is on your wrist. Not the case here.

Like most military inspired watches Arctos decided to keep the face simple and legible – which it is. The generous amount of luminant on the dials contrasted against the black face will make it easy to read. Inside the watch is a European automatic mechanical movement – viewable through the caseback window. The screw-down caseback of the watch is titanium as these types of pieces are not wise to construct out of a ceramic material.

This Arctos Elite GPW K1 Limited Edition watch was release a little while ago (in 2008). As the run was for only 50 watches there are rare. However, Rufus Lin Designs has a very limited number (three pieces or less) available. The price for each is reasonable at $1,200 Because this model is is nicer AND less expensive than the standard Artcos GPW watch it is a choice pick for me.

Check out the Arctos Elite GPW K1 Limited Edition watch here at Rufus Lin Designs.