Sponsored Post written for aBlogtoWatch by advertiser

Having been featured recently on aBlogtoWatch, NOVE is back with another model, but one completely different from the NOVE Trident Dive Watch that debuted in July. The NOVE Craftsman is unusual for the luxury landscape for its successful implementation of wood in exterior elements of the design. Perhaps more interesting, still, is a crown system that turns the traditional setting mechanism on its head (almost literally). Employing a caseback-mounted crown system is not only technically interesting but is also an aesthetic treat for collectors who have had few chances to own such a mechanism, especially at the accessible price point at which this piece is pitched.

NOVE is a new Swiss-Made brand that emphasizes individual expression, Utilizing Swiss movements and quality materials, the brand places the reimagining of traditional concepts front and center. The NOVE Trident employed an external ratcheting mechanism on the unidirectional timing bezel, while the NOVE Craftsman experiments with the generic crown setup. The result is one that affects the watch silhouette, as well as providing a level of functional interest to the obverse side of the watch that is rarely seen.

NOVE has patented a “bottom-press” crown system that reinvents the way users set the time. This kind of original thinking offers potential purchasers a creative solution to an age-old necessity. But this kind of innovation does not come easily: The NOVE Craftsman uses 60 individual pieces that must be carefully assembled to achieve the visual and practical effect that defines this watch and further establishes the brand as a company willing to take risks to differentiate itself from a crowded market.

The hand-selected ebony wood makes an immediate impact and seems to float within a 316L stainless steel frame. Blending less-often-seen materials, such as wood, with the more traditional use of steel makes the NOVE Craftsman is not only texturally interesting but also able to provide excellent performance, ensuring the watch is suitable for daily wear.

When locked in place, the bottom crown of the Craftsman guarantees water resistance to 200 meters — an impressive feat for a watch whose most immediately noticeable feature is the presence of wood in the case core. For added peace of mind, the NOVE Craftsman is powered by a Swiss-made quartz movement. The case is topped by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.

A further advantage that dispensing with a traditional crown affords is that the 50.5mm diameter of the round case wears a lot smaller than the measurement initially suggests. Prioritizing comfort, while not sacrificing wearability, is key to the “NOVIST” principles of design. The case thickness is 13.9mm, accommodating for the novel crown while retaining a visually palatable depth to the dial, which is black. Standing out against it are polished hands that have been treated with Super-LumiNova.

The NOVE Craftsman comes fitted with a bi-color leather strap, a two-year warranty, and a battery slated to last six years. The price of this new model is $695 and the watch, along with the rest of the NOVE range, is available on the brand’s website. Learn more at nove.com.