One design element I’m not as sure of is the angled bridge that’s over the balance wheel.  My guess is that it’s to help hold something in place, but it presents an odd (non-moving) shadow of the handset.  Perhaps it’s something that fades into the background once on the wrist, but it’s the one major design element that hasn’t clicked for me.  On the other hand, I’m rather happy to see that Egard has included some very nice lume (SuperLumiNova) on the handset, which hasn’t been a strong point for them in the past.

Around the back of the case, you’ve got a sort of hybrid case back.  The lower portion contains an exhibition window (showing you the rotor and the other side of the balance wheel); above that you’ve got Shatner’s signature engraved into the case, as well as the serial number.  The Passages is a limited-edition watch, where it appears that 999 of each style (steel, gunmetal, black, and rose tone) are being made.

Another first for Egard with this Passages watch is the fact that they’re launching things on the crowd-funding site IndieGoGo.  For the rather low introductory price of $375, you can snap up one of the first 50 of each color (after the project, MSRP is anticipated to be $1,199), which will come on a rubber strap with deployant clasp.  If you prefer to upgrade things a bit, you could add in a leather strap (for another $60), or a steel bracelet ($100).  They’ve also got literal boxed sets for $525.  That price nets you both the leather strap and the bracelet, as well as a watch winder (plus some additional goodies).

For me, this watch ticks a lot of the right boxes – it’s an interesting design powered by a well known movement (gotta love those “little” Miyota movements), with the addition of the ties to space (both real and fictional) giving it that little bit more “oomph.” Frankly, the starting price of $375 does seem like a steal, especially if you’re looking to pick up something a little different for the watch (and/or Star Trek) fan in your life.  The most tempting option would be the box set, if you ask me.  While the winder may (or may not) be of unknown quantity, it’s icing to have it come along with the additional strap/bracelet options.  If you’re interested, head on over the project and get your pledge in.  It’s currently live, and will wrap up funding on December 27, 2013.  egardwatches.com