Today we know Horage as one of the lead players in the independent watch game, producing high end in-house movements and distinctive designs like the Lensman 2 and DecaFlux. But the brand didn’t start that way. Back in 2015 as the new kid on the block, they had to turn to crowdfunding to get their startup up and off the ground. That inaugural watch launched on Kickstarter was the Array K1, and now a decade later Horage are paying tribute to it in a special way by launching a new Kickstarter for the Array 10th Anniversary Edition.
It’s a fun way to pay homage to the journey Horage have undertaken, giving collectors who missed out on that original launch that set them on their path to today a chance to buy one now. Crucially, it’s even available at the exact same price of CHF 1,470 . Though Horage notes that due to a shifting global economy they can’t guarantee that the price in your local currency will be the same as it was 10 years ago. In the UK for example it has gone from £990 to about £1,365, which to be fair is still an extremely reasonable price for the watch you are getting.
Speaking of, the Array is a 39mm steel watch with an openworked display that reveals the inner workings of the K1 movement. Featuring visible date wheels and gearing alongside a brushed mainplate and power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock. There are two versions being produced one in black and the other in white. It’s personal preference but I think the black suits the design much better.
The reason the K1 movement is so significant is that it was Horage’s first in-house movement, setting them up to become a leader in the field of independent movement manufacturing. It has a 65-hour power reserve and operates with a silicon escapement, which was practically unheard of outside the major ateliers back in 2015 and is still relatively uncommon today. It allows for great accuracy and magnetic field resistance. For the 10th Anniversary edition it has been given a commemorative tungsten rotor.
It all makes it quite plain to see that Horage have come a long way in 10 years. While the K1 still holds up, they are so much more confident in their case and dial design, which makes the Array feel almost immature by comparison. But that’s sort of the point of this celebration, it’s a dip into nostalgia and a reminder of where Horage have been and make us anticipate where they are going.
It’s available in a limited edition of 100 pieces, split 50-50 between the two colours, and can only be ordered via Kickstarter. The order window is open until November 7th at 12:45pm and at time of writing 30 have already been sold, meaning you don’t have a huge amount of time to pick one up. It’s not just a fun throwback design, it’s a throwback experience.
Price and Specs:
More details at Kickstarter.
