When it comes to sustainable watchmaking, there are a thousand ways to go about it. For The Sacred Crafts (TSC), it’s a way of life that the designers and the team behind every watch experience first-hand. And with the new Sacred Crafts x Indies Trader Treasure Hunter Limited Edition, which is their first watch collaboration, you can experience that lifestyle as well.
We’ve already had a look at the environmental work TSC is a key player in, and with Indies Trader you can visit the places where that work is most vital. They are an exploration travel group specialising in surf and dive experiences. For example, they can take you diving at the famous Bikini Atoll, as well as other Pacific and Indonesian locations. Indies Trader is also the name of Captain Martin Daly’s vessel, the founder of the company and adventurer extraordinaire.
The Treasure Hunter is a combination of the sustainable watchmaking of TSC and Captain Martin Daly’s penchant for retro stylings. There are three versions of The Treasure Hunter on offer, although the basic structure of the watch remains the same. A 44mm diameter, with a large bezel and a dial layout inspired by the iconic diving watches of the past. The influences of the Rolex Submariner and Omega Seamaster Diver 300m are clear to see.
The first of the three versions is called The Treasure Hunter Diver Down. It doubles down of the similarities to a Submariner with a bi-metal construction of titanium and bronze, which is a wonderfully off-kilter take on classic steel and gold. It then has a black dial with the TSC and Indies Trader logos and a matching unidirectional rotating bezel. However, all three versions actually have interchangeable bezels and each watch comes with five to choose from.
Next is the Sea of Darkness model, swapping out the characterful bi-colour for a stealthy matte black. It also has a dark seaglass dial (made from reclaimed fishing nets and jewellery grade epoxy), showcasing another of The Sacred Craft’s reclaimed materials. The final version is Blue Horizon, which has a full stainless steel construction and a blue seaglass dial.
All three versions of The Treasure Hunter have crowns with an 18k gold insert. The titular treasure that is to be hunted down. Additionally, they all use the ETA 2824 Top Chronometer automatic movement, an absolute stalwart of the watch industry. As a top chronometer calibre, it is a nice movement, but it only has a 38-hour power reserve. In an ideal world we’d prefer a larger power reserve but these watches already have so much going on that it’s forgivable.
And that doesn’t even account for all the bonus collector items that come with the watch. Alongside the five alternative bezels there’s a Pelican case, diving knife with sheath and leg strap, dri bag travel case, rubber and leather strap options and a signed letter of authenticity from Captain Martin Daly.
You can understand why it’s a limited edition of 50 pieces. But for all that it’s still a pretty reasonable $4,500 (approx. £3,305). Not bad considering it will set you up for a new lifestyle of surfing and diving in the tropics while also helping the environment.
Price & Specs:
Model: The Sacred Crafts x Indies Trader The Treasure Hunter Limited Edition
References: “Diver Down” (reclaimed bronze and titanium case, black dial), “Sea Of Darkness” (matte black case with dark seaglass dial), “Blue Horizon” (stainless steel case and blue seaglass dial)
Case/Dial: 44mm diameter, reclaimed bronze, stainless steel or titanium with black, dark or blue dial seaglass dial with 18k gold crown insert and 5 interchangeable bezel colours
Water Resistance: 300m (30 bar)
Movement: ETA 2824 Top Chronometer, automatic, 25 jewels
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power Reserve: 38h
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Strap: Reclaimed bronze, stainless steel or titanium with additional rubber and leather strap
Price/availability: $4,500 (approx. £3,305), limited to 50 pieces
More details at The Sacred Crafts.
