Established in 2012 by two best friends (Jon Shakespeare and Sam Holland), WT Author built their first wristwatch collection with the goal of creating a successful, independent microbrand. Reflecting on their tenth anniversary, they have evolved their craft with an ever-growing collection of timepieces that so far includes examples of aviation, racing and diving models to name a few. Now releasing their take on the tool watch on Kickstarter as well as exploring unknown territory in the world of NFTs, WT Author have never been afraid to take risks both in their bold designs and in their strategy.
Not only are the watches limited edition and assembled in a purpose-built workshop, they are also affordable, functional items full of character, meaning and originality. By joining the brand’s community, you become part of the design process from start-to-finish. Monthly updates and behind-the-scenes content from the studio and workshop prove popular with the community, bringing collectors into the journey every step of the way. Collectors socialise with fellow enthusiasts, picking up clever nods that inspire the next collection of the on-going legacy. This brand is for individuals who want their wrist candy to be an eye-catching talking point, elevating their watch collection further.
FINAL COUNTDOWN COLLECTION
Named after 1980s tactical hardware, the FINAL COUNTDOWN collection introduces an aggressive aesthetic that modernises every essential aspect of 10 legendary designs. Each variant is limited to only 50 serial numbers and available to pre-order for £350 (saving £150 off RRP). The new collection utilises an automatic and hand-wound mechanical caliber with quick date setting and exhibition back. The stainless steel watch head measures 44mm diameter (excluding crown) × 49mm length (lug-to-lug) × 13.4mm depth (excluding lugs) and is tested to 10 ATM (100m / 328ft) water resistance.
The collection utilises a beautiful combination of meticulously polished & carefully brushed surfaces, elevated further by a matt black unidirectional rotating bezel. The robust crown features a bold, deep red anodised finish, consistent with all of their earlier editions. The screw down exhibition back, printed with the WT Author mark & uniquely allocated serial number, gives the wearer uninterrupted access to view the inner workings of the intricate mechanical movement. The bespoke design is finished by a black matt fluoroelastomer (FKM) band with a silver-tone brushed stainless steel branded buckle.
If you are new to WT Author or if you have some gaps in your collection then you can get your hands on one of their earlier editions via Add-on Rewards, saving a further £150 off RRP, hot off the assembly bench & shipped by July 2022.
NFTs
WT Author × Ultra Studio are delighted to present [Origins], a series of 10 limited edition NFTs to commemorate each variant in the FINAL COUNTDOWN watch chapter. Collectors also gain ownership of the physical artefacts dedicated to the watch design process. The NFTs are available to purchase on OpenSea from Tuesday, 26 April 2022. The editions are priced at 1 ETH each. The [Origins] Deed is a new category of NFT, allowing collectors to own their NFT as well as automatically gain entitlement to the physical artefact that gives maximum transparency to collectors in the digital & physical world. The 10 striking unique [Origins] Deeds include:
- Non-Fungible Token [NFT] by WT Author × Ultra Studio
- Video Display Terminal
- Master Variant Watch [#0 of 50]
- Authenticated Blueprints
- Original Watch Sketch
- The 10 Rules of Watch Design Book
- Wax-Sealed Sustainable Packaging
For this launch they accept Ether (ETH) as payment for the [Origins] Deeds.
WHY BUY
WT Author have continuously proven how committed they are to their craft, creating bespoke products with a unique edge and distinctive quality. They share their expertise and prove their knowledge through the ‘10 Rules of Watch Design’, showing how comfortable they are with unique ideas they have for their products. Every watch comes accompanied by sentimental artefacts created by the team including:
- Numbered & Signed Sketch Print
- Numbered & Signed Blueprints
- Assembly Photographs
- The Book of WT Author: Chapter 9
- Wax-Sealed Packaging
Everything from their studio and workshop is shared online, including possibly your own watch being built! The brand offers a 2-year warranty on the watches, which shows how much faith they have in the longevity of their products and loyalty in their customers.
