The relatively new company GANE Watches was launched on July 20, 2021, by Malaysian engineer and artist Ray P. In creating GANE, P aimed to produce affordable watches with a minimal yet effective design and a special focus on matte steel metal products. Believing that exceptional finishing is a crucial aspect of the overall watch experience, GANE watch cases are made from marine-grade 316l stainless steel and feature various finishes, giving them a dynamic appearance. The new GANE watch model, Type D1 "Ember," is a vivid example of this approach.
The Type D model, inspired by romantically whimsical European wall clocks from the early 20th century, has an extremely simple yet interesting design. Its case measures 38mm, with a lug-to-lug distance of 46mm and a thickness of 11.5mm. This particular iteration of the Type D model - "Ember" - pays homage to the Malaysian tradition of fire walking, where believers walk over hot orange coals as a sign of purification and faith. Inspired by this festival, the Type D1 "Ember" features a multilayered dial with a charcoal gray background and a fiery orange disc. Both layers have a linen texture, creating impressive visual depth. Additionally, the black wire hands beautifully contrast with the gray background, resulting in an extremely legible and dynamic watch that, despite its relatively minimal design, seems eager to spring from the wrist.
Arguably the most striking detail of these watches is the case finish. GANE has done an excellent job using a vertical matte finish on the bezel and polished chamfers along the lugs. These details play off each other, giving the Type D1 watch a certain presence on the wrist and "wow factor" typically found in much higher-priced watches. Particularly impressive is the symmetry between the vertical matte bezel and the linen dial, which complement each other beautifully. The thick, vintage-style brown suede European strap is another superb touch.
The Type D model is equipped with the Citizen Miyota 90S5 automatic movement, which maintains its reputation as a reliable "workhorse" in the watch industry. The 90S5 has an accuracy of approximately -10/+30 seconds per day, a power reserve of 42 hours, and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. This version of the 90S5 caliber, visible through the case back, was custom-made by GANE. The ion-plated and laser-engraved rotor mimics a lampshade - a tribute to the brand owner's mother.
The Type D collection also includes two other colorways: D2 "Limestone" (right) and D3 "Twilight" (left), as shown below.
Although GANE is a relative newcomer in the watch game, the Type D watches are well-designed, comfortable, and likely to appeal to both serious collectors and new watch enthusiasts. Attractively priced, the Type D will retail for $535, but on November 1, 2022, an early sale will be organized on Kickstarter, where enthusiasts can purchase the watch for $299 (about a 44% discount off the retail price). Visit www.ganewatches.com.
