Hands-on: Arcanaut ARC II – Fordite

Text: Albin Johansson

Photo: Aleksandar Mladenovic

Here at Eqotime we like independent makers. There is something about smaller brands with limited production where the design is often unique. The Danish Arcanaut has chosen an entirely own path with watches that don't resemble anything else. We have taken a look at their model ARC II with a ”Fordite” dial which is interesting in itself.

Arcanaut was founded in 2015 in Denmark with an idea that many watch brands have a too complicated design and don't sit well on the wrist. Out of this the idea was born to start a brand themselves with a clear pared-down and ergonomic design inspired by Scandinavian design. The first model ARC I took three years to develop and was released in a very limited edition in 2018 which sold out immediately.

The ARC II is made in stainless steel with a brushing that brings the industrial to mind. The case is curved to fit the wrist which is reinforced further by the integrated rubber strap. Since every dial is unique there are a handful of rubber straps to choose between so that every dial has a strap that matches. The watch measures 41mm excluding the crown and is water resistant down to 100 metres which means it's a watch that is seen but that can take rougher handling and can be kept on during activites.

The dial is the first thing that draws the eyes to it. The material Fordite is developed by James ”Black Badger” Thompson who is a part of Arcanaut. Fordite is a very odd choice of material and is really nothing other than ordinary paint that cars are lacquered with. In a paint shop layer upon layer of lacquer is slowly but surely built up on walls inside the workshop. James took a piece of the paint layer and realised that he could use it for something in his business. The result became, for the ARC II, unique dials where no piece of paint is like any other and the dials can range from relatively single-coloured to real colour bombs. The watch we have taken a look at has a bit of everything in it.

The ARC II is driven by an automatic Soprod A10 which is a stable choice from a Swiss manufacturer. The watch has a power reserve of 42h and has no complications, only an hour and minute display. Since the watch has no indexes or markers at all and also lacks a seconds hand, you can imagine that the time display itself is not the main point of the watch. The movement is set as usual via the crown placed at three o'clock, which has a very distinct look with a rectangular shape that lines up nicely with the case.

In summary we are impressed. It's not a watch for everyone if you quickly consider size, attitude and looks. It is on the other hand a release that is innovative and easy to like, especially if you're into the independent path and makers that go their own way. We're keeping an eye on Arcanaut going forward and are curious about what they will come up with next. To get in touch with Arcanaut you can contact INDP Watches in Stockholm or Arcanaut directly.

Read more about the watch at Arcanaut.