Let’s look at it this way, a vast majority of the people in the developed world, have all leapt at the opportunity to get both their vaccine jabs, as early as possible when it was made available to them. Why? Simple. After having been subjected to a summer in solitude, all of these individuals are ready to make summer 2021 unlike any this generation has lived to celebrate.

All of this partying and all of this merriment does mean that you’re going to be out and about a lot, perhaps in the pool a lot and, no doubt, helping yourself to copious amounts of libations at all hours of the day, a lot (only if you’re of legal age, please).

And if you’re going to subject yourself to a constant state of liquid-induced-euphoria, maybe it’s best that you not don your favorite timepiece, which cost you a pretty penny, out there in the post pandemic wild. Let’s be reminded that just ahead of the global lockdowns, luxury watch theft was at an all-time high in every major metropolis and also that the last time you were actually out for a night at the bar, you woke up the next morning to spot a massive laceration on the case of your favorite, come-hither Swiss mechanical luxury watch.

All of these fears and trepidations considered, should you then manage yourself and not party as hard, as you very rightly deserve to? Should you then not wear a cool watch when you’re finally out on the town with your best friends and loved ones? We say no, on both counts.

It is for this reason and more that Revolution has long been a supporter of affordable watchmaking that does not compromise on style and fun. And it is for these reasons that we’ve long been fans of the work of Hong Kong producer of cool and affordable watches, UNDONE.

Our affections for the watch producer started when we first saw their superb, USD 289, take on Type 20 French Aéronavale Chronograph, with its vintage themed, clean dial and minimal branding. We loved it so much that we in fact went on to partner with UNDONE to have their Type 20 Classic listed on our online shop. And later, we worked with the brand to create the UNDONE x Revolution Type 20 Limited Edition, which made for an opportunity to buy a modern production Type 20 with all of the necessary hallmarks, a chocolate dial, as a nod to tropical vintage Type 20 watches and, of course, a flyback function.

Now in the thick of summer 2021, UNDONE has announced the Stellar: a brand-new chronograph in the brand’s lineup, in a trio of vibrant dial colors. These are Tiff blue, yellow and a purple. Looking at the chosen dial colors and the name given to the collection, it shouldn’t take anyone in-the-know too long to figure out where UNDONE got their inspiration for their latest. If you’re struggling, here are two hints – hint no. 1 and hint no. 2.

Thing to point out here, however, is that UNDONE hasn’t gone on to produce complete carbon copies of the watches that served as inspiration, rather they’ve produced something that’s very much within their identity and price bracket.

Firstly, the watch is produced in 316L steel, instead of a precious metal. Secondly, the dials used are in painted enamel and not stone dials. On top of that the dials are given a lush liquid-like finish thanks to the multiple rounds of sanding they’re subject to, for the final effect.

At this price point, most watch producers are guilty of cutting corners with a single layer of enamel, which in its unfinished form can have unsightly ripples across its surface. UNDONE has clearly gone the extra mile in this instance. Bonus point to make note of is that the three dial colors being offered — Tiff blue, yellow and purple — are some of the most sought-after and rare colors in the watches that the Stellar takes inspiration from.

Next, the watches are chronographs, powered by a Japanese TMI VK64 Mechanical-Quartz Hybrid Flyback Chronograph movement (supplied by SEIKO Manufacturing (H.K.) Limited), rather than an outright day-date watch.

Lastly, with tongue firmly in cheek, UNDONE has given the Stellar chronograph dials the “Khanjar” emblem, right smack center at 12 o’clock. You see, going back to the watches that form the inspiration for the UNDONE Stellar, these were primarily produced for the Sultanate of Oman, who used the khanjar dagger on top of two crossed swords as their official emblem. These watches used to bear said emblem on their dials and were presented as gifts to military officers and other noted individuals who served the Sultanate. As a result, “Khanjar” dial watches are quite the rarity and command large sums at public auctions and private sales. Learn more, here. Now, to be able to own this mark of rarity on a watch that retails for USD 349, is sure to make for some vibrant conversations, when you’re finally out at the bar this summer with your best friends and loved ones, partying as hard as you deserve to.

Tech Specs

Movement: Japanese TMI VK64 Mechanical-Quartz Hybrid Flyback Chronograph (supplied by SEIKO Manufacturing (H.K.) Limited); hours and minutes; flyback chronograph with 60-min and 24-hour totalizer
Case: 40mm in 316L stainless steel with a hardened domed K1 crystal and a display caseback; water resistant to 30m
Strap: Epsom grained leather strap fitted with quick release spring bars allowing you to easily switch to the included complimentary dark brown leather strap with a crimson printed “Khanjar” emblem
Price & availability: USD 349; limited edition of 300 pieces per color, worldwide; available to purchase immediately through undone.com