Introducing: Nectere’s Order From Chaos Collection — Now Live On Kickstarter

You’re probably aware of the butterfly effect. It’s the idea that small, seemingly trivial events may ultimately result in something with much larger consequences. But what does that have to do with watches? Well, the principle inspired a new collection from a new brand initiated by James Wong and Tony Yip from Hong Kong. Yesterday, they launched their first campaign on Kickstarter. The brand name is Nectere, and the collection is called Order From Chaos. Let’s see if Wong and Yip can cause a ripple effect and make their new venture successful.

To be honest, I’m always a bit sceptical when a new watch brand launches on Kickstarter. I’ve experienced up close how Thomas built his VPC brand without using such a platform, and it felt more sustainable and genuine. However, successful projects like SpaceOne Watches show that Kickstarter can also bring about exciting things, so let’s not immediately raze it to the ground.

The Nectere Order From Chaos collection

Nectere’s name comes from a Latin verb meaning “to bind,” which suits the theme of the butterfly effect. The first collection is called Order From Chaos, and it consists of three models — the Dune, Forest, and Mist. The only differences between them are the colors of the dials and straps. The first has a salmon dial and a taupe strap, the second a green dial and a black strap, and the third a silver dial and a green strap. Until now, I haven’t told you anything else about what the watches look like. That’s because the Order From Chaos models have quite a peculiar design.

The asymmetrical stainless steel case has a 40.5mm diameter, a 38mm length, and a 10mm thickness, including the domed sapphire crystal (8.5mm without it). Its polished bezel has a ripply effect with four steps, and the side of the case displays a brushed finish. Overall, the triangular-ish design reminds me a lot of the Anoma A1 I recently reviewed. You could also say there’s a little bit of Piaget’s Andy Warhol in there. Oh, and how about the Cartier Cheich? However, there’s a lot more going on here.

Chaos on the dial

Each dial features three different textures. The slightly oval-shaped and off-center sub-seconds register somewhat resembles the case and has a concentric-grained texture. The center of the dial shows a sunburst effect, and the outer ring features a guilloché-like engraving. Both the sunburst pattern and the engraving seem to originate from the bottom left of the dial. The printed hour markers, along with the elegantly shaped hour and minute hands, create order in the chaos.

Using the fairly small signed crown at 4 o’clock, one can operate the hand-wound Seagull caliber ST17 inside. This movement runs at a frequency of 21,600vph and holds a power reserve of 39 hours. We get a sneak peek at it through a small window on the case back, which attaches to the case with four screws. That’s probably one reason why the Order From Chaos has a limited 30m water resistance rating.

On the wrist

Because of the Order From Chaos’s unusual shape, it’s difficult to predict how it will wear. But when I put it on my wrist, it worked quite well. It certainly feels on the dressier side, especially on its 18mm-wide leather strap. I’d say it wears more like a 36–37mm watch. The stepped bezel plays nicely with the light, and there’s proper chaos on the dial with all the different patterns. I found that the silver dial of the Mist version was my favorite, although I wouldn’t have minded a silver sub-dial instead of a black one. The green version is a bit too saturated for me, and I’m simply never a big fan of salmon dials.

Ready to back now

The Nectere Order From Chaos launched yesterday on Kickstarter. This means you can get your hands on one for a reduced price of US$475. That is, if the 175 pieces per color haven’t sold out yet. After the Kickstarter campaign, the watches will cost US$720. If you order one now, production will happen in the coming months, and your watch will arrive in September. The Kickstarter campaign has already achieved its funding goal, by the way.

To me, the Nectere Order From Chaos is a bit of a mixed bag. It’s nice to get a hand-wound mechanical watch with such an original case shape at this price. The ripple effect on the bezel goes well with the theme and looks great in combination with such an outspoken shape. However, the dial doesn’t quite do it for me here. There are simply too many different shapes and textures. The way the hour markers don’t align with the engravings underneath them genuinely messes with my brain. I would’ve preferred a plainer dial. However, it’s a cool attempt to do something different in a world dominated by plain, round watches, so I applaud the founders and congratulate them on a successful Kickstarter campaign.

Let me know in the comments below what you think of Nectere’s new Order From Chaos collection.