New Karlskrona Hemlig Prototype - Studio Photos and Review

[DEMO]

Karlskrona Hemlig

Todd at Karlskrona Watch Co. was nice enough to send me his prototype of the new upcoming Hemlig military dive watch. The prototype arrived yesterday morning. Since it arrived I've worn it a bit and examined some of the design details and build. After spending a few more days with it I will will give my thoughts and review. But for the meantime to get things started, I shot some quick pics of it this morning on the Sailcloth strap that it arrived on. Later this week I'll be shooting some better quality studio pics on a variety of other straps.

This is a prototype. Some detail changes that are happening for the production version will be drilled lug holes, red tipped seconds hand, the crown will be slightly more recessed, and the crystal will be double AR coated.

Hemlig Specs:
• Movement: Swiss Sellita SW200, regulated
• Water resistant 300m
• 42mm diameter case (excluding crown), 316L SS, beadblasted finish
• Overall thickness: 13.25mm, (12mm without domed crystal)
• Bezel diameter: 41mm
• Lug width: 20mm
• Lug to lug: 49mm
• Crystal diameter: 30.5mm
• Dial: Matte black with "ghost" logo
• Lume: SuperLuminova 1/3rd blend (green lume)
• Crystal: domed sapphire with double anti-reflective coating
• Crown diameter: 6.5mm
• 24 month warranty

Here are several quick photos from this morning to give you guys a better visual of the watch. I'll post better quality studio pics with different straps latter this week.

[namor]

I happen to like it alot. Nothing new here, not breaking any new ground, but gets all the important stuff correct. I'd buy one.

They may consider a name that can be pronounced for it though....

[gonzomantis]

Nice "quick photos"! Please try to get a shot from the side as close to straight on as possible, if you could.

[spring-diver]

I like it. Everything looks great. When will pricing be announced?


Shannon


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[Panerai7]

Turned out really nice! Great job Todd

[BBK357]

Wow. Nice

Does it come in no date ?


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[mellonb1]

Wow. Nice

Does it come in no date ?


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Todd did indicate on the other thread that a no date will be an option.

[Jeep99dad]

I like it. Everything looks great. When will pricing be announced?


Shannon


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Todd said 495$ regular price and $395 on preorder.

[BBK357]

Looks really good except for that 6 o’clock date


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[abuemily]

Looks really good except for that 6 o’clock date


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I feel you on this. I normally prefer a date watch, but in this particular model/homage I prefer a no-date. If that will be an option I will probably go that route.

[AtomicTom]

Such a fantastic review, along with pictures of course Demo !

Love how Todd basically built a watch with no faults, and made a
watch for everybody. ..I mean there is seriously nothing to dislike
about these actually. You have the perfect size, a legendary design,
a beautiful finish, clean cool flawless dial. Not to mention exceptional
movement, and everything in between. Just is awesome !

Thanks so much for the look, and phenomenal review here !!!

[ChesterDogg]

I am definitely in on a No Date version. Is there any info on when will production will start, price, and when they will be released?

[DEMO]

Nice "quick photos"! Please try to get a shot from the side as close to straight on as possible, if you could.

Will do when I shoot some studio pics.

[DEMO]

Nice "quick photos"! Please try to get a shot from the side as close to straight on as possible, if you could.

Todd had a side shot posted on the other thread. I'll repost it here in this thread...

[gonzomantis]

Nice "quick photos"! Please try to get a shot from the side as close to straight on as possible, if you could.

Todd had a side shot posted on the other thread. I'll repost it here in this thread...

Wonderful. Thanks!

[caesarmascetti]

love this at that price point

[spring-diver]

I like it. Everything looks great. When will pricing be announced?


Shannon


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Todd said 495$ regular price and $395 on preorder.

Thanks Brice

Damn! That’s a great price


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[JP Chestnut]

Your photos are always good, but that's probably Todd's best watch IMO.

[Chocodove]

Looks really good except for that 6 o’clock date


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He said it will be available no date. I’ll probably be in on one.

[MikeyLikesIt]

Love this one. Definitely in

[Bradystraps]

Thanks gents for the support and input. And thank you Dave for your terrific shots.
Just to summarize some of the additions that will be present on the productions pieces:

1. Drilled lug holes
2. Recessed crown
3. Red tipped second hand
4. Double AR coated crystal
5. Date and no date version

I haven't made a decision yet on the bezel insert but leaning towards ceramic lumed as the proto shows.

[JDC222]

Nice and clean! I look forward to seeing the No Date, with all of the above mentioned additions

[jtbenson]

Thanks gents for the support and input. And thank you Dave for your terrific shots.
Just to summarize some of the additions that will be present on the productions pieces:

1. Drilled lug holes
2. Recessed crown
3. Red tipped second hand
4. Double AR coated crystal
5. Date and no date version

I haven't made a decision yet on the bezel insert but leaning towards ceramic lumed as the proto shows.

not sure i'm a fan of the red tip second hand decision. will the entire tip be red (easy boys) or just the outline?
curious: what's the impetus for this decision? seems like a real departure given how understated the rest of the design is overall.

[DEMO]

not sure i'm a fan of the red tip second hand decision. will the entire tip be red (easy boys) or just the outline?
curious: what's the impetus for this decision? seems like a real departure given how understated the rest of the design is overall.

I am really looking forward to the red tipped seconds hand. It is going to give a nice visual small element of color to the overall design.

[DEMO]

Guys --- Over the weekend I had some time to shoot the prototype watch a variety of different straps. I photographed the watch on the Karlskrona gray Nato with custom hardware, A black rubber Iso style dive strap and a black and gray Bond Nato. (I had to dig through my strap box to see what I had in 20mm straps). I'll be posting pics of the different strap variations over the next couple of days.

Here's some pics of the Hemlig on the Karlskrona gray Nato. Nice touch with the custom etched Karlskrona logo on the hardware.