VintageVDB KAITEN XL

By TLex Here's something a little bit special from VintageVDB; in fact there isn't much that comes out of the Erfurt watch atelier that isn't special. But the Kaiten XL prototype watch might just be the most special of them all!



Starting with its colossal Titanium case that has been treated with a special oxidization process that gives it its chalky dark grey finish. It measures a 56mm in diameter with a thickness of 22mm and a lug to lug measurement of 71mm, which is about as far from here to the moon and back!



Its bezel, which is also in Titanium features large hexagonal bolts; the 12hr marker, which has been filled with vintage lume is particularly impressive. The bolts are in a 5 minute instrumentation with a bidirectional 5min click cycle.



The case if fitted with a 6mm thick Plexiglass acrylic crystal. Below that a stunning grey sandwich dial with its hands and hour markers in beige vintage lume. The dial features an embossed manned torpedo submersible.



The Kaiten's caseback is also in Plexiglass, affording a view of a high-end automatic movement with a 5 day power reserve (possibly Technotime's double barrel caliber). The movement features a custom VDB rotor with Geneva stripes and the text 'Geprüfter Chronometer' (official chronometer).



The Kaiten XL features what VDB call 'NCM (No Crown Mechanic) Technology', where the time is set via the bezel! Finally it is presented on a handmade sharkskin strap with the legendary VDB I buckle.

It's big on features, probably a little too big on the wrist for most, but nevertheless another outstanding piece from VDB!