CONSTANTIME caught my attention immediately after I saw a photo of a custom-made model with a world map on the dial. Besides watches, I am passionate about maps and flags, so it is no surprise that my favorite complication is GMT, especially models with a map painted on the dial.
Returning to CONSTANTIME watches, I was curious to see exactly what they are all about and what the plans for the future are. So I contacted the founder and craftsman of CONSTANTIME, Constantin A. Mureșan, who promptly answered my questions.
CONSTANTIME was born in the heart of Transylvania
More precisely in Târgu Mureș, a city quite close to my hometown. From what I discussed with Mr. Constantin A. Mureșan, the founder of the brand, he wants to put Transylvanian craftsmanship and identity on the watchmaking map through the watches he makes.
Distinctive Design and Classic Elegance
I can only comment on the models I have seen so far. Obviously, I chose my favorite from the very beginning.
The creative process at CONSTANTIME begins with materials such as brass, copper, and steel. The dials are developed around the reflections created by polishing the metal to a mirror finish, creating some splendid dials.
From the models I have seen so far, CONSTANTIME tends towards classic elegance, both in the numerological composition of the dial and in the details related to the case.
The Roman numerals and the positioning of the second hand at 9 o’clock on some models become distinctive, very elegant features that define the CONSTANTIME collection.
I really like that the emphasis is more on the historical region of Transylvania than on appealing to Romanian pride with “Made in Romania” inscriptions.
The CONSTANTIME Watch Movement
It uses the Swiss ETA 6497 mechanism, which can also be found on models from Hamilton, Tissot, and Laco, as well as the DB9 mechanism, which is also based on the ETA 6497, but with a much more attractive appearance than the basic mechanism.
The watches do not have a date complication, which is a shame, as I would have liked to see that, but at least they make up for it with their beautiful design.
The mechanisms are reliable and have proven their reliability over time, so we are fine in that regard.
CONSTANTIME collections: Terra, Genesis, and Aeterna
CONSTANTIME started with three main collections, each with a distinct personality, but all three somehow belonging to the same category. I would have preferred to see a Pilot, a diver, etc.
The Terra model – This is also my favorite because it has a world map. I like how it looks with the subdial indicating the seconds positioned at 9 o’clock. Again, I find the blue color gorgeous, well chosen, and it combines elegantly with the golden hands of the watch. Blue and gold go well together.
From what I understand, this model is also the best-selling one.
Aeterna -This is the second model in the collection. It is elegant, in the same vein as the other models.
Genesis -As the name suggests, this is the first model in the CONSTANTIME collection, and if we want to see the evolution of the design, we have a starting point. Even though the brand is young.
I don’t want to talk too much about what the watch has or doesn’t have. Instead, I want to talk about what I think the people at CONSTANTIME want to offer us.
It’s definitely not a mass-produced watch, although we can buy that too. But we have the opportunity to add our personal touch when it comes to designing the dial. I would play around with the colors of the dial a little, I would go for a darker red with gold, or a burgundy. I would also like to see a model that displays the date in the future.
CONSTANTIME is just starting out, and they have great potential for development. What I wanted to mention, however, considering that I also wrote about the launch of Or3x R3start, is that you can see the craftsmanship here. It makes sense, it’s not a simple dial with a dark color, but you can see the details and passion that went into making them.
That’s what I appreciate the most, and the fact that you can leave your personal mark on the dials of the models makes your watch unique.
Currently, only the dial and strap are handmade. The case is not, but from what I discussed with the people at CONSTANTIME, that is the next step.
In the future, they want to modify the mechanisms as well, which is very interesting because, why not, maybe we’ll have a brand like Christopher Ward. I hope, however, that they will never launch a model full of lume.
CONSTANTIME price
I know this is what you’ve been waiting for the most. I didn’t ask directly how much it costs, but I saw the answer to people’s questions. 1,500 euros, which I think is reasonable, especially since you can add your own personal touch when it comes to the design.
Would I buy it? Not the standard model, but I would definitely create my own or at least change the color of the dial and add a few elements that represent me.
I am glad that we have people who are passionate about watches, who take their passion to another level and do more than just buy Chinese knock-offs, brand them, and sell them on as their own brand.
I will keep an eye on their progress and look forward to the day when CONSTANTIME becomes an internationally recognized brand.
Don’t forget, a watch is more than just a tool that displays the time or date. Its purpose is to catch your eye with the beauty of its dial, and CONSTANTIME does just that!
More details about the brand can be found on their official website.
