The Camp Fieldtimer emerges as a distinguished timepiece, successfully fusing the practical essence of a field watch with nuanced automotive-inspired elements. This initial offering from the Los Angeles-based independent brand, Camp, skillfully avoids the common pitfalls of overly thematic designs. Instead, it presents a thoughtfully crafted wristwatch that stands on its own merits, highlighted by its captivating, multi-layered lacquer dial and a retro charm that appeals to a broad spectrum of enthusiasts. It's a testament to refined design, proving that automotive inspiration can be sophisticated and understated.
Details Unveiled: The Camp Fieldtimer's Distinctive Craftsmanship
Launched in February 2026, the Camp Fieldtimer is a remarkable timepiece from the nascent brand Camp, based in Los Angeles. This novel field watch, while discreetly drawing inspiration from classic automobiles, particularly the BMW 02 series, distinguishes itself through its unique aesthetic and meticulous construction. It sidesteps conventional automotive watch characteristics like chronographs and tachymeter scales, instead offering a fresh interpretation. The Fieldtimer is available in three striking color variations: Atlantic Blue, Florida Green, and Málaga Red, each mirroring the original paint options of the iconic BMW 02 series from 1966 to 1977. These models also feature custom Arabic numeral fonts, with the Málaga Red version's typeface drawing from the dashboard of a 1940 Ford Standard Coupe.
A standout attribute of the Fieldtimer is its dial, crafted with fifteen layers of Berlac enamelling lacquer. This material, sourced from a venerable Swiss company, is also utilized by luxury car manufacturers such as BMW and Porsche. Each layer of this stoving enamel is oven-baked and hand-polished, accumulating to a thickness of 1.3mm, which imparts an extraordinary visual depth and a lustrous finish. The unique construction causes the hour markers and text to seemingly float above the dial's surface. Furthermore, all graphical elements, apart from the slender seconds hand, boast Swiss Super-LumiNova, offering a dual-tone glow in low light: orange for the numerals and green for the text and hands, creating an engaging nighttime display.
Encasing this exquisite dial is a 39mm 316L stainless steel case, measuring 47.2mm lug-to-lug and a svelte 10mm in height, including its box-shaped sapphire crystal. The crystal, treated with internal anti-reflective coating, subtly protrudes above a thin stepped bezel, minimizing the watch's perceived thickness. The case design is further enhanced by polished bevels along the lower edges of its lugs, lending a sculpted and dynamic appearance. The watch features a screw-down caseback with a sapphire display window, showcasing the Swiss-made Sellita Caliber SW210-1b movement. This 18-jewel manual-wind movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, offering a 42-hour power reserve and an accuracy of +/-12 seconds per day. The movement is adorned with customized train wheel bridges featuring a linear motif that subtly reveals the brand's 'C' logo. Completing the package, the Fieldtimer comes with three distinct straps/bracelets—a stainless steel Bonklip-style bracelet, a water-resistant Cordura nylon strap, and a leather strap—all equipped with quick-release springbars, alongside a calfskin travel roll inspired by vintage BMW tool kits. Priced at $900 USD, each of the three colorways is a limited edition of 100 pieces.
The Camp Fieldtimer represents a thoughtful evolution in watch design, skillfully integrating subtle automotive aesthetics without alienating a broader audience. Its unique blend of field watch functionality, retro charm, and meticulous craftsmanship offers a refreshing alternative to overtly themed timepieces. This watch demonstrates that true value lies in innovation, quality, and a design philosophy that respects its inspirations while forging its own identity. It's a compelling argument for watches that transcend simple branding, inviting appreciation based purely on merit and aesthetic pleasure.