It seems like recently, a new watch brand named Batavi – based in Tilburg, The Netherlands – has started gaining some traction in the watch world. Hop on Instagram or a few of the popular watch enthusiast sites, and you’ve probably caught a glimpse of their colorful new model – the Batavi Amsterdam Kosmopoliet GMT. If we’re considering new brands coming onto the scene, this watch is pretty atypical compared to the wave of 1000m divers you’ll find on Kickstarter. This bold approach also seems to be paying off, since the Kickstarter campaign for the Kosmopoliet GMT is now fully funded, and way beyond the original goal.
Available in six funky colorways, the Batavi Amsterdam Kosmopoliet GMT comes right out the gate with a 39mm case that’s also 12.3mm thick. Charming, but a few things stick out to me immediately; namely the sapphire-layered GMT insert, a nice sandwich dial, and a crispy coin edge treatment along the bezel and screw-down crown. It’s no wonder that this thing is a crowd-pleaser, and it only gets better when you dig into the wave of color options. By the way, I’d definitely go for the “Medina” finish, featuring cool ice blue and magenta tones along with Eastern Arabic numerals for the 24-hour scale.
Batavi Amsterdam Kosmopoliet GMT Specs
- Case Diameter: 39mm
- Thickness: 12.3mm
- Water Resistance: 200m
- Movement: ETA 2893-2 or Soprod C125
- Crystal: Double-domed sapphire
- Bracelet: Stainless steel
- Price: €569 – €659 (Early Bird)
In an interesting move, Batavi is also offering the Kosmopoliet GMT with either a Soprod C125 (lower-priced option) or the ETA 2893-2 to make the watch accessible to a wider audience. Either option would be a fine choice. While it’s difficult to say at this point, I’d still bet that the Kosmopoliet GMT will be a hit with customers. And, judging by the campaign’s performance, it looks like other start-ups should start considering bolder color options – the watch world needs it. Check out Batavi’s Kickstarter page for the full details.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.