The Voyageur by Wolf Creek Watch Company. Swiss built, bronze field watch. Need I say more?
More than just a field watch.
When Michael Johansen was looking for a new watch, he couldn’t find what he was looking for. So he founded Wolf Creek Watch Company and went out to design and build the watch he was in search of. Based in Duluth, Minnesota on the shores of Lake Superior and surrounded by nature, the Voyageur is grounded in the outdoors.
At home in the outdoors.
Probably the first thing you will notice about the Voyageur, is the CuSn8 Bronze case, designed to naturally patina over time. Bronze watches are a hot commodity these days, with the likes of Zelos, Christopher Ward and Oris, amongst others producing bronze watches. Shockingly this is my first bronze watch, and after this experience I hope it's not my last. The Voyageur's tonneau case is 38mm diameter, with the exposed crown pushing it out to 41mm. The case is decidedly simple in design, sloping away from the crystal down towards the flat side. The simplicity of the case puts the spotlight directly onto the CuSn8, and it completely works. It allows your well earned patina to become the star of the show.
Showing off the curves of the tonneau case.
The dial is vintage field watch, with lumed arabic numerals, minute track and pips at the 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. The dial, like all quality field watches, is not overly cluttered, although it does feature the Wolf Creek logo, a stylized wolf at the 12 o’clock. The custom sword hands are a unique take on a classic design. Overall the dial and handset offer a new take on a classic design, although this watch is designed for the woods, it will look great anywhere. Sitting on top of the dial is a domed sapphire crystal, with AR coating, providing clear views of the dial and piece of mind that you won’t be scratching it.
The Voyageur may have been designed in the wilds of Minnesota but when it came to the build and movement, Wolf Creek chose to go the center of the watchmaking world, Switzerland. Keeping with the theme of vintage inspired design, the Voyageur is powered by the ETA 2801, a modern hand wound movement with 42 hours of power reserve.
Almost too pretty to hide.
Wolf Creek supplies the Voyager with two NATO straps, brown and green, the supplied straps feature stainless steel hardware with black PVD coating. The buckle is etched with the Wolf Creek monogram, and overall the straps are good quality. Wolf Creek are working with local artisans to develop a leather strap with bronze hardware, and I for one and excited to see what this looks like.
Wolf Creek has produced a unique, high quality field watch with quality materials and finishes, conceived in Minnesota but born in Switzerland. This is a versatile watch that is at home in the outdoors and the office. It seems like every few days, some new company is offering a “new watch” for sale, featuring parts selected from the suppliers catalogues. It's rare that a company brings to the market an authentic, original watch, and Wolf Creek has done just that! The Voyageur delivers a coherent and well packaged design, and proves that when the basics are done right, simple can be beautiful.
SPECS
CuSn8 Bronze Case
316L Stainless Steel Case Back
ETA 2801 Movement with 42 Hour Power Reserve
38mm Wide Case
43mm Lug to Lug
20mm Lug Width
11mm Height (Including Crystal)
Domed Sapphire Crystal with Inner AR Coating
3D Printed BGW9 Number and Arrow Markings
BGW9 Printed Hour, Minute, and Second Hands
Signed crown and patina are a fabulous combination.
