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Collector's Note

Golby Skipping Stone - in for review before the official pre-order launch on May 8th.

Watch Details

  • Brand: Golby
  • Model: Skipping Stone

Technical Specifications

Case Size 40mm bezel on a 39mm custom 316L stainless steel case
Caliber Miyota 9015 automatic
Power Reserve 42 hours
Water Resistance 20 ATM (200m), dive-ready
Lug Width 20mm

Design & Aesthetics

The Golby Skipping Stone is a testament to British microbrand innovation, presenting a visual feast through its distinctive design. The vibrant orange dial, inspired by the playful ripples of a stone skipping across water, is a masterpiece of texture and color. This oil-pressed dial pattern not only captures the imagination but also shifts dynamically with the changing light, creating a mesmerizing dance of shadows and highlights.

Encased in a 39mm 316L stainless steel case, the watch features a smooth, polished bezel that frames the dial with understated elegance. The brushed finish of the case adds a layer of sophistication, enhancing the watch's overall aesthetic without overpowering the vibrant dial. This harmonious blend of textures and finishes speaks to Golby's commitment to crafting watches that are both visually striking and functionally robust.

The stainless steel bracelet, with its brushed finish and three-link design, complements the case perfectly. It offers a seamless transition from wrist to watch, ensuring comfort and style. The bracelet's quick-release springs and micro-adjust clasp provide practicality, allowing for easy adjustments and a perfect fit.

  • Dial: Orange with ripple texture
  • Bezel: Smooth, polished
  • Material: Brushed stainless steel

Technical Mastery & Movement

At the heart of the Skipping Stone lies the Miyota 9015 automatic movement, a reliable powerhouse known for its precision and durability. With a 42-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour, this movement ensures a smooth sweep of the seconds hand, enhancing the watch's elegance. The movement's hacking seconds feature allows for precise time setting, a critical attribute for those who value accuracy.

The watch's dual-time functionality is a nod to Golby's innovative spirit. Operated via a screw-down crown at 2 o'clock, the internal rotating chapter ring allows for easy tracking of a second time zone, a feature especially useful for frequent travelers. The main crown at 4 o'clock, engraved with the Golby 'G', adds a touch of brand identity while maintaining the watch's streamlined profile.

With a water resistance rating of 200 meters, the Skipping Stone is dive-ready, offering both form and function. The flat sapphire crystal with a 5-layer anti-reflective coating ensures clarity and durability, protecting the intricate dial beneath. This watch is not just a timepiece but a companion for life's adventures, combining technical mastery with everyday practicality.

Historical Heritage & Significance

The Skipping Stone is more than just a watch; it's a celebration of Golby's rich heritage and innovative approach to watchmaking. Established by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Craig and Sarah Golby, the brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of design and functionality. The Skipping Stone, with its unique dial and compressor-style case, is a testament to their vision of creating watches that are both beautiful and practical.

Launched as part of the Aquareef family, this watch represents a shift from the rugged divers of Golby's past to a more refined sports watch. The limited edition release, tied to British Watchmakers' Day 2026, underscores Golby's commitment to celebrating British craftsmanship. Each piece is numbered, adding an element of exclusivity and collectability that resonates with enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Golby's dedication to innovation is evident in the Skipping Stone's design. The integration of an internal rotating bezel and the choice of a vibrant orange dial are bold decisions that reflect the brand's ethos of standing out while remaining true to its roots. This watch is not just a nod to the past but a beacon for the future of British watchmaking.

"The Golby Skipping Stone's orange dial is like a canvas painted by light, where each glance reveals a new story told through its ripple texture. Its technical prowess is matched only by its visual artistry."

- VELOCE

Frequently Asked Questions

What movement powers the orange dial Skipping Stone?

The Skipping Stone is powered by the Miyota 9015 automatic caliber, renowned for its reliability and precision. This movement boasts a 42-hour power reserve, ensuring the watch remains accurate even when not worn daily. Its smooth sweeping seconds hand, enabled by a 28,800 bph frequency, adds to the watch's elegance.

How does the dual-time function work on this model?

The dual-time function is managed through an internal rotating chapter ring, controlled by the screw-down crown at 2 o'clock. This allows the wearer to track a second time zone effortlessly, a feature that stems from Golby's Aquareef series. The main crown at 4 o'clock is used to set the primary time and manage other functions.

Is the orange ripple dial unique to this variant, and how does it look in different lighting?

Yes, the orange ripple dial is a signature feature of this variant. Its oil-pressed texture creates a dynamic, wave-like effect that changes with the angle of the light. This unique characteristic distinguishes it from other colorways, such as pink, green, and Sandy Shore beige, offering a visual experience that is continually evolving.

What bracelet details match the brushed stainless steel on the orange Skipping Stone?

The watch is equipped with a brushed stainless steel bracelet that mirrors the case's finish. It features quick-release pins and removable links for easy adjustments. The 'Lift & Slide' micro-adjust clasp ensures a secure fit, while some packages offer a 5-link version for enhanced comfort and versatility.

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About the Collector

Hi there - I’m Dave and I’m a huge fan of MicroBrand watches - so much so that I started a YouTube channel talking only about Microbrands at http://youtube.com/@microbrandwatch. I’m looking forward to chatting on here with anyone and everyone who loves watches.

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