The very Limited-Edition HAIM Legacy Automatic
The difficulty of a microbrand watchmaker—now more than ever—is being heard above the din. Through chance encounter and sheer luck, I became acquainted with Zakir and his Chicago-based HAIM Watch Co during the release of the brand’s Descent Diver and the Legacy SE Chronograph. And I am glad that I did because I would not have wanted to miss out on the very limited release of the new HAIM Legacy Automatic.
This timepiece will be the watchmaker’s first time and date only design in the Legacy Collection. And intriguingly, it will feature not only US assembly, but a customised American-made calibre to boot.
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You had me at Titanium
Zakir Miah’s dream is to help restore American watchmaking. A lofty goal, to be sure, but his Legacy Automatic is certainly a step in the right direction. It features a hand-finished titanium TA 2 case with a lovely rounded, coin-edge bezel, hollow cornes de vache lugs (à la Giorgio Galli) and a much-warranted display case back.
While the watch will be offered in three initial dial variants–Dark Cobalt, Burgundy Tux, and the aventurine-dial Stargazer—this review will focus on the first of these iterations. And when I say “limited,” I mean “limited.” Each reference will include no more than 50 pieces.
It bears mentioning that the Dark Cobalt Legacy Automatic we received for review is a prototype and will undergo several changes before production—but more on that later. What will not change is the trendy case diameter of 38mm, nor its conservative lug to lug of 45mm. The case also has a 20mm lug width and measures in at only 10.5mm in height. This will allow the watch to be easily worn with a cuffed sleeve, but also allow for depth in the dial.
While I could not find a single fault with the immaculate hand finishing, Zakir assures me that the production models will be even finer. If this is true, the end product will indeed be something to behold.
The sapphire crystal has been treated with five layers of anti-reflective coating—which, frankly, made photographing this watch a dream—but will also be appreciated for the high-degree of legibility it offers.
While the watch begs to be worn in a formal setting, its brushed titanium will certainly look good in more casual settings. It also offers a respectable 50m of water resistance, though you may wish to swap out the leather strap before taking a plunge.
Custom straps from Delugs
Speaking of straps, the Legacy Automatic comes on handmade leather crafted by none other than Delugs—an enthusiast favourite in the aftermarket. Flawlessly colour-matched to the dial, it sports high-contrast stitching and provides for quick-release.
American made movement
For me, however, one of the most intriguing elements here is the movement. It is for this reason that I am pleased to see an exhibition case back. Customised especially for HAIM—and thus dubbed the HWC-01—the American made calibre comes from Maryland Watch Works and is also marketed as the MWW 7081. It is based on the architecture of the ETA 2824 and is assembled and regulated in Hagerstown using Swiss and other foreign parts.
Aesthetically, it is quite nice—showcasing grey-coloured metal (to match the titanium watch case), blued screws, and—in the case of the HWC-01—a gold coloured rotor and gear train accents. It has 26 jewels, a 38-hour power reserve, and beats at 28 800vph.
Guilloche dial
Clearly, however, I have left the best for last. Crafted in layers for visual depth, the Legacy Automatic dial features brushed finishing, a stamped guilloche centre section, and a date window at three (to be colour-matched in the final version). The Breguet hour numerals are applied and really catch the light—but even they will be further raised in the final rendering. Polished steel abounds in the outer minute track and separates the hour index from the mandala at the heart of the dial. We also find it in the hands. Even the particular hue of blue seems inspired.
SPECS
| Case | TA 2 Titanium 38mm Diameter 45mm Lug to Lug 10.5mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Screw Down Case Back 50m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire Crystal Guilloche Dial Applied Breguet Numerals Custom Handset |
| Movement | HWC-01 (MWW 7081) ETA 2824 Base 26 Jewels 28 800bph 38-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Leather Strap from Delugs |
The HAIM Legacy Automatic
Final Thoughts
All in all, the HAIM Legacy Automatic is triumph. But it’s a triumph with stiff competition. HAIM is pushing at the edges microbrand pricing here. Small numbers don’t help production costs, either. But a discerning buyer will see that in the Legacy Automatic there is a little something different. A degree of cachet that comes with owning something that is well crafted and rare. You won’t find too many hand-finished titanium dress watches in the wild. And you see fewer with custom movements assembled in America. In the end, microbrand watchmaking is a labour of love, and while not everybody understands the value of that, some do.
Pricing & Availability
The HAIM Legacy Automatic in Dark Cobalt retails for $1350 USD, but early reservation will secure you a steep discount of $350 USD until the official launch date of February 5th, 2024. For more details, please visit the brand website.
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About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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