Konifer Wooden Watches

Konifer is a Canadian brand offering wooden watches and accessories (rings and belts).

I had never “handled” a wooden watch before, so I found myself waiting by my mailbox with a certain excitement.

Once the parcel was opened, the first surprise was the weight. The watch’s lightness is impressive—almost disconcerting—and makes you wonder about its comfort once on the wrist.

Konifer watches are hand-assembled in natural wood with a non-toxic, hypoallergenic finish. Beyond the originality of the material, the “eco-friendly” approach is appealing, and wood’s properties are ideal for use in a watch.

The model shown is in maple, from the case to the strap.

The applied markers on the dial are of good quality and the hands are fitted with Luminova. The finishing is neat.

The maple leaf at 6 o’clock is a nod to the brand’s origins.

The case has an imposing diameter but, surprisingly, it suits slim to medium wrists. My wrist measures a modest 17.5 mm and isn’t overwhelmed by the watch’s 51 mm case.

The movement is a Japanese Citizen quartz with a date displayed in a window at 3 o’clock.

The caseback has two somewhat jarring elements.

The first is the use of Phillips screws. According to my friend Bertrand Rachex, a talented watchmaker in Geneva, choosing Phillips screws is not particularly advisable. With repeated unscrewing and tightening, they deteriorate faster than slotted screws.
The second point is the Made in China marking, which may seem off-putting at first glance, but let’s remember that Konifer watches are hand-assembled and designed in Canada.

If that bothers you, then avoid turning your iPhone over…