Limited to just 100 examples, the LR002 watch is now available for purchase exclusively through watch blog and retailer Hodinkee, with a price tag of $1,700.
Drawing inspiration from classic outdoor field watches, the LR002 embodies a modest yet distinctive design that is suitable for daily wear. Its titanium case is coated with black diamond-like carbon (DLC), providing a satin finish and enhanced scratch protection. The dial features a darker shade of black, and the white indices are coated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent visibility even in low-light conditions. Adding a touch of signature style, the "LR002" and "100M" marks on the bottom half of the watch are presented in Bamford's recognizable shade of blue.
With a diameter of 40 millimeters and a thickness of 13.25 millimeters, the LR002 boasts dimensions that make it exceptionally comfortable to wear. While the weight is not specified by Bamford, the watch's size and titanium case contribute to its lightweight nature, further enhancing its wearability.
Powering the LR002 is the Selita SW200-1B movement, an automatic winding mechanism that keeps the watch running as you move your wrist throughout the day. With a commendable 41-hour power reserve, the LR002 can maintain accurate timekeeping even if you don't wear it daily.
In line with many military and dive watches, the LR002 features fixed lugs for securing the strap. This design choice ensures that the watch remains securely attached, as common spring bars can potentially come off when subjected to sharp impacts or sudden pulls. The LR002 comes equipped with a black NATO-style strap, which complements its rugged aesthetics.
As the name suggests, the LR002 follows the earlier LR001 model, featuring a similar design but with a gray colorway. Both watches embody the essence of Land Rover's vehicles—simple, durable, and stylish. Land Rover's history in manufacturing off-road-oriented rigs dates back to 1948, with the aim of producing a British equivalent to the Jeep. The use of aluminum bodies ensured that the vehicle panels remained resistant to rust.
Over time, Land Rover expanded its reach by supplying vehicles to various military forces. For instance, in the 1960s, the company modified its Series IIA model to create a version that could be transported by helicopter. These versatile vehicles served multiple roles, including ambulance services and anti-tank weaponry transport.
Even in the 1980s and '90s, Land Rover models, including variants based on the Defender, continued to be utilized by the military. With production lasting for such an extensive period, decommissioned examples of these rugged SUVs are now available to civilians who desire their own piece of off-road heritage.
Source: Hodinkee