Volan Watches Type One: A Retro Revival With A Rugged Twist
Blending nostalgic design with practical engineering, the newly launched Volan Watches Type One offers a unique take on timekeeping—one that doesn’t live on your wrist. This innovative release reimagines the keyring watch, a popular mid-20th-century item, and transforms it into a modern collectible powered by a mechanical movement and wrapped in rugged, distinctive materials.
A Watch for Your Keys
At the heart of the Type One is a simple but clever concept: a mechanical watch that you carry with your keys. The outer casing comes in two bold designs — either a treaded black rubber “tyre”, reminiscent of vintage motoring, or a teak and birch wood shell inspired by the elegance of yacht decks. Both versions capture a specific lifestyle—one rooted in the world of speed and asphalt, the other in sailing and the sea.
This design not only evokes the golden age of motoring and yachting, but also makes the Type One both functional and highly durable. With a steel inner case measuring 46 mm in diameter and 11 mm in height, surrounded by an outer structure that brings the full dimensions to 58 mm wide and 13 mm thick, the watch feels solid in hand yet purposefully portable.
Vintage Aesthetics Meet Modern Craft
Despite its playful presentation, the Type One is a serious piece of watchmaking. Both editions are protected by sapphire crystals on the front and back, ensuring durability and clarity. The dial designs are clean and legible, with the tyre version featuring a black dial and white print, and the wood edition offering a white dial with black markings.
Super-LumiNova is used for the applied hour markers and the hands, adding legibility in low light. Notably, the central minute hand is highlighted in red and finished with a Super-LumiNova spine, offering a visual cue while enhancing the sporty character of the watch.
The crown is located at 6 o’clock, just opposite the leather strap attachment, which includes a steel ring to easily clip onto a keychain, belt loop, or bag.
Powered by Sellita
Inside the Volan Type One beats the Sellita SW200 automatic movement—a proven Swiss-made caliber operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour. With a 38-hour power reserve and no date function, the movement keeps things simple, reliable, and service-friendly—perfect for a timepiece that’s designed to be used, not coddled.
In keeping with the watch’s utilitarian philosophy, the movement is minimally decorated. The goal is to let the outer shell collect the marks of everyday use while maintaining robust mechanical performance within.
Limited and Numbered
Both versions of the Volan Type One are priced at € 965.70. The first 100 pieces of each style will be individually numbered, while the remaining watches in the 300-piece first production run will be unnumbered. Delivery is expected in December 2025.
Whether you’re a vintage car lover, a sailing enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates unconventional horology, the Volan Type One delivers a conversation-starting blend of design, durability, and nostalgia — without ever needing a spot on your wrist.
Read more here.
General Specifications:
Brand: Volan Watches
Model: Type One Road, Type One Sea
Dial: Black, white
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Dimensions: 58 mm Diameter, 13 mm thickness
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Case back: Sapphire Glass
Water Resistance: 50 Meters
Strap: Black or brown leather strap with keyring
Calibre: Sellita SW200
Functions: Hours, minutes
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vph)
Jewels: 26
Power Reserve: 38 Hours
Price: € 965.70
Availability: Deliveries scheduled for December 2025
Limited Edition: Yes, 100 individually numbered pieces each and after a batch of 300 unnumbered pieces