Forged in the Rockies: The Colorado Watch Company GCT DLC Black Case Matte Dial Watch

Here at The Coolector, we’re always on the lookout for brands that are doing things differently, and the resurgence of authentic American watchmaking is something that invariably catches our eye. Leading the charge from the heart of the Rockies is the Colorado Watch Company, a brand built on a foundation of domestic manufacturing and rugged, no-nonsense design. Their flagship timepiece, The GCT DLC Black Case Matte Dial Watch, is a striking testament to this ethos, a watch that feels less like an accessory and more like a piece of essential gear forged for a life of adventure.

The story of the GCT begins with a solid block of stainless steel, machined right in Colorado into the robust 42mm case. It’s a watch with tangible presence, measuring 13mm thick, yet it sits comfortably on the wrist thanks to a cleverly inlayed case-back. What truly sets it apart is the thoughtful finishing. The case is stonewashed, a process that not only imparts a handsome, worn-in character from day one but also helps to conceal the inevitable scuffs and scratches of daily life.

This is then coated in a stealthy black Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) finish, giving it a tactical edge. Functionality is paramount, evidenced by the heavy knurling on the crown, making it a joy to operate, and the fact it’s a screw-down crown helps secure the impressive 150 metres of water resistance. Live life. This watch will keep up.

Making watch dials at scale in the United States is, to put it mildly, a monumental challenge. Yet, the team in Fort Collins, Colorado, have cracked the code. The GCT’s dial is cut from aluminium, coated with a matte black DLC finish, and then printed in-house. It’s a canvas of stark legibility and clever design. In a move that we particularly appreciate, they’ve cut pockets at the four quadrants and hand-applied lume, creating a unique and highly functional display that glows with purpose in low light. Protecting this handcrafted face is a domed sapphire crystal, renowned for its scratch resistance. Flip the watch over, and you’ll find another piece of sapphire, this one a flat crystal proudly made in New Hampshire, offering a clear view of the mechanical heart within.

That mechanical heart is where the story gets even more compelling. The GCT is powered by the “Americhron” automatic movement, assembled in Arizona by the skilled artisans at FTS. With a reliable 42-hour power reserve, you won’t need to wind it often, though the buttery-smooth action of the crown might tempt you. This partnership is a huge step forward for stateside watchmaking, with FTS even training a neurodiverse workforce to build and service these calibres.

As a subtle distinction, the movement plates visible through the exhibition case-back are finished in a gun-metal colour. It’s this dedication to rebuilding a domestic supply chain that allows Colorado Watch Company to proudly state that the GCT is 85% American-made.

A tool watch of this calibre demands a strap that can handle the rough and tumble. The GCT is fitted with a 20mm Cordura strap, a synthetic canvas material famed for its military-grade toughness, and secured with an in-house machined stainless steel buckle. Thanks to quick-release spring bars, swapping it out is a breeze. The unboxing experience is just as considered. Your watch arrives not in a flimsy cardboard box, but a waterproof, American-made Seahorse case, with an extra black strap tucked neatly inside the lid.

The Colorado Watch Company GCT DLC Black Case Matte Dial Watch is more than just the sum of its parts. It is a narrative of resilience, a celebration of American manufacturing, and a genuinely robust timepiece built for those who demand more from their gear. From the Colorado-machined case to the Arizona-assembled movement, every detail has been meticulously considered.

For a price of £1430, you’re not just acquiring a watch; you’re investing in a piece of American grit that’s backed by a 2-year warranty and built to last a lifetime. Frankly, for anyone seeking an authentic, adventure-ready timepiece with an incredible backstory, the GCT is mighty tough to beat.

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