While it admittedly tests the limits of the horological term, its purpose-built performance is something else.
Just as you can argue about the meaning of a gentleman’s knife, you can no doubt do the same about the term tool watch.
For that reason, I can understand horology enthusiasts who hesitate to refer to the Increment Labs LMW-V1 as such.
However, I have no doubt that the functionality it provides is unlike anything else I’ve seen wrapped around the wrist.
Short for Light Meter Watch-Version 1, this unique Kickstarter project could be a budding photographer’s best friend.
A gun to the wrist
Operating out of London, Increment Labs is calling the LMW-V1 the first watch to feature a built-in light meter for shutterbugs to combat manual settings.
Although this topic is beyond my expertise, I can say that they scored on the aesthetic front.
Both inspired by classic camera design and reminiscent of old-school Casio, the watch features a waterproof aluminum case, a split LCD screen and, for the Limited Edition: Black LMW-V1 upgrade, a stitched leather strap with leatherette grip camera vibes.
In keeping with the analog nature of classic cameras, the almost handmade case shows engraved depth of field lines, while the readout button mimics the shutter release.
As for its practical bona fides, the LMW-V1 is the product of two years of R&D, feedback from hundreds of photographers with problems similar to co-designer Rich Soler’s own: struggling to translate manual metering into aperture and shutter speed settings.
The idea is that pulling a light meter on your wrist helps you to train your eye in opening and speed at any time you like, even when you don’t have your camera, an exercise that will really train you to be the best natural judge of light.
According to the team, the watch can help everyone from beginners to professionals who want to upgrade their camera kit, although I suspect there will be much more interest in the former than the latter.
Increment Labs also makes the case that the LMW-V1 is superior to smartphone applications that rely on phone power that may be less intuitive and more reliable than temporary light meters that work better indoors.
The advantage of the LMW-V1 lies in the accurate and consistent readings obtained from the silicon photodiode sensor at an angle of 45 degrees using the same technology used in pro-level exposure meters and optical instruments in the industry.
Another great but fun bonus feature is the “golden hour alarm” which is limited to longitude and latitude, giving you a warning of the best window to use for glorious sunsets and sunrises.
Oh, and like a traditional tool watch, it also has a very important locking feature: a 32,000Hz quartz crystal that tracks the time and date like champagne.
Availability and pricing
The Increment Labs LMW-V1 is available now on Kickstarter, starting at $162. Estimated delivery is March 2027.
Extension LabsUpgrade Labs LMW-V1
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