KARL-LEIMON Classic Pioneer – Complete Calendar with Moon Phase – Rose/White

A Japanese micro-brand that is practically unavailable in Europe – and a dial that features a complication not usually found in this price range.

The case back bears the engravings KARL-LEIMON, CLASSIC PIONEER, BACK TO CLASSIC, JAPAN MOVEMENT, SAPPHIRE GLASS, and 5ATM WATER RESISTANT, along with an elaborately engraved coat of arms featuring a globe, ship's wheel, and tendrils. The crown is adorned with the KL signet.

KARL-LEIMON – "Back to Classic"

KARL-LEIMON is a Japanese watch brand that operates under the guiding principle of "affordable classic watches." The brand claim "BACK TO CLASSIC" is programmatic: moon phase and full calendar – displays otherwise associated with significantly higher-priced watches – are offered here in a classically designed case at an accessible price. In Japan, the new price of the Classic Pioneer was around 31,000 yen plus tax.

Sales are primarily online and through Japanese watch specialty stores; there is practically no European distribution. Anyone wearing the brand here on their wrist will have to explain it – which is precisely the point for collectors of Japanese micro-brands.

The model is powered by a Japanese Miyota 6P00 series quartz movement, which controls the day of the week, date, month, and moon phase. Miyota is part of the Citizen Group and is one of the world's largest movement manufacturers.

Design

The dial is light-colored and shimmers creamy white depending on the light, with a fine, grainy surface texture that distinguishes it from the smooth lacquered surface of cheaper watches.

The arrangement follows the logic of a classic full calendar watch: a sub-dial for the day of the week at the top, one for the month at the bottom, a moon phase window with a deep blue night sky and golden moon on the left, and a date scale with a hand on the right, whose odd numbers run along an arc. The brand signet is located in the moon phase disc.

The rose gold-colored applied indices and the leaf-shaped hands pick up the warm tone of the case. A fine dotted minute track runs between the indices, framing the densely populated dial.

The case measures 38.1 millimeters in diameter and 10.1 millimeters in height, and features polished, curved lugs. The watch comes with a new dark brown leather strap with a crocodile print and a light inner lining.

Dating

The watch has no serial number or type number. The Classic Pioneer belongs to the brand's current model generation; therefore, an exact year of manufacture for this specific example cannot be determined.

Condition

The seller has tested the watch with a timegrapher; its running and accuracy were found to be good. All calendar displays and the moon phase are working.

The dial and sapphire crystal are free of noticeable defects: The dial is clean, all scales and imprints are sharp, the applied indices are firmly seated, and the hands are undamaged. No scratches are visible on the crystal.

The case and bezel show signs of wear; visible scratches are found on the polished flanks and one lug. The case back is extensively scratched, though all engravings and the crest engraving remain fully intact. The leather strap is new; the buckle of the previous strap was discolored in places and was not retained.

Without accessories, without outer box.

The actual condition is shown unretouched in the product photos.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: KARL-LEIMON
• Model: Classic Pioneer
• Movement: Quartz, Japanese Miyota 6P00 series movement
• Functions: Hour, minute, second, day of the week, date, month, moon phase
• Case: Stainless steel, rose gold-colored
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal
• Diameter without crown: 38.1 mm
• Height: 10.1 mm
• Lug-to-Lug: 46.6 mm
• Lug width: 21 mm
• Weight including strap: 70 g
• Water resistance from factory: 5 ATM
• Dial: Light, creamy white shimmering, with sub-dials and moon phase
• Strap: New dark brown leather strap with crocodile print
• Origin: Japan

For Whom?

For collectors of Japanese micro-brands who are looking for a brand that is simply not available in Europe. For buyers who want a moon phase on their wrist without paying the price of a mechanical complication. And for anyone who wants to wear a watch with a suit that cannot be immediately identified.

Warranty (used)

This is a used item. The limitation period for claims for defects under the statutory warranty is 12 months from delivery.

Note on Water Resistance

The manufacturer's specification of 5 ATM refers to the watch in new condition. Since the seals have not been tested, current water resistance is not guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.