The New Steel Editions of The Porsche-Inspired Reservoir Kanister Watch

From the very beginning, Reservoir Watches has created a very strong identity for its watches. Most of them are inspired by dashboard instruments, whether sourced from vintage classic cars, modern supercars, submarines or aeroplanes (as well as VU meters). However, it’s not only design because the brand has invested time in creating a very cool display with jumping hours and retrograde minutes – and with that, the inspiration became much more evident. A recent example of this design language was the Kanister model, a watch inspired by the dashboard instruments of the emblematic Porsche 356 Speedster. The model is now back in black or silver, in a steel case (the first editions were titanium) on a matching bracelet. 

Since its creation, Reservoir Watches has evolved and upgraded pleasantly with small touches. First, the overall design has been refined, and the watches are now more coherent and balanced. Second, as we’ll see later, the mechanics behind this cool display have also been updated, bringing better value to the consumer. A great example of this evolution was the Kanister collection, a pair of watches unveiled last year with a new case design, a new and more subtle dial and, as mentioned, new mechanics. First presented in titanium with a silver or black dial, the collection expands today with the Kanister 316 – a name that refers to the use of 316L stainless steel for the case… and the bracelet.

First and foremost, these new models are made of stainless steel. Second, the case is no longer polished but now entirely brushed for a more discreet, slightly sportier look. Compared to early watches by the brand, the Reservoir Kanister was also somewhat more compact and a bit more restrained. The case here measures 41.5mm in diameter and features shorter, slimmer lugs as well as a better integration of the bezel, which also happens to be thinner – the first models, as you can see here, had a tall and wide bezel, as well as a 43mm case. That redesign work can be clearly appreciated on the wrist…

What hasn’t changed, however, are the dials. The Reservoir Kanister retains its cool design, strongly inspired by the dash instruments of the 356 Speedster – specifically its rev counter. Available in silver with a monochromatic look, the black dial feels to me the most attractive, thanks to its use of contrasting colours that mimic the sectors found on the rev counter… The silver model feels more discreet – a question of taste. The display is the same as other collections and relies on a combination of retrograde minutes on a 240° arc, together with jumping hours in a large window at 6 o’clock. It is complemented by a power reserve gauge, once again inspired by the world of cars. The long, thin needle hand finishes the 356-inspired look.

Under the sapphire caseback is the calibre RSV-240, presented in 2022. The upper part is a proprietary display module designed by movement constructor Telos. Comprising 124 parts, it has been slightly redesigned to bring more stability to the display. The main evolution concerns the base movement. The display module used to be powered by an ETA 2824, which has been replaced by a more powerful automatic base movement by La Joux-Perret, the calibre LJP-G100, with a 4Hz frequency and 56h power reserve.

Last but not least, these Reservoir Kanister 316 watches are available on a 5-link, brushed steel bracelet, and a leather strap is also included in the presentation box. Now available and part of the permanent collection, these new steel versions are priced at EUR 4,800 (incl. taxes) or USD 4,600 (excl. taxes). For more details, please visit www.reservoir-watch.com.