Area Nostalgia makes its debut in the microbrand world with the Clocktower First Edition, a compact mechanical dress watch from Kieron Walsh, better known as TopTierTicker. Walsh enters the industry not as a newcomer, but as a long established voice in the community, and the Clocktower brings that background into a design inspired by British Gothic clocktowers. The First Edition is limited to 100 numbered pieces and priced at 299 dollars during preorder, rising to 379 dollars at retail. Deliveries are planned for early April 2026, and all four colour variants share the same specifications.

A New Microbrand With a Clear Identity

Area Nostalgia begins its catalogue with a design rooted in architectural reference. The Clocktower draws from the clocktowers of Manchester, using their shapes and decorative motifs to define the structure of the case and the character of the watch. Rather than applying surface decoration, the details are integrated into the case itself, with carved patterns, pillars and arches forming part of the overall geometry.

The result is a compact and highly distinctive silhouette. The 316L stainless steel case measures 30 mm across with a 39 mm lug to lug, keeping the proportions narrow and elegant. The 9 mm thickness is achieved through the use of a manual wind movement, ensuring a slim and historically aligned profile. With a 20 mm lug width, the watch is designed to be a strap versatile piece. Area Nostalgia specifically refers to it as a strap monster, and the included stainless steel mesh strap forms only the starting point for pairing options.

A Case Shaped by Gothic Architecture

The case design is the visual centrepiece of the Clocktower collection. Each corner is decorated with sculpted floral patterns, diamond shapes, and arrow tip motifs that echo the carved details found on Victorian clocktowers. Vertical pillars run along the top and bottom edges, leading into etched arches that reinforce the architectural theme. The contrasting finishes also enhance depth, with polished surfaces highlighting the raised elements while matte finishing sits beneath them for separation.

Since Area Nostalgia does not use a standalone icon logo, the flower motif from the case engraving is repurposed and etched onto the crown, linking the components visually and completing the aesthetic.

Dial Variants in the First Edition

All four models share the same overall layout, with a framed minute track, printed hour markers, and blued hands that stand out against the dial surface. The differences lie in colour and finishing. Clocktower Pearl offers a light, pearlescent style dial that keeps the focus on the casework. Clocktower Champagne introduces a warmer tone that leans into classic dress watch territory. Clocktower Teal adds a richer green tone that pairs with the architectural case for a more dramatic look.

Clocktower Luminous is the most distinctive variant. Its dial is coated with C3 Superluminova across the entire surface, then finished with a thin lacquer layer to give a glossy appearance. In daylight the dial appears white with a faint green tint. In darkness it transforms into a vivid green glow, reinforcing the connection to illuminated clockfaces that guided passers by through city streets at night. The Luminous remains the only full glow model in the First Edition, while the other three variants feature traditional non luminous dials.

Hand Wound Calibre ST6103K

Powering the Clocktower collection is the Sea-Gull ST6103K, a manual wind calibre selected for its slim profile and straightforward construction. It offers hacking seconds, a 36 hour power reserve, a beat rate of 21,600 vibrations per hour, and a no ghost date position. The choice of a hand wound movement keeps the overall thickness to 9 mm and preserves the vintage inspired character of the watches.

Price & First Edition Details

The Clocktower Luminous First Edition is available for preorder now at a price of 299 dollars, with the regular retail price set at 379 dollars. All four colour variants share the same specifications and construction. Delivery is planned for early April 2026, and each of the 100 units is individually numbered as part of the First Edition.

The First Edition wording will only appear on this inaugural release. Although Area Nostalgia plans to continue the Clocktower line for many years, future batches will not carry First Edition markings. For collectors who follow microbrand history or the progression of a creator driven brand, this establishes a clear and documented starting point for the series.

Final Thoughts

The Clocktower collection introduces Area Nostalgia with a clear sense of direction. Its architecture driven case design, compact 30 mm format, and mix of traditional and fully luminous dials set it apart from typical microbrand dress offerings while remaining grounded in real historical references. The detailing is substantial, the proportions are wearable for a wide range of wrist sizes, and the First Edition structure gives early supporters a meaningful entry point. For followers of TopTierTicker or anyone interested in concept driven design, this first collection marks a strong start.

Specs, Pricing & Availability

Brand: Area Nostalgia

Model: Clocktower(First Edition)

Dial: Luminous, Pearl, Champagne, Teal

Lume: C3 Superluminova

Case Material: 316L stainless steel

Diameter: 30 mm

Lug-to-Lug: 39 mm

Thickness: 9 mm

Crystal: Curved sapphire with AR coating

Case Back: Numbered First Edition caseback

Water Resistance: 50 m

Strap: Stainless steel mesh strap

Lug Width: 20 mm

Movement: Sea-Gull ST6103K (manual wind)

Power Reserve: 36 hours

Functions: Hours, minutes, hacking seconds; no ghost date position

Price: $299 preorder / $379 retail

Availability: Deliveries planned for early April 2026

Limited Edition: Yes, 100 pieces (First Edition)