Always nice to see an update managed in the most responsible manner – such as the 1969 – now 2014 Omega Speedmaster Mk11 – an iconic watch model if there ever was one.
2014 Omega Speedmaster Mk11 – brilliant revamp of the original 1969 model
Whilst the older model sported the calibre 861 the new Speedmaster 2014 Mk11 model uses the automatic coaxial 3330 movement with silicon balance spring and column-wheel chronograph. Good to see the old “tonneau” case has been retained which was so much part of that “look” in those days.
1969 original Omega Speedmaster Mk11 classic
One of the most recognized classic models the Speedmaster Mk11 is one model that I bought myself back in the early ’70’s and still one of my favorite models even today. However with the introduction of the new update Mk11 tugs pretty hard at me to rush out and get one, such is the pull of this classic watch.
Absolutely no doubt about it when you have a winner such as this, then keeping the “look” is absolutely essential in my opinion and I’m sure this will be a much sought after classic Omega once again and not just from me – IF I can afford it!
A bit different today in that I’m looking at a “watch” I’ve had for some time – prompted by a friend to do a quick review, so for all you Golfers out there here is the Garmin Approach S3.
Garmin Approach S3 GPS golf aid. (easy read )
Now I’m not about to explain all the features of this model except to say some basics. It’s water Resistant, battery life around 20 hours, has a good touch screen and high contrast so easily seen. It has around 27,000 golf course plans in it, a scorecard feature and doesn’t look overly big on your wrist and weighs next to nothing. The image shows how easy it is to read – Hole Number 1, Par 4, Big number is 360yds to pin, top number to back of green, bottom number to front of the green – super simple even for me. 😉
So before I start I admit this is a uniquely personal and perhaps cynical viewpoint from a golfer who started back in 1957 – played off Scratch at one time to playing my age today.
The Garmn S3 Approach Golf watch is a piece of golf assistance kit that seems to pretty much do what it says on the tin. Nothing fancy about it, but for your average golfer it works very well. It is obviously a GPS enabled unit with a database of all the courses (Europe model has 27,000 courses) you could ever want to play – I play two maybe with the odd holiday trip adding another couple at most. Though basically like most golfers I play mostly at my home course and that’s it.
So how does it perform and what does it do for your average player? Now I’ve heard and read all sorts of guff about the accuracy – Oh! it’s a yard or so out – or it doesn’t agree with my Course Planner – as if a yard or two for most of us honestly makes a difference! Let’s face it WE are not machines!
And talking about honesty, this unit should be renamed the “Honesty Meter” especially if we really start from basics – like – Do you know how far you drive the ball?
Now come on – be honest – of course you don’t – you think you do, but you don’t as there are far too many factors to consider. Did you hit the ball in the middle of the club, was your swing good, did you slice, fade, hook or draw, is there a wind, downwind or up, across etc. is the ground you hit off flat or sloping, is the landing point flat or sloping, what’s the altitude, temperature humidity, dampness and so on and on . . . . .
Now you might reckon on a good day, you can hit say 240 yards? – that’s a maybe, a perhaps – because golf is NOT exact – as I said, just too many variables (here in Scotland with our cold, damp weather – fantasy golf is out!), and this is where the Garmin comes into it’s own. It is a reality check!
OK now you’ve driven the ball and it lands on the fairway and the green is within reach. Now how many amateur golfers reach that green? I’ll tell you – the fact is that 80% of them are more often than not, short of the target, mostly because they think they can hit that 6 iron easily 180yds – and the sad truth is – they can’t.
NOW the Garmin comes into it’s own as once you hit your drive, you simply press a button and walk towards your ball and guess what – it counts the yardage.
And what a surprise to find you’ve driven the ball – err – 202 yards. But it also tells you that you’ve now got a 173 yard shot to the pin – and 160 yards to the front of the green and 190 yards to the back. Depending on pin placement, you can actually move the pin on a small image of the green on the Garmin screen, just to make it a little more accurate – IF you need to do that. I never have.
But back to the task at hand – what about this approach shot? What iron will you use to hit 173 yards? Duh – I dunno! A 6? – well it’s a guess.
And here you start to see the benefits of this unit. Because with a bit of “real” practice with this Garmin on your own some evening, it can actually measure any shots you hit with any club – you then build up real knowledge
of just how far you hit, not just the driver but every club in the bag! And most importantly you finally accept that you might need a 4 iron to hit that yardage (previously you belted the cover off the ball with a 6 or 7 – and would you believe it – short – again).
But this time you hit the 4 iron, without blasting it and as if by magic you are on the darned green! Probably the irst time since you were 17 years old and one of the leading big hitting Juniors in the club! Now OK the trajectory was a little lower than before, but who cares – you are ON the green. Is that good or what!
THIS is the value of the Garmin Approach S3 – it very simply gives you each hole’s yardage, tells you how far you have hit each shot and tells you how far to the pin. It’s taught you how far you can actually and truthfully
hit every club. It even can tell you the distance to that stream, or dogleg turn, so you can hit short and not overrun it, or know you can hit your 5 wood over it. Short or over – it’s your informed decision for once.
It’s very easy to use after a few holes and you soon get the trick of just glancing at it as you reach your ball to play the next shot. You don’t need one of those that talks to you (I can think of nothing worse!). And you really don’t need one that tells you about every little hazard on the course, with width, depth and all that value added gimmickry – because you KNOW the essentials – the distance to go, the distance you can hit and which club will do it FOR YOU.
It should really help your game. As now you know pretty well how far you can drive (honestly), you know how far you can hit every iron you have, from a full out shot to a three quarters easy shot and so on and this probably for the first time in your golfing life.
Now that for me is as accurate as it needs to be – honestly. So in my book the Garmin Approach S3 is pretty good value for money AND it can tell you the time too . . .
Yes, sorting out which watch model to buy in amongst a huge range can be daunting and often compounded by what your particular preference may be. What you want from a new watch etc. This is always the problem I have when looking at the big lads, Seiko, Citizen and Timex. Because they really make models for just about everyone, so it’s very difficult.
Timex Expedition Chrono T49895
I tend to check out the ones I like, not because of the number of functions they squeeze in, but for the model that manages to combine a certain simplicity with function, if that doesn’t sound silly. By doing this, I gradually out of many dozens of disparate models, manage to pick maybe a couple or so that make sense and manage to fit my simple requirements.
The first one to appear out of the crowd is the T49895 Expedition Chronograph model. With it’s ion plated steel case and black dial, luminous analog Hour, Minute hands and center Seconds hands it is very conventional. No superfluous fly back features that to me are unnecessary complications. 3 sub dials for the chronograph function and a multi-date window between 3 and 4 are well defined and clear to read and not a chrome edged reflective numeral in the place! Note this model also has a back light. Chronograph bezel outer rings are neat and unobtrusive and the well knurled crown and pushers are just about perfect. The dimensions are a decent 45mm x 13mm and Water Resistance is 100m.
To cap it all this model has a leather strap fitted to standard lug bars, so alternative straps or strap replacements are not an issue down the road.
This is a model that is sensible terms of Form, Function and Fit and without the added corporate style trappings of being something it’s not – it is what it is.
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My second choice from Timex’s vast arsenal of watches is the T49967 Expedition Alarm Chronograph.
Timex T49967 Expedition Alarm Chronograph
I like this model as it’s of Analog-Digital design but not overpoweringly so. Whilst it’s supposedly 43.8mm across, I measured mine (I already have one in my collection) and the width to the crown is in fact almost 47mm, so not a small watch by any means. It’s only 13.6mm (depth) and wears smaller than it is, albeit with a definite Timex Expedition look to it, but is relatively uncluttered and not over-functioned.
Once again the dial is excellent, matte and well laid out in black with contrasting broad luminous infilled analog Hour and minute hands plus a yellow center seconds Hand. It has a nice overall balance.
Large clear numerals and markers in white and yellow mean good clarity and the Day, Date, Month, Alarm, Timer, Stopwatch plus Digital time display is well positioned @6 and is larger than many, but does not get in the way of the analog functions. Additional chronograph buttons are on the wide bezel @6 for chronograph control such as Stop and Split laps etc. The bezel is influenced by their “shock” range and gives good protection to the crystal.
Note this is a perpetual Calendar model, so once the Calendar is set, forget about short months and so on, it’s all taken care of.
Four nicely figured pushers are on the outer edge of the case and are broad and easily accessed, the crown is @3 as usual, well shrouded but accessible. Once again we have an Indiglo back light, so this is well equipped for low light situations and has a 200m Water Resistance.
T49967 Silicon/rubber strap with buckle.
This model comes with a green colored rubber strap and once again if not to your liking it’s an easy matter to replace, as the case/lug/strap bars arrangement is about as standard as you can get – many thanks Timex! In practice the strap is actually very good and I have not changed it myself – and I’m really picky when it comes to straps and wrist comfort!
This model once again manages to get the basics right and the overall “Form” is pleasing, Function is unobtrusive and it Fits well to the wrist and it does it all rather well.
T49967 Expedition Combo – on the wrist
Both models above are around the same price (approx £85 in the UK) and for me represent excellent value for money without gimmicks and are two of the most practical and sensible Timex models I’ve seen for a while.
True Get and Forget watches = Form, Function and Fit. (I can see a slogan coming. . . . . 😉 )
Note – I see that many Timex models now come with a generic instructional manual and often these do not relate at all to the watch model you may have bought. The model above (T49967) is such a model and I note the following additional instructions in case anyone purchases one.
The pushers are labelled and self explanatory, but when setting the digital time (first push the “set” pusher and hold it) and you go through the sequences – hours, minutes etc etc. and once done – push the “set” again, the digital display is then set by default to the Time indication.
However to display the Day, Date and Month (the calendar), you must push the ST button on the bezel and the Calendar will flash up for a second. To permanently show the Calendar display rather than the Time display, push and hold the ST button for at least 3 or 4 seconds. This will show the date, day and month then set – then release the button and the Calendar will stay indicated, now as the permanent digital display. So at a glance you now have the analog hour, minute and seconds hands on the main dial and the digital display will be showing the Calendar. (you can reverse the sequence as you wish).
Also when setting the digital display the Calendar can be selected show either USA or UK style (Day, Date and Month) – something I wish others would emulate.
Timex Expedition Vibration Alarm T49854J – Great daily beater!
Finally I’d add to this selection my other Timex Digital Expedition. Quite similar to the ana/digi here, but digital only and once again a really sweet watch to wear – I show an image just for comparison.
It’s interesting to note that out of my collection of Timex watches, the one shown here on the left (T49854J), the ana/digi above (T49867) certainly get the most wrist time. For methey encapsulate everything that Timex in my opinion does best. Really excellent low cost daily beaters – true “get and forget” models, that are a perfect balance between “Form, Function and Fit”.
What really and honestly could be any better?
Well to answer that I am looking at Casio next week and as they’re in the same business and “get and forget” is money in the bank! – I’m betting they’ve got something to offer too!
As I indicated in the last “Get and forget” Post, I thought I’d have a look at Casio this time, regarding models that manage to offer good functionality at a reasonable price point and without overcrowded dials. So many models today have so much data overkill on confusing dials, they may start off being a novelty, but soon are consigned to the back of a drawer!
Casio AE1000W-1B World Time 48 cities + 10 year battery
Now I could just feature first model is the Casio AE1000W-1B which itself is a remarkably priced World Time, Alarm watch, really low priced at under $20 on US Amazon. For that you get a rather well designed dial with the main Digital window showing the Time, Day, Date and Month clearly. Also on there is a small seconds indicator and a Time Zone map – a tad gimmicky maybe but they don’t distract from the main view, so I can forgive that. Functions include 48 cities World Time, Alarms, Stop Watch etc. and a 100m Water Resistance in a neat case. The only down side for being the integrated strap/bracelet, which unfortunately is a feature of many Casio models, but that apart this model does represent serious value for money.
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But I’d rather major on the classic Radio Controlled (two receivers) Casio WVA-470DE-1AVEF sold here in the UK and Europe with appropriate DCF and MSF Radio reception – that is Mainflingen in Germany and Anthorn in the UK.
Casio WVA470DE-1AVEF Radio Control at under £100
Being Solar Powered this watch never needs a battery. With 2 receiver Radio Control assuming it receives a signal from the appropriate Atomic Clock each day the accuracy is guaranteed and correct within the UK and Europe. It has good functionality with World Time, Chronograph Stopwatch to 1/100sec, 3 Alarms, battery check, signal check, hour beep, Neobrite analog hands and is Water Resistance rated to 10bar or 100m. It also features an LED backlight.
It’s also one of the better sized models (as was the Casio Oceanus) at a neat 42mm x 12mm and even though is analog/digital it has a really neat and classic analog appearance. It has a solid stainless steel bracelet with a double push button clasp and is adjustable by use of removable links (again as the Oceanus) using small tapered pins and sprung holding collars.
A point to bear in mind if adjusting/removing links, is to take great care and NOT lose the small link pin collars. (When I sold on my Casio Oceanus I included a letter to the buyer explaining just how to do it, as I was concerned he might make a mess of it and then claim a refund for a faulty strap – which it wasn’t of course).
Basically the link pins slide not only into the bracelet segment, but through a very small steel collar – it is this collar that grips the pin. Lose it and you lose the integrity of the whole bracelet as the pins will fall out.
However it is a good comfortable bracelet, just take care if resizing.
The price for this model’s functionality is under £100 which considering it’s predecessors represents great value for money. I know of three friends who have this model and they use it as their main watch and bearing in mind they each have watch collections too, it obviously says a lot for this model.
Casio WVA470DE-1AVEF composite steel/plastic case
For me I particularly like fact that it has not been G-Shocked with plastic panels stuck all over it and has an uncluttered dial considering the functions. Note the luminous analog hands time and the digital time are always in synch. ie: they are not separate and both automatically adjust together on signal reception. It also has a neatly defined center seconds hand. The digital window is a good size without encroaching the dial yet large enough to read clearly.
The four pushers are neat and unobtrusive, though quite large enough for the whole fingertip when operating.
At under £100 this is quite an achievement when you consider that in 2009 I had the very latest in RC models – the Casio Oceanus Manta and the Citizen Attesa ATV53-2833, the latter I featured here in my Post of 2009 as the “ultimate” watch. Both models cost over £700 at the time! So on a cost/function basis this represents a quantum leap in terms of what was then available.
Citizen Attesa – another state of the art of the pastCasio Oceanus Manta RC state of the art in 2009
It certainly shows how times have changed and this little gem with it’s understated and uncluttered look considering it’s functionality – is a neat buy.
I like most aspects of this model and Casio have excelled in producing a watch, which is both high tech’ and low cost. Their expertise in the use of plastics is evident as the case is a lightweight composite of metal and plastic, which apart from reducing cost, has resulted in a smooth curved profile that fits most wrists very neatly.
They’ve just about managed to tick all the boxes, as they say. Bar one in fact. That is there is no quick “swap” of Home tome to a destination time, despite this being a World Time watch. You can read a selected World Time digitally, but not analog, unless you change Home time to your destination time which is a rather fiddly.
To get a watch with this functionality and looks at such the price is presently unmatched by other manufacturers from what I’ve seen. The competition tends to be composed of either very cluttered dial designs or much more expensive prices or both. (check out Watchshop under RC watches and you’ll get my point about cluttered dials).
Of course my favorite Radio Controlled watch these days is still my analog Citizen Eco-Drive A-T CB0020-09E also known as the World Perpetual A-T (+£300 some years ago). OK it is a higher specification with 5 receivers and bought because the World Time function was the easiest of any to set and it has a large clear analog dial with no digital display. Pull out the Crown, turn to another city as indicated by the seconds hand, push the Crown it in again and the hands instantly move to the new City – it’s as easy as that! When I travel abroad this is still my preferred companion.
However this Casio WVA-470DE-1AVEF works for me as a good RC indication type model and for under £100 is something else – Wow!
Oops! – Seems I forgot to Post the first “Get and forget (1)” of the series – it featured Timex – though no matter I’ll post it next time . . . . . .
Since getting my own Pulsar recently (Pulsar PV4005X1) with which I am surprisingly pleased by the way, I thought I’d just mention these two models. They’ve been around for a while but have an interesting display feature that lifts them above the ordinary. The actual function set is similar to my more conventional standard matrix display model though quite different in operation.
This is the Pulsar PQ2013X1 and the PQ2011X1.
Pulsar PQ2013X1 scrolling Matrix LCD Display
A full dial matrix* display using a scrolling system with adjustable settings such as the LCD contrast and the LED light color. The digital display can be switched off and it also has an automatic Eco setting. The scrolling display is really quite odd at first until you get used to it, but actually very intuitive once you do. The two models here as far as I can tell are the same except for the color and the strap (they use the same instruction set).
Which do I prefer? Well I’d like the red highlighted dial but the black strap – just to be awkward!
Pulsar PQ2001X1
The dimensions are substantial at some 48mm width by around 14mm depth, so on the limits for my 170mm wrist, though in saying that the buttons are quite flush to the case, so it might look OK the wrist.
But such is the scrolling display concept and the overall style of these models they are very tempting. One of the settings I like is the fact you can alter the display digits and show a very large date for example – could be very useful when not wearing my spectacles.
So a rough breakdown of the features – a Pulsar 2 year Guarantee, a 48mm x 14mm, black dial scrolling digital display, multi-function Day, Date, Month, Year, perpetual calendar (2059), World Times (39 cities), Stopwatch/chronograph 100hrs, Alarms etc etc. plus a stainless steel case, PU rubber strap with buckle and Oh yes a back light.
In fact the specification is really quite large especially with the added contrast and color settings and so on – very comprehensive.
There also appears to be a few different variations on this theme, such as the PQ2003, but they all have the same functions and it’s really a matter of cosmetics as to which you might prefer.
One thing is certain, they have a quite different look in comparison to the Casio and Timex range and have moved away from any sort of corporate look, which is nice.
For anyone who struggles with small text these are actually very good, as the text is exceptionally large and the contrast is good, certainly on the models I’ve come across. However as Ialways say – try and see one of these in the flesh if this is important to you and BEFORE you buy.
And here is where the internet scores. Most of the reputable dealers have a good Refund policy, where if you’re not satisfied with your purchase you can return the item for a prompt refund without hassle. Just remember to make sure you keep everything, box, papers, attached labels and original packing and try not to wear it thus curving or creasing the strap etc. and you should be OK in your return process. Normally you receive a Returns Number and possibly a label from the supplier and if you then send it back with some form of recorded delivery, all should be well.
Note – the term matrix* should not be confused with “dot matrix” which was originally introduced by Seiko back in 1977. Whilst some modern LED models today may look “dot” are actually bars on ceramic substrates with small parts of this actually lit to conserve energy.
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However as to these particular Pulsar models and as far as large digital displays are concerned, the older Timex Expedition (vibration alarm) Model T49854J is actually pretty good too – and – it’s one of the easiest of watches to set, it’s lighter, smaller, cheaper and I’ve got one already – so . . . . . . as much as I like these new Pulsars here, I might give them a miss – for now . . .
Another look at those “elegant” models that we are so lucky to have around these days. Here is one of my favorites – the Blancpain Villeret Répetition Minutes.
Surely one of the most elegant watches that you not only can see, but hear!
Born from a need to know the time many years ago in the dark without light when luminous hands simply did not exist. Trials of a “touchable” watch with exterior hands and minute graduations was never going to be the answer as they were too easily moved by accident. And so “sound” was the key.
The Minute Repeater is probably one of the most complicated watch movements even today and there are not too many of them around. A slide on the side of the watch is moved and a chime sounds the Hours, Quarter Hours and Minutes – so much more artistic than luminous paint and with a discrete elegance that’s quite personal I think.
To find one today that has the purity of sound and the incredible exactitude of transforming the exact time with the applicable sound is a feat of watch intricacy that is extremely hard to achieve. This model features the calibre 35 which has 2 hammers @3. These strike against little “sounding rings” on the outer circumference and features 35 jewels in the movement.
Next up is this brand that I would not have normally have associated with the word elegance.
This is the Suunto Gambit 2 – an all in GPS, Weather Station, Time, Distance, Altitude – you name it and perfect for all you runners, trekkers and bikers and so on out there just raring to go.
The Suunto Gamit2 a position of elegance?
But for one in this particular guise it is really rather superb to look at too. Perhaps a bit big for me at 50mm x 17.5mm – but I feel I have to add this in to the “elegant” category I really do.
And then something perhaps unexpected in the shape of the Timex Easy Reader – Why?
Timex Easy Reader – simple elegance
I suppose it’s because of it’s utter simplicity and purity of form and function, this model has an elegance all of it’s own. Forget all those digital “hard to read” over functioned monsters hanging on to wrists that simply are not big enough to handle them and look sensible – THIS is a bring you down to earth reality check.
This watch does exactly what it says on the tin! Great dial, great numerals, even a 24 hour clock set and a clear date. Centre second hand and excellent clear hour and minute hands. For night use “Indiglo” of course. Nothing more and nothing less than a “watch” and there’s such a natural elegance in that.
The last pic this week is more in your classic form –
The very elegant De Witt – what can I say – except that it’s not quite as simple as your average watch. From one “easy reader” to another – in the form of this beautiful “jump” disc watch. This model is just 40mm in diameter and in 18ct Rose Gold and is powered by a manual wind movement with a 42-hour power reserve. The 21-jewel fully decorated movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour is also visible via an exhibition back. There is another color I understand and both look very elegant indeed.
So without doubt there are some very elegant watches around and most are really beautiful designs too. They don’t have to complicated either – take the Timex easy Reader for example, but can have a purity of form and function that has an elegance of their own and rightly so. It is also a fact that you don’t have to necessarily spend a fortune to find an elegant watch, though it is I contend somewhat easier, as design has so much to do with elegance.
Anyway what will I find next week? Difficult to tell, though I might just include another of my own collection and see if you agree.
Wenger is a name I haven’t heard about much since I had one of their models some years ago. I do remember that it was actually a very good watch, though the range at that time seemed limited, in that each”Wenger” looked much the same as any other model. Perhaps I was being unfair at the time, but checking out their stuff today I find a rejuvenated brand that sports some really neat models and worthy of a look, especially at the lower end of their price range.
I’m impressed too that even at this lower price, each model has Sapphire crystal and a decent Water Resistance.
This is the Wenger Roadster 0851.106, a 45mm x 12mm Stainless Steel model with military dial markings and date. The 106 code denotes the orange 22mm silicon band (the 105 has black band). A uni-directional PVD coated bezel surrounds the black dial and the numerals, markers and hands are luminous. Swiss Ronda 515 Quartz movement and 100m Water Resistance. (Amazon quote Water Resistance as 50m and hardened mineral crystal – both of which are incorrect – see watch back image below).
A neat red centre seconds hand sets off the dial nicely, the end result being a very pleasing model. The fact that this watch retails for somewhere in the £139 region to me represents good value.
The second model that takes my fancy is this really sweet “Commando” Black Line. 40mm x 11.5mm PVD and Steel case, screw down crown, 100m Water Resistance, sapphire crystal and luminous markers on the 3 hand display. Day and Date window @3, Swiss Ronda 517-1 quartz movement plus a few color variations make this a popular model and one that certainly interests me.
The Commando Black line featured here retails for around £150 – again good value.
Wenger now have around 15 models with a whole host of variations offered and personally I’m really pleased to see this updated range, firstly as I’ve always rated their products and secondly as they do represent pretty good value, considering the excellent quality of their watches.
Finally here’s a selection of a few of their Commando and Squadron range –
Just a few models from a comprehensive range, shows a neat line up of pretty good value for money watches that look great on the wrist. So definitely worth a look to see what’s on offer and I reckon you won’t be disappointed with whatever model you choose. They are certainly on my list to watch and I might just get myself another model as I actually miss not having my old one.
For quality and elegance this new French Watch brand is a breath of fresh air! Seeing it on paper is one thing but to see it close up and personal is an absolute delight! I Just had to have this one as I had a feeling this could be a gem – and I was right! This is the Briston Clubmaster HMS Date quartz watch in Black/Khaki case/strap combination. Wonderful hand finished Italian polished acetate (Tortoise shell) case, seamlessly integrated into a stainless steel framework and is one of the sweetest watches I’ve come across for ages!
Briston HMS date watch – black/khaki with Italian polished acetate (tortoise shell) case
Measuring 40mm x 40mm x 11.7mm this cushion shaped case impresses me greatly, such is it’s soft dark Tortoise shell lustre finish. The highly polished stainless bezel, lugs and case frame/back are so smoothly integrated it’s like an Art Nouveau gem. And the brightwork is beautifully polished, it really stands out.
Briston fits my wrist to perfection – and looks great!
The well figured large stainless crown has twin rubber rings for added grip and it’s two positions set the time (hacking) plus the quick set date. The matte background dial is contrasted by the quite broad but perfectly sized silver edged hour and minute hands, with luminous? infills and a white center seconds hand. White numerals at 12, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 with baton markers in between plus the date aperture @3 make up the uncluttered and very legible dial.
Luminous infill only just fine, for a dress watch. But could be brighter in my opinion.
This model is powered by a Miyota 2315 quartz movement which is a straight forward Japan assembled unit with an accuracy of around 20 secs/month and a battery change (Silver Oxide SR626SW or Renata 377) every 3 years or so. A sensible choice in my opinion as these are very reliable and also no problem if replacement is ever required. The Crystal is 2.3mm thick domed mineral glass and the model has a 100m Water Resistance rating, which is a real plus at this price range.
Seamless case/acetate fit shows high quality finish
The stainless steel back is a screw down type and again everything is seamless and smooth, almost as if it was one piece. Others should take note!
Clubmaster solid screw down case back shows Swiss Design & perfect fit
The supplied khaki NATO strap is 20mm wide and approx 245 in length and the case, having standard lugs, will accept any standard strap. But the advantage of the NATO style is that it fits the wrist so well.
Briston take care to match the strap style and colours to the model and this combination of the polished stainless steel bezel, lugs and back, framed by the brown lustrous tortoise acetate and all against the khaki colour of the strap – just does it for me. Indeed there are a few brands around who use alternative case materials, but this quality acetate is an absolute winner for me.
Briston have obviously taken some thought as to the superbly made crown, which is a delight to use and could be a Brand feature – a part so often neglected in watch design.
Receiving the watch was actually a nice experience, if I can say that, as the box has a soft touch white finish and opened with the little red ribbon pull, reveals the watch elegantly presented on a broad mounting pad. Also inside is the Instruction Booklet in French and English with the 2 year Guarantee incorporated on the back page.
Briston box is also an elegant affair without being pretentious.
So am I pleased?
Yes! in fact VERY pleased and delighted with this purchase – it is certainly one of the sweetest watch models I’ve seen for years! As I already said, a breath of fresh air from this new Watch Company just has to be good!
For wearing it’s equally as good as a dress watch or as a daily. It costs around £130 in the UK (HERE) from Twisted Time and for me, the use of that perfectly finished and shaped acetate, is an absolute design triumph and the overall concept is arguably well above it’s price point.
I have to assume the chronograph versions are every bit as good and I’m sorely tempted already – maybe a new collection starting?
Note– The Briston Clubmaster Chronograph model is also available from Twisted Time here in the UK. Whilst it uses the same design concept and a similar quality of movement (Miyota OS21 quartz). It’s more more expensive at around £200, though is still good value for me.
Now, they are nice, of that there is no question, but whereas my date version is in my opinion really good value, time will tell if the Chrono version is too. The same colour scheme as my Date model for example is £215.
I will, however, keep an eye on this Company, as I have the feeling they have more to offer and who knows, another one for my collection could be in sight.
My third outing of “The elegant Watch” feature, showing watches I would consider could meet that description. Starting with the Ralph Lauren “Sporting” model with it’s IWC Cal.RL98295 mechanical manual wind movement.
Ralph Lauren “Sporting” model – (IWC Cal.98295)
The well constructed Stainless steel case and matching bracelet and general look of the piece I find rather pleasing. It features a seconds sub-dial @6, convex Sapphire Crystal with internal and external colorless anti-reflective coatings. The dial is unusual with a black matte galvanic center, brown elm burr wood outer (fixed with 4 screws), Arabic beige colored numerals and white hands, each with luminescence. At just over 44mm diameter it is a substantial watch and yet still manages to look elegant.
Another very stylish watch but from Germany is this lovely Limited Edition BENU by Moritz Grossmann.
Moritz Grossmann
This model in Rose gold equipped with a manually wound movement adjusted in five positions. Hours, minutes and seconds, 42-hour power reserve, solid silver dial, Arabic numerals, sapphire crystal with anti reflective coating, hand-crafted steel hands with brown/violet hue, hand-stitched alligator strap and limited to 100 watches worldwide.
Not to be outdone in the “elegance” stakes this next model shows that not all elegant watches have to be gold or classically shaped. This is the v-tec Gamma designed by Michel Huber. A highly interesting design from the orginal Ventura square model back in the 1990’s.
Ventura V-Tec Gamma
The watch dimensions are 41.85mm x 36.50 in a hardened Durinox® case. Sapphire crystal, multifunction VEN_10 digital module (backlit LED display), 50 metres Water Resistance and orange rubber strap with adjustable folding buckle. The brushed case finish and orange/yellow strap with the black face really set this off and for me it has a definite modern elegance.
Last and certainly not least is the wonderful (and expensive) Jaquet Droz 6553L2, Self winding mechanical, double barrel, retrograde moon phase with 22ct white Gold rotor. Bit of a mouthful I know, but what a stunning watch. 28 days reserve, 28 jewels in an 18ct red gold, 39mm diameter 12.7mm height case, with 3 bar WR or 30 metres.
Jaquet Droz – who else?
The dial features Triple Date Calendar complications on an Ivory Grand Feu enamel with 18ct gold applications plus moon phase and 18ct gold hands including the strap buckle. Yes this is one very highly specified watch from one of my very favorite watchmakers. For me this is simply a delight and elegance in the extreme – if only I could afford one of these, then I’d happily reduce my collection down to far less models but much more of this quality.
So another four “elegant” models for you to consider and I’m already looking forward to the next Elegant watch post . . . .
Part 2 of my quick look at Pulsar and Lorus brands –
The LORUS range of watches have been around for quite a long time and usually represent very good value for money. Part of the Seiko brand, Lorus price point is slightly lower than Pulsar, with around £150 being their most expensive model – and yet manage to offer some really stylish and well specified models, two of which I’ve picked for a brief look.
Lorus RW605AX9 Ana-Digi Chrono (Cal Z021)
First is the Lorus RW605AX9, and I picked it owing to it being an Ana-Digi display (one of my favorite combinations). Note that these models feature Dot matrix displays rather than the more common LCD. I have a couple of dot matrix “style” LED display watches and find them very good, though it has to be said whilst OK this particular one is perhaps not quite as bright as I would like, though the back light is good.
This model as those in the Pulsar range is pretty well specified. Analogue wise it features Hour, Minute and centre Seconds hands and the Digital display shows the Day, Month, Date and also the Time. It also features an Alarm (with snooze), a Chime, a 23hr/59/59, 1/100sec Stopwatch Function with Split Time, 12/24 Hour Indicator and for night use has a full dial EL (electro-luminescence) Back Light. The watch also features a flat mineral crystal, a good size stainless steel case with black fixed IP bezel and a 10 bar (100m) Water Resistance.
The Analogue and Digital times are set independently (analogue seconds hand stops during Analogue setting) and interestingly this model has two (2) batteries. The analogue movement has a SR622SW battery and the Digital movement a CR2025 – (how they squeezed them in I’ll never know) so it should give decent usage time for the EL back light and alarm. Battery life is quoted as approximately 2 years.
The case is 46mm, so is maybe a bit larger than I’m comfortable with. I comes with an OK looking black PU strap with buckle.
I note the hands are chrome edged, which in my opinion is never a great idea as it tends to give reflection – and as only seeing one in the flesh will confirm that, I would have to reserve judgement on the actual clarity of the overall dial set up.
Now when you consider the price for this model is around £50 on Amazon – plus in my view three plus points going for it – 1) – it’s NOT the same style as a Casio, 2) – it has an analogue seconds hand and 3) it has a 23hr/59/59 chronograph – so it’s pretty well specified and there are three versions available. I would note though the Pulsar models do seem overall to be in a slightly higher league.
Footnote – I note Pulsar make a cosmetically different model at around twice the price. However I see the hour and minute hands are broader with no chrome edging and the display may be a different fluorescing matrix LCD, so could well be much brighter (as the Pulsar review in the last Post) – perhaps justification for the higher price?
Pulsar PW6005X1
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I also checked out a low priced Lorus all digital model – the Lorus R2307EX9, a neat watch with modern clean lines and decent size digital display.
It features a custom strap, which I confess is not my choice, but this is very often the case with these styles of watch, though the whole piece does look well balanced. The case is ABS with an ABS bezel and a 4 screw case back. A black PU strap as mentioned and curved acrylic glass and some 13 digital functions.
Lorus R2307EX9 (Z009 Cal)
These are – Hour, Minute, Second, Auto-calendar (2000 to 2049), Month, Date, Day of week, Chime, Chronograph, Alarm, AM/PM or 12/24 hour format, Dual Time & Count Down Timer. Night use is catered for with a full dial EL back light and the watch is 100m Water Resistant. The movement designated as Cal. Z009. Once again this is a pretty good specification and appears reasonably well made and can be sourced for as little as £12.95 on Amazon, which is frankly amazing!
However, and I say this with every digital display, it does depend on the contrast and LCD/Matrix fluorescent quality and whilst both models appear OK in the images, it’s a learning curve as to how you see it in less than ideal light.
Lorus – basic style chronos – low Price pointPulsar – more progressive & next level Price point
Lorus and Pulsar produce a good range of conventional chronograph styles though Pulsar (more expensive generally) appears to offer a slightly higher quality and are more adventurous in design and features. For me though it’s the range of dare I say “Casio features” style models that mostly attract my interest (ie: the Pulsar PV4005X! ). Their Digital and Ana-digi models seem to be their designers forté and give a hint to what they can do.
So it seems Lorus and Pulsar (from Seiko) are brands worth looking at, as they appear in certain areas, to offer pretty good value against their peer brands and competitors. Obviously there are production and parts savings somewhere in the equation, but the end results do confirm they have a good few models worthy of consideration.
And when money is tight – you can’t afford NOT to check them out.
Watch space 
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