It’s time for us to have another hands-on review of a Timex piece, once again from their Intelligent Quartz line.  As you can tell from the post title, this particular watch was quite the title (and set of functionality).  Let’s have a look at what sets this one apart, shall we?

I once read a comment regarding quartz watches, and it resonated with me (pun not intended, yet still appreciated).  Basically, the person stated that if you’re going to have a quartz watch, it should do something that a mechanical watch doesn’t easily do.  For this particular model (ref. T49867AT), the biggest differentiator is of course the compass function (more on that in a bit).  As long as we’re talking features, let’s do a quick rundown on the specs:

•  44mm case
• Timex Intelligent Quartz Movement
• Fly-back chrono function (up to four hours)
• Electronic compass with magnetic declination compensation
• Second time zone
• 20mm leather (water-resistant) strap
• 100m water resistance
• Indiglo backlight

So, what does the “flyback” descriptor mean?  Basically, if you reset the chrono function, the indicator hand (the skeletonized arrow) will fly back to the home position, rather than continuing around in a clockwise fashion.  In theory, this could lead to a quicker pickup when you need to restart timing.

Now, for the most interesting feature – the compass.  It’s fairly simple to operator – press the pusher at the 8 o’clock position, and the same hand that indicates for the chrono will swing around to pick up magnetic north.  If it’s on your wrist, this is hit or miss. Unbuckled, though, it’s fairly accurate.  Just be sure to rotate that bezel around to mark where north is, because the electronic indicator only lasts for a few seconds.

Speaking of unbuckled, the strap was the least pleasant part of this watch.  I found it to be overly stiff, even after wearing it for a few days.  This is likely due to it’s waterproof nature, but something you should be aware of (if I bought the watch, I’d be changing the strap out).  You will also want to note that the bezel is bi-directional, and does not click.  In other words, it can be very easily (and unintentionally) moved.

So, at $175, is this the watch for you?  There are other watches that will indicate direction, and time things for you – both those are generally digital displays.  In terms of an analog display, this will be one of your best options in the quartz segment that has this combination features.

I was quite intrigued when I came across news of a new model from the folks at Ocean7.  It seems they’ve brought forth a new Pilot Chronograph, and it’s offering quite a great bang for your buck.

As you can see by the picture at the top of the post, they’ve certainly nailed the styling.  Whereas the black and beige combination has become a bit more commonplace in aviator watches (I still find it quite nice), they’re offering a welcome change of pace here, swapping in orange for the brown. I’m also very pleased to see that the date wheel features a black background (with orange numerals).  Keeps things blended, yet still readable.

So, it’s obvious I like the way this watch looks.  What’s going on, in terms of the specs on the watch?

• 44mm sandblasted and DLC-coated case (15mm thick)
• Swiss ETA 7750 Chronograph movement
• Domed sapphire crystal
• 50m water resistance
• 22mm lugs
• Orange superluminova

With this, it comes standard with a polyurethane strap.  This, of course, can be upgraded to either a leather strap (+$30) or the carbon-fiber style leather strap (+$45) (you can see this strap in our earlier Ocean7 review).

But, I get ahead of myself here, talking upgrades when I haven’t told you the base price.  That is a surprisingly affordable $799.  I label this affordable simply due to everything that Ocean7 includes in the watch.  With the movement and the DLC coating, you’d be looking at prices well over $1000 from many other manufacturers – and it doesn’t appear that they’ve cut corners..  If this watch is up to the standards I experienced with the LM-5, you won’t be sorry picking this one up.

I ran across an interesting British /Swedish brand, the Triwa company.  It looks to me like their whole line is quite affordable; in particular, their Neville line caught my eye.

Triwa has been only been around since 2007, so they’re a relatively new player in the watch industry.  Their focus is squarely on the “fashion watch” segment, as they want to embrace creativity without being pretentious (if you want to know more, take a look here).  Now, on to the Nevil line of watches!

Off the bat, we have a classic chronograph style to the watch.  And unlike some others I’ve shown here, this is a true chronograph (not just chronograph styling).  It’s powered by the quartz Miyota OS-21 movement, and the watch offers the following:

• Hours/minutes
• Chronograph seconds and minute hands
• 24-hour register
• 50m water resistance
• 42mm black acetate case
• 20mm lugs holding an organic leather strap
• Available in 9 different variants

All of these watches come in at 180 GBP (approx. $277), excepted for the one limited edition model that goes for 249 GBP (approx $383).  So, this definitely puts us firmly in the affordable category.  Why might you consider this watch over one from a more established brand?

Really, I think it comes down to a matter of personal tastes.  With the Nevil line, there’s a lot of variation available, so you should be able to find a combo that’s to your liking.  I also think the acetate case is an interesting choice.  While I’m sure it made things cheaper to produce, it will likely also net a much lighter watch.  Of course, time will show how well it holds up to daily wear.

If you’re going to be out until all hours of the night, you might as well have one that’s as dark as midnight, right?  If you’re on board with that Sentiment, then today’s Skagen is a good candidate for you.

This particular models is the Moonphase Chronograph (ref. 901XLBLB).  So, right off the bat, you know we’ve got both a chronograph complication, and a moonphase indicator.  Speaking to that moonphase, I really like how they’ve kept it in the color scheme, helping the dial to blend in (many times, that indicator has a blue background).

The watch itself measures in a 40mm wide and 11mm thick, and rides on a strap that starts out at 26mm wide, and tapers down to 20mm at the buckle.  This nets you a water resistance rating of 100m with which to keep the quartz movement dry.

Given the color scheme and the leather strap, this watch will function quite nicely as a dress watch.  With all the black on the watch, though, I really wish that they had reversed the colors on the date display.  As it stands now, that just really jumps off the dial at me.

From what I’ve seen online, it looks like this version can be found for about $250; there’s also a blue-dialed variant that will run you a bit more.  Regardless of the dial, this is a very stylish and affordable chrono.  Of course, you’ll be in a bit of a crunch to get it in time for tonight.

While I perusing the ol’ WristWatchReview, the Amazon widget (yeah, that one over there on the right) caught my eye, and I kept an eye on what was scrolling through.  The Tissot PRC200 that came up caught my eye, and here we are at today’s post.

This particular watch is part of Tissot’s T-Sport line (ref T17.1.526.52), and has a chronograph feature as it’s main draw.  One thing that I found of interest with this watch is that all of the hands used to indicate timing while using the chronograph are in yellow.  So, in this case, the yellow is more than a simple accent – it actually makes it easier for you to pick out the indicators you need.

Past that, you have a simple black and white color scheme (and yes, I wish the date display was reversed) keeping things clean and easy to read.  Under that dial you have a Tissot quartz movement (G10.211) keeping all the hands in sync; this is all wrapped in a 40mm stainless steel case (12mm thick).

Add in the sapphire crystal and screw-down crown, it’s easy to see why this watch is rated at 200m for water resistance.  With this all on a leather strap, this is a watch that could easily pass as a dress watch, but still hold up as a daily wearer.  If the black dial and leather strap isn’t to your tastes, they do offer it in other variation.

This particular one, however, is where Amazon is offering the deal.  MSRP for this model is at $450, but Amazon currently has it going for $277.  At that price, I feel confident to say we’ve got an entry on the higher-end for the affordable chronographs we’ve looked at lately.

And now it’s time for that promised closer look at the Jorg-Gray 6500.  Unlike the model that President Obama sports, we’re taking a look at the bronze finish variant (hence the -31 suffix).

As mentioned in our earlier look, this model sports a chronograph feature.  You start timing by using the pusher located at the 2 o’clock position (and with a very satisfyingly-solid click); you can stop/start timing with that same pusher.  To reset it, you’ll use the pusher located at 4 o’clock (again, another solid click).  If you’re using it for an extended amount of time, you’ll rely on the sub-dial at 9 o’clock to track the elapsed time.

The remaining sub-dials have very clear (and easy-to-read) purposes.  At the 3 o’clock position, you have a 24-hour indicator, and at 6 o’clock, you’ve got the seconds ticking away.  Between those two, obviously, you have the date display (the white background here makes it readable, but I would’ve liked to see black, for a better blend with the dial).

All in all, we have a very sensibly laid-out dial in black with white indicators and accents.  I was uncertain at first how this would work with all the brown tones (bronze finish on the case and hands; dark-brown alligator strap), but I have to admit – it all comes together aesthetically.

I know in other posts, I’ve gone on and on as to how a dress watch should be simple, on a black leather strap and with a white or silver dial, but this watch has broadened my outlook.  The 41mm case is the right size, and thin enough to slip easily under a shirt cuff, even with the domed mineral crystal.  And the bronze finish here, again, is just a unique look – almost a dark rose gold, if you will.

All in all, this is a great watch.  Sure, you might not expect to pay $395  for a quartz watch – but I’d definitely recommend you give this one a closer look.  The combination of functionality and looks, and a solid quartz movement, make for an appealing package.  And, of course, if you would prefer to not have the 44th President’s name on the back of the watch, they do have a non-commemorative option as well.

]]> http://www.wristwatchreview.com/2011/12/18/review-jorg-gray-6500-31/feed/ 0 http://www.wristwatchreview.com/2011/12/02/strap-a-stopwatch-on/ http://www.wristwatchreview.com/2011/12/02/strap-a-stopwatch-on/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:48:29 +0000 Patrick Kansa http://www.wristwatchreview.com/?p=4603

At least, you can now that Graham has just released their Chronofighter Oversize GMT Black Steel (does oversize refer just to the case, or the model name as well?)  This watch has a lot going on with it.

For starters, you’ve got an large, 47mm case housing the G1733 automatic bi-compax chronograph beating away at 28,800 BPH complete with a 48 hour power reserve.  You also have a domed sapphire crystal with AR coating on top (smoked sapphire on the caseback) and a GMT complication, as well as large date display at 12 o’clock (dual discs for that) and 100m water resistance.

The case has an even larger presence when you include what’s going on with the left-hand side.  When I first saw this, my mind was immediately thinking it looked like a grenade.  More reasoned thought realized that this is actually a very clever implementation.

If you picture the watch being held in your right hand, you can easily envision using your index and middle fingers to make this watch a very functional and usable stopwatch.  Of course, if you’re like me, a mental picture is all you’ll have with this watch, as it’s retailing at 10,200 Swiss Franc (approx $11,000).  Price aside, this is one of the most interesting and intuitive control schemes I’ve seen implemented on a chronograph.

That is, if you really want to – and you happen to write with a MontBlanc.  As I learned from Ariel’s post, they’re actually now available for purchase online.  This is great for a couple of reasons.  You can be assured of being able to peruse the whole collection from the comfort of your own home AND you’ll know how much you’re going to pony up for your purchase.

Now, let’s turn our attention to the one that grabbed my eye.  In this case, it’s the Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph.  This is one of the most intriguing presentations I’ve seen on a chronograph.  You’ve got rotating discs for the 30 second and 60 minute counters at the bottom of the dial, and they’re controlled by a single pusher.

For the 24 hour indicator, you’ll notice a smaller blue hand on the main dial.  What you might not notice at first is the day/night indicator, which is found by the 8- and 9-o’clock positions.  Minimalistic, yet still intriguing.  Of course, they’ve kept the dial balanced by having a similar cutout on the other side of the dial for the date display.

Rounding out the specs we have:

• 43mm stainless steel case (22mm lugs) with domed, AR-coated sapphire crystal
• Montblanc MB R200 automatic movement (28,800 BPH, 72 hour power reserve)
• 30m water resistance
• Luminous hour and minute hands

Of course, even without the online shop, you can take one look at the watch (and the nameplate attached) and know that this is not what you’d call an “affordable” watch.  And you’d be right – MSRP for this one is at $10,700.  While it is a very interesting watch, I’d have troubles spending that sort of coin on any watch, let alone this specific model.

I know, I know – it’s yet another mother-of-pearl dial.  Just bear with me here, because this is actually one I’m not sure that works so well.  And given that it’s coming from Omega makes me all the more surprised.

This particular model hails from their jewelry line, which would account for the gems embedded on the bezel.  But, I’m getting ahead of myself.  For this watch, Omega has started with their Seamaster Chronograph, which includes:

• 45.5mm case
• Omega 3313 automatic movement
• 52 hour power reserve
• 600m water resistance
• Domed, AR-coated sapphire crystal
• Date display

So, if you were reading this post, and didn’t see the picture up above, you might think this was just another Seamaster – why would I be hestitant to put it on my wrist?  As you can see, they’ve embedded diamonds on the dial and the bezel, as well as an orange gem of some sort in the bezel as well.  Add in the orange leather strap and MOP dial, and you’ve got one attention-getting watch.

I’ll say right off the bat I’m not particularly a fan of diamonds on a watch face – they don’t add much aesthetically, but they do jump the price up.  Past that, readers of this blog know I’ve become a fan of MOP dials, and Omega is a well-received brand.  I think they’ve made a mis-step here, and have made a bit of a (dare I say it?) ugly watch.  While I wouldn’t complain if someone handed me one as a gift, I’d definitely be hard pressed to actually purchase it myself.  Of course, if you feel differently, feel free to let us know in the comments!

After taking a look at a few different bronze-encased watches (1,2,3), it’s not much of a stretch to say, hey, why not brass?  And that’s what we have here today, courtesy of the Need Supply Co.

I will warn you though – their page lists this watch as being out of stock, so it might be just a tad hard to track down.  Now that we have that bit out of the way, lets look at the watch.  They’ve named it, simply enough, the Brass Tan Watch, and that’s what you’re getting – a brass case with a dark tan leather strap.

My initial impression was that this looks very similar in style to what Xetum has on offer – a thick, round case with an integrated strap.  Unlike Xetum, however, they’re offering a quartz movement in this watch (ETA 251.471), and this watch also only had a mineral crystal, versus the sapphire you’d see on a Tindale or Stinson.  So, while the looks of this watch are definitely intriguing, and I love the usage of another different material for the case – I’d have a hard time recommending this watch, as there are available (in other words, in-stock) options that offer you more for your money.

Specs:

• MODEL: 301/BR-01
• CASE: 316 Stainless Steel 42mm
• FINISH: Fine Satin Brushed
• MOVEMENT: Swiss Made ETA 251.471
• LENS: Hardened Mineral Crystal
• STRAP: Italian Calf Leather – Brown
• WATER RES.: 5 ATM
• ACCURACY: +/- 15 Seconds Per Month

UPDATE:  An astute reader pointed out that this watch is actually from Uniform Wares.  Once I reviewed their site, it turns out that the brass is actually a PVD finish, the case itself is made from stainless steel.  Which, while making it more durable, makes it a bit less interesting, IMO.  UW has it in stock for approx $550.

* Apologies to the Beastie Boys for mangling their lyrics for this post title