Berkbinder-Brown-T46-V2-Titanium (6)

Back in early 2012, we brought you our exclusive interview with Ted Brown (founder of Berkbinder & Brown) and our (again, exclusive) review of the original T46 Tool Watch. Today, we’re back again with another product from B&B, the T46 V2. As you might surmise, the V2 has some changes from the original – will it be as well done as the original?

Berkbinder-Brown-T46-V2-Titanium (8)

To wrap it up in a word, yes. The V2 carries on the same design aesthetic that we saw in the original, with a handful of minor tweaks, as well as one major one. That major one? While the V1 we reviewed came with a bronze case (which is where my interest in the material likely stems from), the V2 instead opts for Titanium in a bead blasted finish.

Berkbinder-Brown-T46-V2-Titanium (12)

This gives the case a much different look (as you might expect), as well as reducing weight by about 40% from the bronze and steel versions (it weighs in at 114g). The case size has also increased slightly, going from 46mm to 46.3mm; case height has remained unchanged. On the front side of the case, the bolt circle has been expanded a bit, allowing for a new gasket to be fitted; around back, the size of the engraving has been increased.

Berkbinder-Brown-T46-V2-Titanium (9)

Also on the back of the case, we still have the internal lug pockets, which have been increased in size a bit to allow the watch to sit a bit better. The strap is another spot that I noticed a pretty significant upgrade from our first go-round with the T46. This time, it’s made of Horween Chromexcell, which means the strap should last as long as that titanium case does.

Berkbinder-Brown-T46-V2-Titanium (7)

Tucked into the case, you’ve got an ETA 2824-2 automatic movement. You’ve also got sapphire completing the case “sandwich”, with the top crystal being 3mm thick, and the exhibition caseback holding a 2mm crystal. With those in place, and the crown screwed down, you’ll have a 100 WR rating.

Berkbinder-Brown-T46-V2-Titanium (5)

In wearing the watch, I was reminded quite a bit of the original T46 (which makes sense), and that was a watch that I enjoyed quite a bit. The V2 follows in those same footsteps, albeit in a case that doesn’t have that same warm feel that the bronze did. Of course, this also means you won’t have the patina developing on the case; on the flip side, the titanium should be very robust and handle just about anything you’d throw at it.

Berkbinder-Brown-T46-V2-Titanium (2)

And now, we’re brought to the last major difference between the versions. Given that titanium costs a bit more than bronze, and is more difficult to machine (these cases come from solid bar stock), it’s not too surprising that the pricing has jumped a bit. While the bronze encased T46 watches go for $1795 (up from $1495 when we first reviewed them) for bronze, this new titanium T46 V2 carries a pricetag of $2,595.

Berkbinder-Brown-T46-V2-Titanium (4)

Yes, that’s a premium price, and it’s not going to be for everyone (for those, there are still the bronze and steel cases). This is a watch that carries forth that rougher, machined aesthetic that we’ve talked about (see here), and I seem to have an affinity for in some regards. With the introduction of titanium, you’ve got a much lighter (but still strong) piece than we’ve seen before in other examples, and that’s the big differentiator for this model.

Berkbinder-Brown-T46-V2-Titanium (15)

In all of the lineup, I still prefer the bronze case, but I like that Berkbinder & Brown are introducing the variations in the T46 model, giving potential buyers some choices in how their watch will look. There are some other, non-T46 models that we’re told are in the works – as those come to fruition, we’ll look to bring you hands-on reviews.  berkbinderandbrown.com

Categorized in:

Over $1000, Reviews,

Last Update: October 25, 2013