When it comes to the watches that we bring to your attention, we generally like to point out watches that are currently available – I.E., something you can actually buy today. With the moVas Bronze Officer, I am taking a bit of a risk. I caught wind of this watch when a special newsletter subscriber email went out, for which there was a special “insider” pre-order sale kicking in. Given that there are only 50 pieces of this model being made (more on that in a minute), there is a chance that, when the pre-order opens up to the general public, there may not be any pieces left. Even so, this is a pretty interesting watch in my book, so I thought it was worthwhile bringing it to your attention.
Why are there only 50 pieces of the moVas Bronze Officer being made? This is because it is a commemorative model, celebrating the 50 year anniversary of Singapore’s independence. Rather than just come up with a new dial on an existing watch, they came up with this new model. The most prominent feature of the watch is the 45mm CuSn8 brass case which has a rather unique shape paired to a slender profile. The initial shape you pick up is an octagon, which is what the fixed bezel takes the form of. Under that, the main case has more of a rounded square feel to it. Which sounds odd as I write it, but it really does look like it works well together in the photos.
Part of this is likely due to the manufacturing process. Rather than casting and then finishing the cases, these were designed so they could be cut – from a solid block – entirely on a lathe and wire cutter. You might think of this as meaning just rudimentary shapes, but I rather like it, as it presents a rather clean (and, yes, simple) style that I like. The dial follows that formula as well, with bold, lumed indices and handsets. The hour hand is differentiated not just by size but also by a segmentation on it (a good visual cue). The moVas Bronze Officer also includes what is my favorite complication, GMT, courtesy of the Seagull 21-A movement with a customized bronze rotor. Here, the GMT hand appears as a slender arrow head, which blends in quite cleanly.
As to the seconds hand, I’m unsure if this is a miss, or a home run. It looks to be color matched to the dial, without any sort of lume applied to it. At first, this felt like an oversight, as it meant that it would be blending into the dial. As I thought about it, however, I think this is really more a brilliant sort of way to go. The overall feel of the moVas Bronze Officer is one of simplicity – and by having the seconds hand blend into the dial, it makes for a less-cluttered look on the dial. For that matter, the same could apply to the GMT hand, which blends in as well (aside from the lumed arrow).
As far as commemorative watches go, the moVas Bronze Officer is about as understated as they come (with a small “Singapore 1965” printed at the bottom of the dial). At an asking price of $830 (which includes worldwide shipping) it is also a very affordable option. While the odds are high that the limited run of 50 pieces are going to be sold out quickly, I do rather like the overall styling presented here, and really do hope that they continue this Officer line into a less-limited run. We have inquired with the brand about this, so we will see what is what. In the interim, the moVas Bronze Officer will take the top spot as one of the more unique bronze case designs I have seen. movaswatches.com
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: moVas Bronze Officer
- Price: $830
- Who we think it might be for: This particular edition, that’s for those with ties to Singapore, for sure
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen?: Let’s see – interesting (and thin) case design, paired with a GMT movement? Sign me up!
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: Design up a non-LE version
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: There is a subtle simplicity to the watch that I am drawn to
Tech Specs from moVas
- Case: CuSn8 Marine Grade Bronze with polished finish. Case is 45mm across. 51mm lug hole- lug hole. 12mm height to top of bezel/ 13mm height including domed sapphire.
- Caseback: Exhibition caseback in stainless steel and colourless sapphire with deep etching. Numbered 01-50.
- Crown: Bronze PVD stainless steel crown to set time and day/ date. First click to set date (clockwise) and GMT (anti-clockwise). Second click to set time.
- Bezel: CuSn6 Marine Grade Bronze with brushed finish on side, deep vertical brush on top and polished rim.
- Glass: Single domed european sourced scratch resistant sapphire with a slight pink hue. Single Anti Reflective coating applied internally. Flat american sourced scratch resistant colourless sapphire for caseback.
- Movement: Cal 21-A Produced by Tianjin Seagull Watch Co. Ltd. based on TY2100. 26 Jewels, beating at 28800bpm, 45H Power Reserve, featuring customised black date disc at 3H. Customised skeleton rotor in CuSn6 Bronze. Sandblasted and Gold PNP. Antishock protection system on balance wheel. Hackable.
- Dial: Applied index dial in semi-gloss chocolate brown, with off- white printing. Hand applied C3 Superluminova lume on applied indexes with bronze rim.
- Hands: Polished brass hands plated bronze and brushed with C3 Superluminova lume.
- Strap/ Bracelet: Aged brown leather strap with white stitching with bronze PVD signed buckle and croc printed brown leather strap with sewn in bronze PVD signed buckle. Watch accepts 24mm wide straps.
- Water Resistance: 10atm
- Power Reserve: 45 hours, fully wound
- Warranty: 2 year
