We???ve thus far been pleased with the small selection of Davosa pieces we received here at the Watch Cave. Unfortunately, and, in a way, fortunately, the Davosa 160.394.56 aka the Mecanique, was the weakest piece of the bunch, which says a lot about Davosa as a whole.
In terms of styling, the 42mm Mecanique is ho-hum at best. Based on the Unitas 6497 movement, this watch has luminous ???techno??? spear hands with thin tips and an odd ball-and-arrow seconds register at 9 o???clock.
The watch wants to be two things – a high end aviator???s watch while still maintaining an air of staid elegance. The hands and Arabic numerals suggest Traser while the round face and bezel and clean bracelet suggest a something out of the Waltham 1939 Spring line.
The movement, needless to say, is excellent and is visible through the rear sapphire window. Davosa promises 50 meter water resistance, which I will hold them to. The lume is far sub-par. After a full charge, the Mecanique pumps out about .5 on the ???Chris-Moy-Can-Read-This-In-The-Darkened-Bathroom??? Scale.
Overall, the Mecanique is just so-so. Anyone can take a Unitas movement, stuff it into a case, and sell it. It takes some creativity, which Davosa has thus far exhibited in the other two pieces we reviewed, and intelligence to make a good watch. This has a modicum of both. It???s no sow???s ear, but a silk purse it also ain???t.
Quality: 4/5
Style: 2/5
Overall: 3/5
??? John
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Dear John,
I take issue with you accessment of the Davosa 160 394 – I personally see this watch as a great representation of simple design, rugged mechanicals and easy reading – at a price point that is affordable. This watch features a sapphire crystal and understated great looks.
What more can one ask for – if you want to spend the extra money – buy the polished Pares at 4x the price… I can afford more but I chose to spendless –
Want to jump the price – try a “Pan” at 8x the price -who wins now… I can afford to lose my 160 394 twice a year and replace it, when compared to the lose in value the up-advertised watches, using the same movement, lose in value of depreciation.
You know that I produce my own watches and I would be proud to say that I designed the 160 394… but I only appreciate this watch, which I sell a lot of.
Thanks for the opportunity to voice my opinion and high praise for your website.
David Freemont McCready
David,
I appreciate the comment. As I said, Davosa is an excellent brand and this one was just the one that amazed me the least.
As you can see, I gave it a 4/5, which ain’t half bad.
I appreciate the comment. As I said, Davosa is an excellent brand and this one was just the one that amazed me the least.