Yesterday, we started taking a look at the SparrowHawk II from Techné. As mentioned, this is a chrono watch, and that’s where the uniqueness of the model comes in. While the major functions of the watch are quartz-driven, the chrono function is driven by a portion of the movement that’s actually mechanical.
In other words, this is a meca-quartz watch, driven by the Seiko VK63A. Other than being an interesting twist on the standard quartz watch, what does this mean? What you get are two pushers (start/stop and reset) that give you a very solid click when operating the chronograph function. Additionally, it means that you get a snap-back function on the large seconds hand. In other words, when you reset the function, rather than always going back to zero in a clockwise rotation, it may go counter clockwise – whichever is the shortest path.
For most of us, it’s just a cool thing to watch. However, if you’re in a timing situation and you need to restart your timing, you’ll have less downtime between the timing sessions, as it takes less for the function to reset. The aforementioned pushers reside on the right hand side of the case, and flank the screw down crown.
The case itself is made of 316L stainless steel, and along with the mineral crystal and screw-down case back, you’ll get 100m water resistance. The case has a diameter of 41.5mm (11.7mm thick), and has curved lugs holding a 20mm strap (canvas, NATO, or riveted leather). While our sample had a flawless PVD finish, it can also be had in a matte finish. Also, it should be noted that the case dimensions are misleading, as this watch wears much smaller than you might be led to believe.
Regardless of the strap or case finish, the dial features a nice application of lume. The variations also share a very affordable pricing structure. The brushed finish comes in at $260; going PVD will raise the price to a touch under $270. If you’re like me, and like the black/tan combo in an aviator-style watch, this is practically a no-brainer to add to your collection. If you do decide to get one, you’ll also get a very useful watch case (think sunglass-case style), as well as a very handy manual (not the normal tiny thing you normally get) that even name-checks Mr. Ariel Adams.
