G. Gerlach’s new PZL 37B mechanical chronograph is Polish-bred and Chinese-powered. The PZL 37B takes its name from Word War II era Polish bombers, some of which sported G. Gerlach manometers to measure airspeed and altitude. It’s a neat coincidence, which G. Gerlach emphasizes through an engraving of the plane on the solid caseback.

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That solid caseback hides the Chinese Seagull ST1902 movement, which is a shame. Even undecorated, a manual column wheel chronograph is so interesting that the solid caseback is an unfortunate compromise. The Seagull has a 42-hour power reserve and—typical for a Seagull—there are sub-dials at 9:00 and 3:00 for running seconds and the 30-minute timer, respectively.

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Not-so-typical is the crown at 10:00, which I find a nice touch both visually and functionally. Visually, it evokes a monopusher chronograph on the left side of the case, with the standard crown/pusher trio on the right side. So you get the best of both worlds aesthetically, but the technical advantage of being able to stop and restart the chronograph. The 10:00 crown controls a rotating bezel recessed under the double-domed, internally AR-coated sapphire glass. Some might think the extra crown makes the 43 mm case crowded, but it allows for both a secondary timer and a thin polished bezel, reducing clutter by merging the dial and bezel.

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The black dial is printed with white numbers and registers, and has skeletonized white hands. The chronograph functions are called out by a red center seconds hand and a red hand on the chronograph register. The whole package is masculine but understated.

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The best part is the price, which at press time was PLN 1,950, or about $500. Generously, you get both a light brown leather strap with pin buckle and a stainless Milanese mesh band. That’s a great price for a Seagull ST1902-powered chronograph, but add the internal bezel, the pair of straps, and all the other features G. Gerlach packs in and you almost feel bad paying so little. Almost.

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Tech specs:

Case: 43 x 52 mm

WR: 100m

Glass: sapphire, double domed, internal transparent AR coating

Movt: Seagull ST1902

Strap: genuine leather strap + Milanese mesh band

Box: solid wood

Warranty: 24M

Price: PLN1950 (~$500)

Last Update: November 7, 2016

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