When i received the watch it has already shown signs of patina.
Unlike bronze, B&R choose Argentium as a case material and first one to do so.
The way this case patina is it slowly turns yellowish.
Thus as the weeks go by i will try to update at least once a week to show the progress of the metal.
This case can actually be brought back to like new condition (minus the daily wear marks) by using a special cloth which is provided by B&R at the time of purchase. And thus only said such watch is recommended to be used to wipe off the patina.
I will do so at the end of the review to show the difference.
Some pics of the watch on the stand.
Pay attention to the case as you can see it has now already patina a bit
Here you see the lugs which are soldered on the case.
Trying to capture this watch is a real challenge, with the polished case and dome crystal plus the sunburst dial, light reflects in all angles.
Here you see the sunburst dial, hands are polished as well but not too hard to read the time.
Subdial in a more solid color to give some contras.
Back of the case, has a criss cross motif going on here, textured to feel.
B&R logo right smack in the middle.
Even says its a manual wind watch. Good to know
You will be a different shade in the middle and ask why?
Well i took off the protective sticker on the back yesterday. Which that part has not been oxidized yet.
That is the true color when the watch is brand new.
Kinda interesting to see how it will develop since its the part touching the skin.
Here i am showing in different lighting how the crown which has the logo engraved on it looks.
Back of the strap is signed too.
Here you also see the nice dark grey croc strap which matches really nice with the watch as it ages.
Really impressed by the work done on the buckle.
Nice machine work.
Buckle made of Argentium as well.
Wristshoot time
Under indoor light the dial really shows different shades and the sunburst dial works nicely.
Legibility is still good despite being "monotone" type of dial design
Dome crystal, AR coating on the inside hence no blue hue.
ETA7001 movement known for being reasonably slim.
Some initial thoughts after wearing for few days.
- Strap is of high quality, same as those found on watches 10x the price. BUT super stiff now
, needs time to break it in.
- Winding of the watch is fairly smooth, not too noticeable clicks. Easy to achieve full wind if winding everyday.
- Crown for winding is excellent, nice grip, textured and easy to wind. No complaints there.
- Narrow 18mm lugs and strap width on a 41mm case needs getting used to, since its the design direction B&R has taken with this series to evoke the look and feeling of early day wristwatch era, its something different and welcomed by me.
- Legibility indoors no complaints. Outside at around 11am on clear hot Malaysia day? BLING BLING
- 30m WR needs to be careful.
- Holding the watch about 20cm from my ear i can already hear the beating sound of the movement.
Lets end this first initial postings with 2 more pic. More to come in the coming weeks.
Let the discussions fire away and i will try to answer as best i can and if not will answer with the help of B&R.
Also WELCOME any constructive feedback on the watch, design, look and even my review. The brand and myself would like to hear from the members here.
If there is any specific aspect of the watch you would like me to show or even test please let me know as well, will try my best to accommodate.
Patina on the case already showing.
Flat white subdial against the silver sunburst dial.
