Last month we brought you a first look at the new Pontos S Diver from Maurice LaCroix, a vintage inspired, 3-hand diver with serious good looks and promising value. The new Pontos was officially introduced to us last week in Basel and we got the full scoop on pricing as well as a chance to see just how this watch looked in the metal. The results were great. We were pleasantly surprised in some ways as well, read on for our thoughts.
One look at the Pontos S Diver gives a clear indication that visual inspiration was drawn from the likes of iconic EPSA compressor cased divers from the likes of JLC and Longines. You know we feel about those watches, so this is certainly not a bad thing.
One look at the Pontos S Diver gives a clear indication that visual inspiration was drawn from the likes of iconic EPSA compressor cased divers from the likes of JLC and Longines. You know we feel about those watches, so this is certainly not a bad thing.
The clean dial is void of any numeric markings, only hour batons and minute bars that run uninterrupted save for the small date aperture at 6 o'clock. The thin internal bezel marks 5 minute increments, every 10 displaying its number. Each of the lumed markings on the dial and bezel appear off-white with a greenish hue that adds to the overall vintage personality of the watch. Small amounts of red at the hour markers as well as minute and second hand may go unnoticed at first glance. Another fun detail not immediately apparent is the fanciful, serifed numbers that display the date.
The official measurement of the steel case is 43 mm, though I mistook it for less than that. On the wrist, this Pontos wears easily and comfortably. The 2 crowns, one for winding and setting, the other for turning the internal rotating bezel, are easily manipulated on the wrist. There is also a helium release valve, which, though it may be superfluous, sits flush within the case wall at 9 o'clock thus not hindering wear or the overall aesthetic. The case is brushed, so this isn't a watch that will call attention to itself, making it suitable for any occasion that doesn't require a tie.
Inside the new Pontos S is the automatic caliber ML115, which is based upon the Sellita SW200 (which is an ETA 2824-2 clone).This will keep the watch running accurately and reasonably worry-free as well as keep the price firmly in the "attainable" category.
Overall the Pontos S Diver made a strong first impression. The design is spot on and the execution well thought out. Sure the HRV is unnecessary and the seconds hand is un-lumed, but for day to day wear this watch hits the mark. Price for the Pontos S Diver is set at 2,900 CHF or $3,000 and it will hit retailers in October of this year. Learn more about the Pontos S Diver right here.
(Via Hodinkee)
No comments:
Post a Comment