Case Back
I have two watches from this company and I do like the red tint that they give their exhibition case backs because it makes them different. Even though they stand out, I like seeing whats inside and the color isn’t helping with that. If it was me making the decisions I would most definitely keep the red color, just toning it down a little. I also think its strange that the watch case is so large and this piece of glass is so small. It seems there would be a lot more to show off with such a large case, but I guess we don’t need to see what else is going on under the hood.
Instead, we have some information surrounding the red glass: It’s a Golden Soviet Submarine Commander, water resistant up to 5 ATM, and is stainless steel. I’m not leading anyone astray with the specifications section, phew! The crown is appropriately sized based on the case thickness and diameter and is easy to use. It even has a cool star on the side of it for some extra style. Unfortunately, though, it only has one position for changing the time and no position to independently set the date. This is a detrimental design flaw because it will take forever to initially set the date…winding the crown hundreds and hundreds of times to find the correct day. And since it has an automatic movement: If you dont wear it for a couple days then you will be resetting the date every time you put it on.
Strap and Buckle
As I always begin the strap section of my reviews: “I’m a huge watch strap fan. I love custom straps made by old guys in their garages, NATO straps from Europe, and odd straps like denim, ostrich, or stingray. Just one beautiful strap can create multiple new looks for your collection.” I’m really digging this blue leather strap. I have some blue straps, but none that are dark blue like this one. It compliments the face and is the whole reason this watches design is interesting.
Without a colored strap it would be extremely boring. Other than that, it isn’t terribly special. And when I say it isn’t special, I mean it isn’t stingray or ostrich leg…don’t forget that it is meeting all of requirements I have for a strap. These include correct thickness, a minimal buckle, comfort, genuine leather, even coloring, enough sizing holes, thin sturdy keepers, excellent stitching, etc etc.
The Verdict
A powerful design with raised numbers, date function, and a fantastic blue leather strap. Extremely bulky design, small red exhibition glass, and a crown with no independent date setting function.
In a sentence: Would I recommend this piece?
Only if you have a wrist bigger than 7 inches and some muscular forearms. For more info, please visit cccptime.com
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Mark Wisdom Phillips – Contributing Writer
Mark largely collects practical watches, but never hesitates if he can snag a deal good enough to call it an economical decision. He loves taking photos of his collection and participating in the tight knit watch community on Instagram. You can see his photos and follow him here. He is highly opinionated and expects nothing but the best and at the cheapest price possible. In his eyes, a watch needs to have superb and bold design to be worthy of anybody’s wrist. To him, organization creates valuable time and so you should expect it from him in his reviews. Wisdom is his middle name and he is here to share it with you. Read his articles here.
