Collecting vintage watches might not be everyone’s cup of tea. You can have a hard time tracking down certain models or pieces that are in decent shape. To keep them running well, vintage watches typically need repair and maintenance on a regular basis. False or fake timepieces can be found in every market, even the vintage watch market. And even if you did find your ideal watch in perfect condition, would you wear it daily, exposing it to the possibility of further wear and tear? Depending on your knowledge and network, acquiring vintage watches could be a real challenge.
Neo-vintage watches from Singapore company Soldat provide an alternative to collecting classic watches. “Promessa,” the first model it released, combines vintage design with contemporary watchmaking excellence and technology.
During its inception, the company collaborated with a Swiss design firm to deliver its finest future vintage piece. When it comes to manufacturing, the company entrusts the process to the hands of a manufacturer in Japan. Therefore, the back of each Promessa case proudly displays the inscription “Made in Japan,” a hallmark of Japanese manufacturing.
The Heuer 1153 was the primary influence for Promessa’s Tonneau casing. This daring timepiece is both comfortable and contemporary, with a diameter of 42mm and a lug-to-lug distance of 50mm. As one would expect from a contemporary automatic chronograph, the 14mm case thickness gives the watch a satisfying weight without making it cumbersome to wear.
Despite being a tricompax, the dial layout gives the impression of being bicompax. A pleasant contrast to the dial is the silver tint of the 30-minute and active second sub-dials. Subtly printed on the dial at 6 o’clock, the 12-hour subdials follow the dial color. It features a discrete cutout for the date window. The Seiko NE-88 movement, which has a column wheel and a vertical clutch, is housed beneath the dial. Each of the three chronographs is water-resistant up to 50 meters and has a sapphire crystal that resists scratches.
The Promessa is available in three different colors. “Red Comet,” with its subdued burgundy dial, stands out among the three. To counterbalance the crimson sheen, white accents are used on the hands and throughout the chapter ring. Each one comes with a sleek nylon strap; the design is a subtle tribute to the racing heritage of the watch.
While the sunburst effect is present in “True Blue,” the tachymeter ring and hands are accented with orange. Similar to the blue model, but featuring yellow accents instead of blue, is the green “Green Forty Nine” variation. With either the True Blue or Green Forty Nine, you get a 20mm rally-style leather strap.
If you’ve ever wanted to live out your racing fantasies from the ’60s and ’70s but were afraid to tackle the vintage watch collecting minefield, the Promessa is the way to go. The Red Comet is priced at $1,149 USD, whereas the True Blue and Green Forty Nine are priced at $1,249 USD each. Soldat’s website is the only place where any of the versions can be purchased.
Additionally, you may save 20% off the price of a new Promessa with the coupon code “WRISTREVIEW2024” and the company is now offering free worldwide delivery. Now is the perfect moment to acquire your very own Promessa, as each sample is limited to just 100 pieces.
