In Part I of my Skwatch review, I discussed some of the more rudimentary aspects of buying this watch - the shipping / packaging and the size and details (what, you haven't read it? Go ahead, click the link. I'll still be here where when you come back.... Welcome back!).
Appearance / Comfort
The watch is quite nice to look at in person, and it even photographs well. 
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Skywatch indicates that the bezel is finished in acrylic. That helps the colors pop for sure, but that will likely be at the expense of scratch protection. Many higher end watches now use sapphire glass or ceramic for this high use part to prevent the premature aging that is bound to occur with frequent use. While moderately expensive for a Swiss quartz watch, to include such a feature would likely make this no longer affordable in it's mission as "A Dive Watch for Dive Bars."
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Photo courtesy of Skywatchsite.com |
Crown - Large, easy to grasp with Skywatch engraving on it. Easy to find both time setting positions. First position for setting date, second (all the way out) for setting the time. Smooth, no binding or resistance, no burrs.
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The flat mineral crystal is one thing that I am not the most fond of on the watch. Since it's flat, it appears less opaque than other mineral crystals that I have seen or owned. I think a slight dome to the glass, nearly matching the curve of the bezel would be a knockout. The sword style hands, one of my favorite styles, have clean edges, are filled with Super Luminova and are an appropriate length. You'd be surprised how many watch companies make hour / minute hands too short or too long for their intended purpose.
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Quality
I want to start this off by saying that I have not contacted Skywatch about the one area that I am most disappointed in. They appear to have a robust warranty and Gabriel at Skywatch has been extremely responsive, generous and kind during my purchase. He did not know I would write anything about my watch (hell, neither did I).
Neither seconds hand on the Poppy Red, or the Carbon Fiber watch hits it's marker. It's not even really close on the Poppy, slightly better on the Carbon Fiber. I can't accurately capture it in pictures, but it's noticeable to me and does reduce some of the enthusiasm for the watch. Certainly, I may not be typical (to be fair, this may not be typical either), but for the nearly $300 price, I had higher expectations of quality control. I have owned other watches with Swiss based quartz movements that have shown better alignment. To Skywatch's defense, there is more lash (free play) in some quartz movements which could lead to a wide distribution of alignments. However, being marketed as a watch that Hublot or other high end buyers would choose to wear as a rough and tumble watch for their fun times, I would suspect those discerning buyers would notice as well. I may engage their warranty process. If I do, I'll update you all on how that goes.
Overall Value
Had the second hands been better aligned, this would be a slam dunk. As it is, watches of this ilk are luxury purchases. There are many other items that can tell time for less money, with similar specs. Here, though, you get a great looking design, high quality bezel and case finishing, with excellent material selections for straps. My interactions with the Skywatch team have been top notch, and I suspect yours will be too. Putting aside the alignment issue (which may not bother most), I recommend this watch to those that love good design, and value that above all.
Hey Chuck,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the watch review and your input. The crystal is indeed curved, albeit slight/sublte. We'll consider a curvier lens for future designs. More detailed dials are in the works. I'll send you a msg. over FB regarding the alignment so I may get a better understanding and address it, as well.
Thanks, the photos look great!
Gabriel
Thanks Gabriel! I replied on FB. Really dig the watch. I wish you lots of success in your endeavor!
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