Bernhardt Binnacle Timer
As I used to be getting ready this Bernhardt Binnacle Timer evaluation, it occurred to me that Bernhardt from North Carolina might be turning twenty subsequent yr. Sure, Bernhardt is without doubt one of the OG micro manufacturers and subsequent yr they’ll have been producing watches for 20 years. Now bear in mind why I simply realized this as a result of I can not imagine subsequent yr will probably be 2025 as a result of in my head it is nonetheless like 2002 and the ’90s weren’t 30 years in the past!
However again to the current: On the finish of final yr, Bernhardt launched its newest mannequin with the favored retro case, the Binnalce Timer. This new mannequin adopts the ’60s case design and incorporates a new dial and arms, in addition to a brand new interior bezel, this time extra targeted on diving, with a countdown and time show bezel operated by way of the screw-down 2 o’clock crown. The Binnacle Timer additionally incorporates a barely domed sapphire crystal, is available in two dial colours (porthole grey and burgee inexperienced), and makes use of the trusty Miyota 9015, all for $499.
Specs:
- 41mm satin brushed chrome steel case
- 13mm thick
- 22 m tunnel width
- 47mm lug to lug
- Weighs 164 grams
- Sapphire crystal
- Miyota 9015 motion
- 200m waterproof
- Screw-down major and interior bezel crowns
- C1 SuperLumiNova
- Mesh bracelet
- Made in Asia, assembled in North Carolina
Value $499
BERNHARDT WEBSITE
Those that are loyal followers of the Bernhardt model in all probability know that Fred Amos, the corporate’s founder, handed away in 2022. Nonetheless, his spouse, son and several other others nonetheless run the corporate, and this Bernhardt Binnacle Timer is the primary new launch since his loss of life. You in all probability additionally know that this case design is not precisely new, courting again to 2013 with the Binnalce Retro and some years later with the Retro World. There might have been one other variant that I missed, however this case design is now used on some fashions. Retro watches are nonetheless as well-liked, if no more so, than when this case design was first launched, and it was a great resolution to make use of the 60s padded case design for a dive watch.
At 41mm tall and 13mm thick, this absolutely satin-finished metal case is not precisely slim, and because the thickness of the case would not taper in direction of the bezel, it appears to be like even chunkier, so it feels quite chunky with out truly feeling chunky be. To my eyes it appears to be like bigger than when not worn, particularly from the profile view, however on my 7 1/2 inch wrist it feels huge, nevertheless it would not really feel like I’ve one 16 or 18mm monster on my wrist wrist both. As a result of quick lugs, flat caseback, and simply general profile, this can be a very snug watch on the wrist, and I did not discover the 2 crowns digging into the again of my hand. Sure, it could not match below some shirt cuffs, however this isn’t a costume or workplace watch per se, however quite a purpose-built watch or extra of an informal weekend piece.
The dial right here is fairly easy, and for my part that is a great factor. No gimmicks, no pointless textual content or symbols, and the grey asphalt textured dial with the black and interior bezel and the orange accents on the bezel and orange second hand are simply sufficient distinction to maintain this watch from wanting too plain, and the Distinction of white. Black and orange make this Bernhardt Binnacle Timer dial very straightforward to learn at a look.
The interior bezel is operated by way of the two o’clock crown and as I discussed, you should use it for timing elapsed time and countdown as there are two units of numbers. The bezel is bi-directional and in my instance it really works easily and the crown securely locks it again in place.
Talking of crowns, each crowns are giant, however the primary crown (time and date) is huge at simply over 8mm, and that is not solely a cool aesthetic, but in addition means you should use this crown regardless of how massive your arms are are. And that crown, as massive as it’s, would not look misplaced on this watch because the case is totally one piece and sort of blocky, all of it simply appears to suit collectively. The bezel crown is barely smaller however nonetheless giant, however is usually a little tougher to grip because of the recess within the case, however nonetheless doable, no less than for my fingers.
On the again you will discover a laser engraved hourglass and all of the related info, however in any other case it is a fairly easy case again, once more all brushed metal, and it is fairly flat, though you will discover it is not simply flat, however this one Space is nearly sunk into the massive case, which is why this watch sits so properly on the wrist because it would not protrude from the wrist in any respect.
The motion behind it’s the Miyota 9015, a very fashionable and dependable motion. Whereas numerous manufacturers use this motion of their watches as of late, it has turn into a rarity to see it in $500 watches. I’ve purchased many watches on this worth vary over the past yr or two they usually had a Seiko NH35 motion. There’s nothing incorrect with this motion, nevertheless it’s a less expensive and, properly, smaller motion, so it is good to see the 9015 getting used within the Bernhardt Binnacle Timer.
The Bernhardt Binnacle Timer nonetheless comes with the mesh hyperlink bracelet that its predecessors had, and I want they opted for an improve on this space too. Admittedly the mesh strap has by no means been my favourite, so I completely have a choice, however I simply suppose this watch might use a distinct type of strap or perhaps even a great rubber strap.
The bracelet is superbly tightly woven and the hyperlinks are straightforward to take away, general it feels of excellent high quality. With the design of this case and 22mm lugs, switching to a third-party bracelet or bracelet ought to be a breeze, and any such watch would look nice on nearly any bracelet. I did not have any 22mm elastic readily available, however I did have this brown minimal sew tape, so I put it on to point out you a substitute for mesh. Once more, this is without doubt one of the straps I had mendacity round and never a Bernhardt strap.
As regular now we have the lume right here and it’s listed as C1 SuperlumiNova. Even with the small indices, this watch glows properly at midnight and the indices and arms look like evenly coated. The baton seconds hand is totally coated with orange luminous materials. I initially thought the second hand had no lume, and though it would not glow just like the hour and minute arms, it truly is illuminated. In my testing it will not final all night time, in all probability taking round three hours to fully fade.
I am glad that this long-standing micro-brand remains to be in enterprise and that the Bernhardt Binnacle Timer is a enjoyable watch, with an important retro case, a clear, easy-to-read dial, and the practicality of a dual-use bezel. I like the grey and the inexperienced dial, which is sort of emerald inexperienced and appears good, however I would not thoughts seeing just a few different colours, perhaps a blue, orange or white that will be placing.
The worth is nice for every little thing you get, although this case design has been used just a few occasions earlier than, however for $500 you do not see many Miyota 9015 powered watches, even fewer assembled within the US. I can not wait to see what Bernhardt has in retailer for 2024 and hope to cowl their subsequent mannequin right here on the location. Go to Bernhardt’s web site to see all the opposite fashions obtainable and be taught extra about their historical past.
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