The dial reminds me of an Elgin or
Waltham pocket watch. In part due to its size, but also the squelette
hands, large Arabic numerals, and "railroad track" index. While other
Szanto models drew their inspiration from the 1940s, the 2000 series
seems drawn from the pre-war era. Of course, no one would have ever worn
a watch this large back then, but times have changed. The hands and
markers are filled with a white lume that glows intensely when fully
charged. Day or night, this is one fetching dial.
The 2002 is a big watch. The 46mm
case initially put me off as I had no confidence that it would fit my
6.5" wrist, but I was mistaken. Short lugs give it an overall length of
52mm, which fit me just fine. The level of finish on the case is
excellent. It is brushed north-south along the barrel and lugs, and in a
circular pattern around the bezel. The brushed finish was a good choice
for this watch, as a polished case of this size would run the risk of
being too flashy. In profile, center section of the barrel is slightly
raised, breaking up the flat sides and slimming the case. This angle
also displays one of my favorite parts, the domed mineral crystal. I
love a dome on a watch: the height, the little bit of distortion at the
edges, and most importantly for a watch in this style, the vintage feel
it imparts. Domed crystals lend a great measure of character and I hope
to see more of them on future Szanto models.
The strap is another element that sets this watch apart. It is 22mm
wide, and does not taper, terminating in and an engraved, brushed,
square frame buckle. It is made of thick black leather with ivory
stitching and a light brown cracked pattern that makes it appear very
old and very dry, creating the same effect as the strap on the Tudor
Heritage Black Bay; however, it is just a pattern on a brand new strap,
not actually an aged finish. I found the strap to be very stiff at first
but not uncomfortable. I would expect it to break in easily. Comparing
the pattern on the strap to the truly cracked and destroyed leather on a
40 year old office chair, I found it to be a faithful reproduction.
The case back and crown are
decorated with the Szanto logo, just as the other models. In great
contrast to the other watches reviewed, water resistance is a scant 30m,
making it safe for the occasional splash, but little else. This is indicative
of the 2002's purpose. It is not a sport or tool watch. On the other
hand, its size prevents it from being a true dress watch. You can fit it
under a shirt sleeve if the cuff has a large barrel, but dress watches
should be slim and simple, and this watch is neither. I would call it
smart casual, or business casual - those nebulous realms of dress that
include everything from jeans and an oxford, to jacket and tie, falling
short of a proper suit. I managed to wear it into the office under a
blazer, but it was just a bit too much for me. Bigger guys with larger
wrists than mine could pull it off its proportions a bit better. A strap
swap could provide even greater versatility. I think a finished,
tapered, brown leather strap with heavy padding to balance the case
could easily get you through the work week, with the beefy cracked strap
for the weekend.
This watch is probably the prettiest of the five Szanto watches I
evaluated. It may not have the military bearing and utility of the
others, but it has a casual elegance with a solid, sporting flair. I'd
like to think that if I was timing a race between a Duesenberg Model J and a Supercharged Mercedes-Benz, I'd use something like the Szanto 2002.
Pro: Drop-dead gorgeous.
Con: Large watch, little water resistance.
Sum: Sexy beast. The Time Bum approves.
Dopo il successo del Supermarine 500, Bremont ha annunciato il lancio di un nuovo modello di immersione, il Supermarine del 2000. Con subacquei professionisti in mente, Bremont ha aumentato le dimensioni del caso Supermarine originale a 45 mm e ri-ingegnerizzato di sopportare ulteriori profondità di 2.000 m / 6.560 ft.
