For the last few days, we’ve been taking a look at the Black Falcon Titanium from MTM. We’ve taken a look at the material (titanium), its power source (rechargeable battery), and the nifty trick up it’s sleeve (five lighting modes).
Today, we’re going to wrap up the tour of the watch, and give you a final verdict.
Without any further ado, let’s have a look-see at the specs we’re all more familiar with on a watch. Driving the hands of the watch is a proprietary quartz movement; protecting the movement is a 44mm, DLC-coated titanium case and AR-coated sapphire crystal. These combine with the screw down crown to provide 100m of water resistance (another good reason for the inductive charging).
With the dial, we’ve got luminous numbers (lume is also applied to the hour, minute and second hands) that appear to almost float on the dial. This is due to the visual effect that the carbon fiber which is used creates.
I have to admit – in many other watches where I’ve seen carbon fiber used (or at least the pattern used), it’s been to great detriment. On the Falcon, however, it works very well. It gives a subtle texture, and, as mentioned before, it makes the lumed numbers appear to float on the dial.
Rounding out the rest of the watch we have a uni-directional bezel (with very solid clicks) and a titanium bracelet (also DLC-coated). There’s another nice bit of innovation to be found with the bracelet.
Each segment is held in place by two hex head pins that screw in (one on each side of the link). This makes adjusting the size of the bracelet a snap with the included tools. The one part of the bracelet I wasn’t as enamored with is the deployant portion of the buckle. While I had the watch one, that part of it dug into my wrist – enough so that I needed to remove the watch for stretches at a time.
If you’re in an active duty situation, this may not be a problem. If you’re working away at a desk (like I was), that pressure may be a drawback. Of course, they do have other strap options, and I have a feeling this watch would be very much at home on a NATO/Zulu-style strap.
Now, when you realize these are serialized (and limited edition) and come with a three year warranty, you’re going to expect a bigger price tag – and this watch is no exception. The titanium model we tested retails for $895 (the steel version goes for $695).
This definitely isn’t in impulse-buy territory, yet it doesn’t seem totally unreasonable for the amount of tech you’re getting. And, if you’re the sort who would normally carry a flashlight, this watch could definitely do double-duty with your EDC. Regardless, this is a watch that seems to be built to last for the long haul, and would be a competent addition to your collection, should you be lacking a rough and tumble option.
Our thanks to the fine folks at MTM for sending over this watch for review!
