Long-time readers of the site will know that, for me, chronographs aren’t really a useful complication. In that, I either just use a digital timer, or forget that I’ve got the one on my wrist going. That said, if I become aware of one that gets things done in a clean design, and is drastically affordable, that seems like a good one to bring to your attention. Recently, I’ve spent some time with the Avail Kiros Chronograph.
Aesthetics
To anyone who has been around watches a bit, the design of the Avail Kiros Chronograph is going to look instantly familiar. Simple case and bezel, unguardard crown, and polished numerals on a flat dial. For the subdials, you’ve got the chrono seconds at 6 o’clock, and then 1/10 seconds at the 12 o’clock position. So, that’s our first difference here – this watch is aimed at tracking those under-a-minute things (say, your kid running around the swingset). So, definitely not something I’d forget I’d have running.
In terms of the overall look, it’s clean and simplified, but not to the point that you’d call it sterile. You’ve got all elements you need to tell the time (and date), and it’s all wrapped up in a fairly thin case.
The movement
Part of the reason the Avail Kiros Chronograph is so thin is due to the movement inside. Here, it’s a Seiko VD57, which is known as a mecha-quartz. If you’ve not experienced this, it gives you the accuracy and simplicity of a quartz movement, which drives the main time. It also works on the chronograph registers, but the difference shows up when you reset the chronograph. Rather than trundling all of the way around the register (like a fully quartz chronograph would do), it snaps back immediately to zero position, just like a mechanical chronograph.
On one hand, this is just a more satisfying way to reset a chronograph. More practically, though, this means you can reset and start timing things much more quickly (say, you’ve got multiple kids doing laps around that swingset).
Wrapping things up
Another area that the Avail Kiros Chronograph sets itself apart is the strap. With a watch at this pricepoint, you’re expecting a “leather” strap that has to off-gas a bit when you receive it. Now, while this strap doesn’t have that rich leather smell, it also didn’t have to air out. It’s a nice solid piece of leather that looks like it should age well, and conformed easily to my wrist. If you want to pick one of these up (in your choice of strap color), they’re available now for £89 (approx. $112) directly from availwatches.co.uk
Tech Specs
- Case: Stainless Steel: 43mm x 11.5mm
- Movement: Seiko VD57 Chronograph 3 function Quartz
- Dial: Grey
- Dial detail: Silver hands, two functioning sub-dials, luminous hands and index, finished with distinctive Avail detailing.
- Glass: Hardened Mineral
- Strap: Genuine leather
- Strap size: 22mm width
- Water resistance: 3 ATM
