Can you really buy a quality watch for $99? This Brathwait Swiss Classic is an attractively designed timepiece that makes a heroic effort at just that. After wearing it for a week, I liked it more every day. Let’s take a closer look at two examples of this watch.
The Swiss Classic is available in gold or matte black with luminous hands and a variety of strap choices. The company sent me two different models for testing, one with a black face, gold markers, and a matte black case with a leather strap, and the other one with a shiny gold finish and a black mesh band. The gold watch was the first one that caught my eye, and it turned out to have subtleties that I didn’t notice at first.
Like a mood ring
It’s hard to depict this in photographs, but the seemingly black face is chameleon-like — when you shine more light on it, it takes on a rich dark emerald tone. It catches the light in such a way that it bends it into hourglass shapes, and rewards its owner with a variety of looks according to the way the light bounces off its face.
It’s just the right size at 38mm wide. Complementing the overall design are its angular-shaped lugs, adding to its clean overall appearance and no-nonsense lines. Its level of quality is exquisite, where every detail of this sculpted timepiece has been carefully considered.
Thin Is In
This is not the thinnest watch in the world, but it proves itself to be a svelte companion on my wrist. It’s extraordinarily light, and its 8mm thickness is definitely a plus. What’s missing? Every once in a while I could use a date window, but that’s not a dealbreaker for me. One thing I’m glad is missing is an excessive price, because at $99 this is an excellent value.
Matte Black
The matte black model — also $99 — matches that high level of quality, and its genuine leather band is also up to snuff. It indeed has that wonderful and subtle leather scent, too, and offers a perfect match for the lovely matte black finish. One detail that I especially like about it is its bezel, set off in a piano-black finish from the rest of the matte black stainless steel case. It’s a tasteful design detail that adds interest while not being distracting.
Elegant Simplicity
I like the simplicity of these two watches. The examples of that piano black finish versus matte black on the case, as well as the intriguing reflectivity of the dark green watch face are details that I wasn’t expecting but greatly appreciated. That’s a good thing, because it goes with what feels like the overall purpose of both of these designs: to understate the elegance and simplicity of its design language.
Worthy Candidates
Both watches feature a Swiss movement that offered acceptable accuracy during my testing, and both proved to be valuable assets which would be a great complement to any watch collection. If you’re looking for a well-made and aesthetically pleasing wristwatch that brings the accuracy of a battery-powered Swiss movement with good design and a low price, either one of these Braithwaite timepieces are worthy candidates for your consideration.
Review Summary
- Brand and model: Brathwait Swiss Classic
- Price: $99USD
- Who’s it for? Straightforward quality seekers looking for a bargain
- Would I wear it? Sure
- What I’d change: Add a date window
- The best thing about it: High quality minimalist design
Tech Specs from Brathwait
- Case: 38mm x 8mm case, matte black stainless steel & rose gold/brass-coated stainless steel
- Movement: Swiss-made Ronda, shock-resistant, 40-month battery life
- Strap: Top-grain Italian leather or black 316L stainless steel mesh, 12mm lug-to-lug.
- Water resistance: 100M / 10ATM Water Resistance
- Glass: Sapphire Crystal
- Case back: Embossed with Brathwait logo
- Crown: diamond-knurled
