Checking out the Kronhauser Automatics

Today, we’ve got the pleasure of introducing you to another brand you’ve likely never heard of before – Kronhauser. The fun part of this watch reviewing gig is finding gems like these, that give you an interesting design, solid specs, and a rather affordable price. To that end, we were able to get a loan of two different models from Kronhauser, and here’s what we thought.

In terms of an overall style, the Kronhauser is a tough one to categorize. With the elongated, thin hands set in a narrow-bezel case, it starts to feel like a minimalist watch. However, the rest of the dial with the indices and large numerals offset that idea. Mix in the date window – complete with the cyclops, which of course caught my eye – and this is not quite a “less is more” sort of approach. That said, it is a design that gives you just what you need, and not a lot more.

To start with, let’s talk about legibility on the Kronhauser. In both the dark sunburst and silver opaline looks, legibility is paramount. The hands and indices under the sapphire crystal stand out in stark contrast to the dial tone, and even the date disc contrasts with the dial. On the opaline, that dark blue date disc is sharp; on the sunburst dial, I’m not convinced the bright white date disc was the route to go. With watch watches that look like the Kronhauser, you’d expect to not be able to use them when the lights go down. On the opaline dial, that’s correct. Surprisingly though, on the sunburst dial, that vintage-look paint is actually the “Old Radium” luminous paint, and you get a decent amount of glow. Not dive-watch levels, but definitely enough to be able to read the time.

All of this is set in a 40mm steel case that’s only 11mm thick, and features 20mm lugs. Into those lugs, you’ve got a variety of options, both leather straps and a milanese mesh bracelet. The mesh bracelet was nice, and about what you’d expect, with the exception of a flip-lock safety that I’ve not seen on this style before. For the leather strap, it was nicely done, and the contrast stitching gives you a nice accent to things as well.

Visible through the exhibition caseback is the movement powering things, the automatic Miyota 821A. Perhaps not as widely known or used as other Miyota offerings, it still got the job done just fine while we had the loaners in. For practical purposes, the 38 hour power reserve means you should be able to easily skip a day wearing the watch without worrying about having to reset things.

If you couldn’t tell from what I’ve written here, I rather enjoyed my time with the Kronhauser watches. While I tended to be pulled more towards the silver opaline dial (something about that dark blue date disc), I also dug the surprise luminous qualities of the sunburst model. In short, I don’t think there’s a wrong way to go with these watches. When you add in that they only run €398 (approx $440), that idea is further reinforced. To check out the full lineup, and to get your own, just head on over to their site. And if you do pick one up, send us a photo to let us know which one you got! kronhauser.com

Review Summary

Brand & Model: Kronhauser Automatics
Price: €398 (approx $440)
Who’s it for? You want a basic – but still stylish – watch, and your eyes would appreciate a magnified date.

Would I wear it? Indeed I would
What I’d change: I wouldn’t mind seeing that 50m WR upped to at least 100m, for a little more peace of mind
The best thing about it: While it was the date cyclops that first caught my eye, the handset is the big key in my book.