Getting level with the Teslar Balance T1

Just a few days ago, I started talking about watches with functions built in that are not actually related to timekeeping (you can see that here. Sure, you’ve got stuff like the “clip ons” that Snyper did, or even those novelty type ones with lighters built in. But what about something that may have an impact on your health? That, friends, is where the Teslar Balance T1 comes into play.

If you’re thinking the Teslar Balance T1 sounds familiar, you may have seen my prior writeup on the chronograph version of the watch over at Knapsack. Since I already covered a great deal about the technology over there, let me just drop in a quote from the article to cover off on what this chip is offering up.

This is a chip that was designed specifically to absorb EMF. The chip, along with the frequency of the quartz crystal inside the watch (and the battery), works to create what Teslar calls a zero-point waveform that – I am told – mimics the natural frequency of the Earth. This is a pulse that is emitted 7-9 times per second. What does it do? Well, it’s supposed to negate the effects of man-made electromagnetic waves that come at us from all manner of devices. With these fields, there are many in the world who have a sensitivity to being around devices emitting those waves, and can have some severe reactions. For those of us not impacted, what does the chip offer?

That, there, is the million-dollar question. What can this chip do for you and me? That is a trickier question to answer, as we may not necessarily have the sensitivity to EMF that others have. In those cases, it becomes more of a “wear it and see what happens” sort of situation. For myself, I felt like I noticed that my neck and back were not as sore, but it was by no means a rigorous experiment or study (we do have some of those linked in the Knapsack review). Obviously, the folks at Teslar believe they’ve got something special here. It’s enough that they were actually off the market (for watches) for the last decade, and have now partnered up with the luxury division of Timex to produce these watches with a newer version of their chip.

But let’s get back to the watch. The Teslar Balance T1 – in blue, as our loaner was – is quite a lovely piece. It has the same sunburst pattern set into a solid outer ring as the chronograph, so the design line is kept cohesive. Here, we have a much more compact case. It’s 40mm in diameter, and a rather svelte 9.2mm thick. This is made possible by the Ronda Slimtech 1069 movement packed into the case, which lends to that “Swiss Made” text on the lower portion of the dial.

Our loaner of the Teslar Balance T1 came paired with a steel mesh strap, which is fairly comfortable, and one of the easier ones I’ve had in to get the clasp sizing adjusted. Once on the wrist, it was really quite comfortable, and sort of melted away until you needed to check the time. When it slips out from under the cuff, that’s when you see the triangle rotating around, indicating the running seconds. It’s a mirror of what you’ll find on the reverse of the watch.

Flip the Teslar Balance T1, and you’ll see not an exhibition caseback (it’s quartz, after all) but a copper triangle glinting away in the midst of a black IP-coated caseback. This is the mysterious ELF chip. It’s set under a crystal itself, so you’re not actually in contact with the chip. Past that, there’s not really much to note about the chip. It’s not like you feel it vibrating or pulsing, but you will notice it running down the battery in the watch more quickly than you’d expect (somewhere around the 1.5 – 2 year range, apparently).

So, is the Teslar Balance T1 a watch you should buy? That’s hard to say. If it were just a quartz three-hander at the asking price of $695, in steel? The answer would be an easy no. With this additional “quantum” technology packed in, the verdict is muddier. Like Mulder, I want to believe. But the Scully in me has an eyebrow permanently raised. For those it has helped, I don’t doubt they’re feeling better. For me, I just don’t know that I saw enough of an impact in my loaner period to say that yes, I’d be willing to kick other watches to the curb and wear this exclusively. The truth is out there, somewhere. teslarwatches.com

Review Summary

Brand & Model: Teslar Rebalance T1
Price: $695

Who’s it for? You’re concerned about EMF in your environment, and you want a clean, compact watch
Would I wear it? Yes, on occasion, but not exclusively, as they’re saying it should be worn for maximum effect
What I’d change: This needs a commercial – with Scott Bakula driving a Tesla, amirite?