DWISS (Design Watch Independent Switzerland) was founded in 2011 by Rafael Simoes Miranda. After designing hundreds of watches for over 15 different brands, Miranda decided to branch out on his own and comes up with his own line of unique Swiss made watches. The latest series from DWISS is the R1 Collection, and you can get some nice really nice options. There are two dial options for the R1; the RS1 and the RC1. Movement options range from quartz, automatic, and even a tourbillon. I was able to get my hands on the RS1-BL which is their blue and black model with an automatic movement. I have worn this for a week now and here are my thoughts.
That crazy dial!
What makes this DWISS RC1 is that crazy cool looking dial. DWISS pulled off a really nice three-dimensional look on this dial. With a raised outer dial and a smaller lower dial this watch is visually stunning to me. The only thing that kind of looks like a hand is the minute hand which is more like an minute pointer. Instead of hands, this watch uses discs. The seconds disc does not point at anything, it just rotates around and looks cool, and shows proof of life. The minute hand/pointer thingy rotates inside the smaller dial and points the small cutout minute markers. The hour disc makes things very interesting. Half of the disc is colored in blue. As the disc rotates around dial you can tell the hour by which segment is filling up. At first, it takes some time to get used to; after awhile, it gets easy. Such an unusual way to tell the time, and such a nice way to.
The Case
Totally love the look of this case. Made from 316L stainless steel with black ion-plated coating. The case measuring in at 45mm wide and 13mm thick. This is not a small watch but it wears very well. DWISS uses a 7-part multi layer modular design which creates a very interesting look. The main part of the case which houses the movement slides into a frame which is connected to the lugs. They are bolted together using 4 screws which you can see on the bezel and on the case back. Sapphire crystal is used to protect the dial and also is used for the exhibition case back. The screw down crown with the DWISS logo is surrounded with a hard rubber grip wich looks great.
The Movement
DWISS uses a ETA 2824-2 Elabore movement in their RS1 models. This movement provides Incabloc shockproof protection which is done by using a spring-loaded mounting system for the jeweled bearings that support the balance wheel. This will provide some protection if the watch if banged around or dropped. The movement itself is fairly simple-looking with the exception of the customer rotor. Always love seeing a nice movement through the case back.
The Strap
The strap on the DWISS RS1 combines both leather and canvass. This combination of materials provides the comfort of soft leather around the wrist, and the durability of canvass. Each model uses accent stitching to compliment the color on the dial.I have worn this watch for a week now and have had to comfort issues at all.
The Lume
When I first looked at this DWISS RS1 I didn’t even think there was an lume at all – but i was wrong. The hour pointer is painted in lume which just look plain white in the light. There is a lumed ring underneath the hour disc. To read the time in the dark you have to know that the covered area over the lumed ring is the blue area on the hour disc. Takes a little time to get used to but not long. This has to be the most unusual lumed dial that I have seen.
Overall Impresion
Pretty sure you can tell I really like this watch. It not the same old everyday watch. There is uniqueness and character in this DWISS watch. This watch will get attention for sure. Build quality is excellent and the movement choice is right on. Retail on this DWISS RS1-BL is $1,390 which I feel is a good deal for such a unique time piece. Also worth noting – they are offering a special deal from Nov 23rd through Nov 26th. Each day the first four people that buy from their site will get a special discounted price. To get in on this deal just sign up here. Each day they will send you an exclusive discount code for a special watch price. If you want to see more models and information check them out at dwiss.com.
REVIEW SUMMARY
- Brand and model: DWISS RS1-BL
- Price: $1390.00 USD
- Who’s it for: Me and anyone wanting something truly unique.
- Would I wear it: Daily
- What I’d change: Nothing
- The best thing about it: That unique dial.
Tech Specs from DWISS
Dimension
45,0 mm diameter
13,0 mm thickness
Movement
Swiss made – Automatic movement
ETA 2824-2 (Elabore or Top Grade)
Shockproof protection Incabloc®
Number of jewels: 25
Frequency 4Hz – 28’800
Power reserve: approximately 42h
Case
316L Stainless Steel, Black IP with a 7-part multilayer structure
See-through case back
Dial
Black dial with blue accents and the exclusive design-awarded DWISS signature time display system
Glass (crystal)
Sapphire with anti-reflection
Strap
Italian made fabric and leather strap
DWISS exclusive Stainless Steel buckle
Water resistant
20 ATM – 200 meters
