I have a thing for large watches. Normally, I do not venture out beyond the 48mm range. After coming across the 50mm SISU Bravado A1 online, I was very curious if I could handle a watch of this size. I reached out to SISU and they were kind enough to send me out one to review, and when I got it, I was shocked. This watch came in a case that looked like an ammunition box, and it weighed a ton. Opening the box, all I could see was this massive watch staring at me. I quickly sized the bracelet down as far as I could so it would fit my wrist and I could take this out for a test drive.
The Dial
SISU likes to play a bit with their dials. Right away, you notice the hour numbers on the dial are not what you would normally see. The only numbers you will see on all of their models are 1, 4, 7, and 10 o’clock. Since this is a large watch, the number are all very large, too. This works well by taking up a good amount of real estate on that face. There is a small window with slits above the six o’clock position which give a little peek at the Swiss ETA 2824 automatic movement. Wedged in between the 4 o’clock position and the diagonal slits above 6 is the date window, which looks quite small next to the large 4. The hands are aviation style and are the only things painted with lume. Covering all of this is an AR coated sapphire crystal.
The Case
Made from 316L stainless steel and weighing in at nearly one pound, this SISU Bravado A1 is a beast. The case measures 50mm in diameter and 16.2mm thick. The screw down crown is at the 10 o’clock position which really helps since with all this weight it could get pretty uncomfortable jabbing into the wrist. I really like the case design on this watch, it really has a tool watch feel to it. The bezel looks to me kinda like a pipe fitting that could be taken off with a large wrench. The exhibition case back is fastened to the case with six large screws.
The Movement
SISU used the very reliable ETA 2824 automatic movement. I have this movement in many of my watches and never had any issues. The rotor is signed with “SISU” and has red accent paint which is a nice touch. I really like watches with exhibition case backs. Looking at a beating movement never gets old.
The Bracelet
Keeping with the large style of the SISU Bravado A1, the bracelet measures in at 30mm wide. This bracelet is not made for small wrists. You can only remove about 5 links, and that adjusts from about a 7 to 7.5 inch size. Since I have a 6.5 inch wrist, this does fit pretty loose on me. There are leather strap options that can be fitted, so small-wristed folks like me can rejoice.
The Lume
For such a bold watch, SISU went pretty conservative with the lume. Only the minute and hour hands are painted with lume. Personally, I would love to see this large dial blazing in the night with tons of lume. At least the lume that they do use is very bright and glows for a good amount of time per charge.
Overall Impression
If you love big watches this one is for you. Its very well made, and the size makes it bold and cool looking on the wrist. As I mentioned, if you have a smaller wrist I would recommended the models with adjustable straps. The price on this beast of a watch retails at $1695 USD but is on sale for $1271.25 USD. Not bad for Swiss made watch. Of you are interested go check them out at sisumovement.com.
Review Summary
- Brand and model: SISU Bravado A1
- Price: Retail for $1695 UDS on sale for $1271.25
- Who’s it for? Large-wristed folks or you just love large watches.
- Would I wear it? Sometimes when I need something bold.
- What I’d change: Its fine the way it is.
- The best thing about it: Style of the bracelet.
Tech Specs from SISU
- Case diameter: 50 mm
- Case height: 16.2 mm
- Bracelet width: 30 mm
- Movement: Self-winding automatic
- Caliber: Swiss ETA 2824
- Twenty-five jewels
- 38 hours power reserve (max)
- 28,800 Vibrations per hour (4Hz)
- Water resistance: 100 m (330 Ft)
- Screw-down crown
- Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
