I really thought that I had brought this watch to your attention before, but it looks like I really hadn’t. So, today we correct that oversight, looking at a model from the folks at Graf Zeppelin.
The particular model I want to focus in on is the LZ129 Hindenburg. Perhaps not the most favorable name association for something mechanical you hope works for ages without issue, but so be it. We’re more interested in the watch itself than the name, right?
Though the name inspiration is old, this is a thoroughly modern watch. It starts off with a 40mm stainless steel case that’s only 11mm thick. Up front, you’ve got a domed Hesalite crystal. Hesalite itself is similar to an acrylic crystal, and has some interesting properties (you can read more here).
These two items, along with an exhibition caseback, are housing a modified Miyota movement. Specifically, it’s the Miyota 9100, which allows for the 24 hour time indication at 6 o’clock, as well as the date display at 3 o’clock and power reserve at 12 o’clock. The modifications to this movement were to remove the month and day of the week indications. So, as you can see, this movement has a lot going for it.
This watch has plenty going on in the style department as well. Overall, you’ve got a cream dial with black indices and hands (and those are about the largest hands I’ve seen on a watch in some time). I think the cream color gives the piece an older feel, which meshes well with the fonts used on the dial. That said, while the white subdial isn’t a deal breaker, it is a bit jarring. Paired up with the 20mm leather strap, you’ve got a great casual and workday option.
All told, this is a rather intriguing watch that’s housing a movement that I’ve not really noticed in another watch as of yet. Given that it’s a Miyota (Citizen), though, it should be plenty reliable. If you want to pick up this watch (and why wouldn’t you?), you’ll need about $550 to get one from an authorized reseller.
