When many of us think of Magrette Watches, some pretty cool round dive watches and custom engraved case designs come to mind. Magrette has most certainly always produced a quality product, but outside of some of the custom case engraving their watch models had a very similar appearance, up until now, with the release of the Leoncino. The Leoncino is quite different from past productions drawing inspiration from stylish designs of the 1960s according to Magrette. According to Dion, the owner of Magrette, “It was important for me to explore something a little different from my other designs.” As a fan of the look of older vehicles, the first thing that came to mind when looking at the Leoncino was that it reminded me of the unique design of the Studebaker Avanti compared to other cars from that era. So I will designate the Leoncino the Studebaker Avanti of Magrette watches, with its different and unique design in comparison to other Magrette models. The Leoncino is loaded with the great following base specifications all for just slightly over $650USD shipped worldwide.
Magrette Leoncino Specifications:
- CASE DIAMETER: 42MM EXCLUDING THE CROWN CASE FINISH: 316L STAINLESS STEEL
- CROWN: SCREW DOWN CROWN
- CRYSTAL: SAPPHIRE
- MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC
- WATER-RESISTANCE: 200M/20ATM
- STRAP: LEATHER TAN STRAP WITH WHITE STITCHING, REMBORDE EDGE, LORICA LINNING PLUS EXTRA BLACK STRAP
Presentation to me is very important as it amps up the expectation of what is contained within the packaging. Magrette has provided functional packaging in the past with nice travel rolls but definitely raised the bar with an upgraded travel case. The black leather style zip case is slightly larger than many of the past zipper style cases I’ve seen but has an interesting addition. The case contains a removable leather document pouch perfect for a checkbook or something along those lines. The case provides adequate space for a couple of watches (the elastic holders on the central portion make this a possibility) so it will be the perfect travel companion when you need two extra watches on your trip. Of course, the packaging will provide excellent protection for the watch during shipping and any watch you take with you on a business trip. I was advised that some additional upgrades are in the works but can’t imagine what else can be done outside of adding an additional watch slot in the bottom portion of the case.
The squarish-shaped watch case is quite a departure from past Magrette offerings. I see this creation as diversifying the offerings available, which in this case, is an extremely positive alternative to other models from Magrette if one is looking for something a bit different from a round diver style watch case. The main portion of the case consists of both brushed and high polished finishes with the top of the case having a stunning mirror like finish. The mirror like finishing on the top of the case really adds significant flair to the overall appearance of the watch model. The finishing, overall, is quite superb but you will want to keep a polishing cloth on hand for the inevitable surface scratches that will pop up on the top portion of the case.
The watch measures a pedestrian 42mm in diameter but over 46mm when factoring in the crown. The lug tip to lug tip measures right around 49mm and the case thickness is approximately 13mm. Considering all of the case specifications, along with a rather light 101 grams in overall weight, the Leoncino should feel quite comfortable on any wrist. I really like the oversized 8mm signed screw down crown, which I feel is proportionate compared to the overall case size. The crown is very easy to grasp with absolutely no play or wiggle when engaged. Even though the crown is large, I haven’t noticed it digging into my wrist at all which tends to happen a lot with oversized crowns at least in my past experiences. The only details missing on the Leoncino included on so many past Magrette models, if not all, are drilled lug holes for easier strap changes. Therefore, just be extra cautious under the lugs with the spring bar tool when changing out the strap.
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