Finding great watch values can sometimes be hit or miss, as we all know. In the recent past, I have reviewed a few Bauhaus style timepieces with costs ranging from $300 to slightly over $1000. Are there any Bauhaus style watches with quality specifications on the market at sub $300? Guess what? You guessed it, I found a Bauhaus style timepiece with some quality features at $250, which for some will be more palatable than something even in the $300 price range. Before I move on to the watch which is the subject of this review, I want to once again stress a fundamental principle of the Bauhaus design concept which is “keeping things simple.” If you have a moment, go back and look over my other Bauhaus watch reviews for more details about Bauhaus. If the Bauhaus concept and design is to your liking, I am certain as the reader you will appreciate the combination of minimalist design and contemporary flair delivered by Calister Watches from their Bauhaus Collection. The subject of this review is the Silver & Yellow Numbered Dial model. The watches in the Bauhaus Collection comes with the following basic specifications:
- Case: 316L Stainless Steel
- Movement: Swiss Ronda Quartz
- Water Resistance: 3 ATM
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Case Diameter: 41mm
- Strap: Italian Leather
- Price: $250 USD
As mentioned previously, Bauhaus watches tend to have minimalist designed cases in line with the “keeping it simple” concept. While I would still consider the Calister Bauhaus case minimalist and not overly flashy outside of the high polish finished 316L stainless steel, the case has a rather unique overall construction. Instead of a standard round case, the case resembles a flying saucer due to the convex nature of the underside of the case, which adds quite a bit of modern flair to watch overall. Personally, for me the case design alone makes this Bauhaus style watch stand out from many of the others I have seen and reviewed. The case measures 41mm and just over 42mm including the crown. The lugs measure 47mm from tip to tip. I can attest with a 7 ¾ inch wrist, the size and design works well and feels right at home on the wrist, even though I tend to prefer slightly larger timepieces. Do not let the size scare you away if you have a larger wrist. Outside of the case shape, the most appealing feature in relation to the case is the super slim design. The case measures a ultra-thin 7mm at the thickest point. Keeping this watch tucked under a dress shirt cuff will never be an issue. The only aspect of the case design which I would have preferred a slight modification, would be in relation to the lugs. Drilled lugs would allow for much easier strap changes. The high polished finish will most certain show wear and tear under the lugs with multiple strap changes. Drilled lug holes would have an impact on the overall cost of the timepiece making it a bit more costly, so there goes the nice $250 price point.
As one might expect, the watch does have a rather feather like weight of 46 grams, so combined with the other case specifications, will feel ultra light and comfortable on the wrist. A 3mm push/pull crown is located at the 3 o’clock position on the case. The crown is extremely easy to grasp and engage with a fingernail as it is push/pull style. The crown size seems appropriate based on other case specifications. The most intriguing feature about the crown has to be the stem channel in the case design allowing for the crown to sit low on the case. Truly the crown is about as minimalist and simple as it could possibly be. Keeping with the minimalist design, I am pleased that Calister did not brand the case at all.
The Bauhaus Silver & Yellow Numbered Dial model is fitted with a flat sapphire crystal measuring slightly over 38mm diameter, which provides a very clear view of the dial due to a quality interior anti-reflective coating. The crystal is ever so slightly raised above the bezel, however, I do not believe anyone should have any concern about the crystal chipping. Beneath the sapphire crystal is a rather unique black dial. Keeping with the Bauhaus theme, the model font type is quite simple aside from color, however, a luminous property is present adding a touch of modern flair. The hour and minute hands of the handset also contain some luminous properties but also fades rather quickly. The lume on the numerals and hands fades rather quickly so do not expect to be able to tell the time in the wee hours of the morning. The only complication on the Calister Bauhaus is a legible date window located at the 3 o’clock position on the dial.
So at this point everyone is probably wondering, sapphire crystal, cool case design so where did Calister cut costs to bring this model to the consumer at $250 USD? Well, rather than using the more expensive ETA or Miyota automatic movement, Calister opted for a very reliable Swiss Ronda Caliber 705 quartz movement. Utilizing high quality quartz movements can significantly reduce costs without severely impacting overall quality. Yes I know, we can sit and argue on the quartz versus automatic debate until we are blue in the face, however, in the end, a good quartz movement is not a bad option, especially for those not wishing to break the bank so to speak on a timepiece purchase. The super small case back has the typical specification information about the watch etched around the perimeter. Outside of the smallish size, the case back is rather unremarkable. Everyone that has read my past reviews knows that I prefer automatics to quartz. I wouldn’t mind paying a bit more for this particular design housing a Miyota 9015, so hopefully at some point Calister will research the possibility and keep costs at a minimum.
Based on the Calister Bauhaus model you choose, the strap could vary slightly. This particular execution comes with a light tan Italian leather strap. The strap is nice but rather typical in design and quality for stock straps. The strap measures 4mm in thickness, 20mm wide at the lug and tapers to 16mm near the tail. The strap will probably accommodate wrists up to 8 inches or 8 ¼ inches in diameter. The strap is finished off with a fold over signed deployant clasp. The combination of case finish, strap and clasp finish make this watch quite suitable for the executive boardroom and a night out on the town, however, I wouldn’t be afraid to dress it down with a nice pair of jeans.
I have had many people tell me that traditional Bauhaus timepieces tend to be extremely bland for their tastes. Calister has stepped slightly outside the box by producing a Bauhaus style watch with just the right amount of modern flair with the case design and lume. On top of producing a Bauhaus style watch with a playful design and quality specifications, Calister delivers it at an extremely palatable cost. At $250 USD, I’m fairly confident that it would be difficult to find an equivalent Bauhaus style watch with a sapphire crystal, unique case design, superluminova and a quality Ronda quartz movement. If you want a quality automatic (ETA or Miyota 9015) forget about it at $250 or below. I would like to thank Calister for working with WatchReport.com on this review. I would like to thank each of you for reading.
You can check out all of the watches Calister offers including this one reviewed HERE.
