Waffles and good intentions
By Sam Okafor, London ยท
The waffle-textured dial is what everyone mentions first and it's the right thing to mention. It gives the black surface a fine grid that catches light in a way plain lacquer can't. Up close it's lovely. From a distance it softens the contrast with the indices, which makes the watch a little harder to read than you'd think.
The case is the traditional Tudor-Rolex shape, 39 mm across and 10.6 mm thick with 20 mm lugs. It's comfortable and slightly dull. The metal bracelet is good. 100 m, sapphire, an open back, a 38-hour reserve.
At 2,100 to 2,350 dollars it's competitively priced against Longines and Oris, but the design feels like a brand-safe exercise rather than anyone's strong idea. It makes sense if what you want is a Tudor badge and a dress-ish everyday watch. Not for anyone looking for character.