When a Mechanical Watch is not a mechanical watch
Following on from my first post about seagull chronographs, I went in search of a microbrand watch using that ST1903 movement. I came across Hoffman watches, specifically the Hoffman Racing 40 Mechanical. A very beautiful panda dial chronograph with very good specifications. Unfortunately, it is totally sold out. If you feel like torturing yourself with unavailable watches go have a look at their website. They are really beautifully designed pieces and eager to get my hands on one, off I went to eBay to see if there were any and indeed there was. One in fact. Not only was it available but the owner sent me an offer opportunity and I picked it up for a very modest £120.
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Credit to the seller, it arrived very quickly too. I imagine he wasted no time shipping it off. Sadly when it arrived, I tried to wind the movement. No resistance. Lift it to my ear, no sound. Curious. A quick visit to the Hoffman website and oops, the machine has a display case back. So it turns out that I have been sold the Seiko Vk63 powered mecha-quartz model. The seller had sold it as the mechanical and he offered to let me return the item however I have never had a watch with this movement and this watch is so charming that I didn’t want to send it back.
So this blog is all about mechanical watches, I don’t dislike quartz watches but I really like mechanical watches. This, however, is a little bit of something different, The Seiko VK63 is very interesting. It is a chronograph movement that uses quartz technology for the main functions of the watch, and a mechanical module for operating the chronograph. That means that the secondhand moves around the dial with a very mechanical watch like four beats per second. That compares with an NH35 six beats per second or an ETA-2824 eight beats per second. It really is convincing, it doesn’t feel like quartz. I like it.
The rest of the watch is a lovely piece of watchmaking. The case is superbly designed with a beautiful mix of polished and brushed areas. The bezel insert is ceramic and the etched tachymeter is crisply done, The box domed sapphire crystal is jewellike and offers superb visibility from all angles. The strap is an adequate faux croc leather number and is above average for an affordable watch, the buckle is particularly nicely polished and brushed. I wear mine on a Watch Gecko rally strap. This kind of chronograph belongs on a rally strap. The case back is screw-down, that is to say, it uses 6 small screws to hold the case in. A rare touch of class at this price point. These retail at $220 a very reasonable price, at the time of writing they are discounted to $195.
So despite not getting the watch I ordered, I am very happy with this Hoffman Racing 40. Their range is full of very exciting colourways however I think this white deal is the pick of the bunch, it is crisp and classic.
Specifications:
- Width 40mm x length 48mm x thickness 12mm
- Seiko VK64 mechanical quartz movement
- 5 ATM / 50 meters water resistance
- 316L stainless steel
- Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Update a year into ownership
This watch has proven unexpectedly popular. As a testimony to its undeniable elegance it gets more comments than any of my other watches. This being one of the cheaper watches I own that is even more remarkable. The Racing 40 can be you DAGA watch (do anything-go anywhere) It is inexpensive and replaceable so although charming, one needn’t be too sentimental. It has 100m water resistance. That means you can engage in surface watersports and holiday beach activities. The quartz movement means that it is always showing the correct time.
When I reflect on my collection, a significant number of my purchases loose a little of their charm over time. I sell a lot of the watches I buy. My most significant disappointments being watches that I longed to own but just didn’t fit right. This watch is rather the opposite. I was a bit disappointed when I bought it as I was expecting it so be ST19 powered. However it has succeeded in charming me and I recommend one more than ever.
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