Fingers-On with the Rugged, Journey-Prepared, Gavox Longitude

Impressions

The Longitude is an appealingly completely different watch. At a look, the general package deal would possibly converse to varied ideas and watches from the previous (admittedly, most watches do), and but there’s a novelty to the design up shut. The 38mm cylindrical physique places a visible emphasis on the rotating bezel, which has a vaguely Explorer II look from the alternating numerals and triangles, but feels extra aggressive. The Rolex similarities rapidly finish there (and to be clear, should not a problem), as conventional lugs are changed with a faceted appendage that transitions from the case to the bracelet.

There’s a little bit of a distinction within the type of the case and the bracelet that works within the watches’ favor. The case is straightforward, compact, and a bit mid-century. The bracelet is harsh, angular, aggressive, and modern. Had the aggressive design of the bracelet been pulled into the case it could have been an excessive amount of or seemed prefer it was attempting too arduous to face out. Had the less complicated, mid-century type of the case been dominant, it may need been boring. As is, it’s balanced.

After all, that is additionally to offset the closely textured dial. Consisting of two elements and utilized markers, the dial encompasses a seemingly random motif of – nicely – you are taking your choose. Typically I believe it seems like uneven water seen from above. Different instances, it seems like chiseled stone. But others, fractured ice. It doesn’t matter what you see, it’s a pronounced, natural however harsh texture that covers every little thing however the chapter ring. Whether or not or not the rise of Grand Seiko can account for the elevated use of texture in new watches is up for debate, however whatever the inspiration, I’m completely happy to see it right here because it provides a special dimension to the watch.

The eye to detailing is carried to the markers and palms as nicely. Every marker has many aspects, a mixture of ending, and lume fill. The dauphine hour and minute palms characteristic a play in ending that offers them a way of quantity they don’t even have, taking part in off of the markers. A steep chapter ring additional provides depth to the dial. All in all, it’s fairly spectacular and fascinating.

As you’ll be able to see within the images, I used to be provided two variations of the Longitude. One in metal with a medium blue dial, the opposite black DLC with a black dial. Each seemed nice, although the distinction of the metal markers and palms towards the blue dial did make it extra legible than the very stealthy all-black mannequin. That stated, the black had just a little further perspective that made it name out to me extra after I was deciding between which to put on.

The bracelet itself is properly made and completed. It options H-links with a pointed form, brushed on the incline and polished on the sides. This creates the faceted look of the watch, taking part in off of the dial. The connecting hyperlinks are polished and rounded including distinction in end and form. All of it works. My solely difficulty, and this is perhaps “simply me” is the 2mm taper from 22mm to 20mm. It’s fairly thick and hefty. 22mm seems nice proportionally towards the case. However the slight taper simply feels very heavy on the wrist. One other two to 4 millimeters would have lightened it up considerably. Conversely, had the watch been titanium, the diminished weight may have compensated.