 Arena Sport "Biretro"
 by dario @royaloakclub.com
date June 2005
owned since March 2004
rating 7 out of 10
|
|
|
| |
|
| First Contact |
|
| |
My first sighting of this watch was in "Cigar Aficionado", a wonderful publication that I recommend wholeheartedly. I had a "Delphis" in the past that turned out to be a Lemon which I wanted to substitute. As time progresses my taste in watches has been evolving into either the more "Eccentric" pieces or the very "Classic" mechanism. This one would fall into the more eccentric category. I was also intrigued by the "off-the-path" design, which back then was something different. So I went to my favorite dealer and ordered it. It took 6 months of waiting... This was especially difficult when some of these "Biretros" popped up at Gray-Market dealers for outrageous discounts, but since I already committed to it... |
| Impressions |
| |
I must say that when I went to collect it and opened the box I was overwhelmed, so was the dealer. We both did not expect the watch to have such an outstanding finishing and immaculate presentation. It was quiet a bit larger than I had anticipated. It is really well balanced in the overall proportions and design although they could have done some more work on the Crown which is a bit to over-designed for my taste and stick out a bit too much. The sides of the case could also be an over-design problem since it is not even but has a spoke wheel design. It tends to collect dirt over time, but nothing that a soft-bristle toothbrush wont solve. |
| Day-to-Day |
| |
It is quiet an eye catcher and great at parties, especially with the girls. What seemed surprising to me is the "positive" feedback that I received regarding this piece. Because of its rather extravagant (not any more) look I was certain to get extreme reactions, either very positive or very negative. This was not so, in fact the responses where all positive, even from people that I would never suspect they might go for something of this sort. |
| Accuracy |
| |
The watches performance was quiet acceptable within the 5+ seconds range if worn. however, I noticed quiet a dramatic 20+ seconds if rested over-night on its side. I like the fact that it has the date and a large seconds hand. At the begging I had to reset the mechanism due my dealers mishandling of the watch... tried so set the date backwards. It was not to easy but the result was more that acceptable. It is great that the GGs have the reset capability! |
| Verdict |
| |
I must say that unlike the other Retrograde this one has been working like a charm. At around 6 Gs (some can be even found for little over 4 Gs) there is little that can beat this. It is unfortunate that the market never understood this watch, who knows one day...
|
| |
| |
KRONOSBLOG