Historical past is a treasure trove. And the farther again {that a} legend passed off or lived, the longer the shadow it casts. And to grasp this upcoming launch from Cincinnati Watch Firm, you’ll have to be accustomed to a reputation: Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus.
Twice, within the years 458 and 439 BCE, this former consul was elevated to the place of dictator within the fledgling Roman Republic. And in every case, instantly after coping with the crises that prompted his rise, he relinquished management of the federal government and returned the reins to the Senate.
This resolve and civic integrity echoed down the ages, mirrored by the victories of George Washington and his refusal of monarchical powers. And should you haven’t guessed, that is the place town of Cincinnati attracts its identify.
What does this need to do with a watch? The eponymous hometown watchmakers are clearly followers of historical past. Cincinnati Watch Co.’s newest timepiece, “a rugged outside watch impressed by the watches worn by members of the navy whereas serving within the discipline,” attracts on the Roman penchant for prolonged titles. Its full identify is (deep breath):
The Cincinnati Watch Firm Cincinnatus Centurion Black Subject Watch ($450). And that’s the final time I’m going to sort all of it out.
There’s a charity tie-in right here, as nicely, that honors the precise career of Cincinnatus — farming and feeding. However I’ll come again to that. For now, right here’s a rundown of my take a look at loaner from Cincinnati Watch Co.
In brief: Do you want discipline watches? Do you may have $450 burning a gap in your toga? Then cease studying this overview and go preorder the Cincinnatus Centurion. With its stable motion, wonderful sizing, and completely beautiful design, this timepiece is a history-lover’s dream. Our tester could have run a bit quick, besides, there’s nothing about this watch we don’t like.
Cincinnatus Centurion Subject Watch Specs Case dimension 40 mm (48 mm lug-to-lug)
Case thickness 11.9 mm
Case materials 316L stainless-steel w/sapphire show caseback
Water resistance 100 m (10 ATM)
Crystal Double-domed sapphire with interior AR coating
Lume C3 Luminova
Motion 26-jewel Swiss Sellita SW200-1 b Elabore grade motion
Energy reserve 41 hrs.
Included strap 20mm “Navy Type” nylon strap with “Cincinnatus” engraved on the buckle Execs Wonderful craftsmanship
Historic tie-ins, and an excellent and exquisite design Cons Lengthy identify
Restricted time preorder low cost Josh Wussow
Cincinnatus Centurion Subject Watch Evaluate
Let’s get the gushing out of the way in which: I utterly adore this dial. It seems to be like a chunk of historical Roman or Greek pottery, with the textured black beneath the stately bronze of the minute/24-hour ring.
The theme continues within the palms, which vary from sword to dagger to a lume-tipped spear. And that contact of crimson on the seconds? Perfection.
Even the utilized indices have this beautiful, gilt-edged really feel, offering a depth and texture that’s really eye-catching. The Centurion can be accessible with a burgundy dial, although the black looks like a pure match for the general aesthetic.
Coming again to the lume, the Centurion’s ration of C3 Luminova is spartan, however enough. Every part seems to be a bit uninteresting in comparison with the ProTek from my earlier overview, however I had no bother studying the palms and indices at any level in a single day.
The case presents a pleasant mixture of brushed and polished metal. The unsigned, screw-down crown is practical, and the general sizing is an ideal center floor for many wrists.
And check out the sapphire case again, showcasing the Sellita SW200 motion — what a deal with, even when it’s typically hidden by the strap.
Talking of which, the included nylon is a contact thicker than the opposite NATOs in my assortment, such because the SB Strap from one other Cincinnati firm. It’s practical, nevertheless, and the heavy-duty really feel of its material goes completely with the navy theme.
There was a prickly sew or two on the wrist-facing floor. However that is frequent on most such straps, and a fast hit with a file knocked them down.
The signed buckle can be significantly neat. The makers despatched alongside a canvas strap, as nicely, which proved to be a cushty choice.
Chinks within the Armor
Prepared for the complaints? All proper, however blink and also you’ll miss ‘em.
In keeping with the maker’s web site, every Centurion is “regulated in 5 positions by our in-house watchmaker.” A report of this course of is then printed out and shipped to the client together with the timepiece.
This is a wonderful little bit of added service, demonstrating Cincinnati’s delight in its work.
However, as a lot because it pains me to say, my tester runs a bit quick. Over practically every week of fixed put on, I averaged about +7 seconds per day.
Now, this isn’t the top of the world. As I’ve stated beforehand, I’d a lot slightly have a motion run quick, because it’s straightforward sufficient to come out the crown and wait a couple of seconds to get issues again into sync. And in equity to the makers, they did state that the tester wouldn’t be coming with the aforementioned report, as thewatchmaker was out of city on the day we arrange this overview.
Nonetheless, +7 isn’t all that unhealthy, and your expertise will seemingly ring nearer to true.
Truthfully, my greatest criticism has to do with typing “Cincinnati Cincinnatus Centurion” time and again. However significantly, I get it. And whereas the identify is definitely a mouthful, it seems to be fairly good when cut up between the 12 and 6-o’clock positions on the dial.
Cincinnatus Subject Watch Conclusion
Sizzling rattling, 2023 is shaping as much as be attention-grabbing. First the Spinnaker Piccard, then the ProTek 3000 Subject, and now the Cincinnatus Centurion — every of those weighs in round $500, and all have their very own attraction. But when I had $450 mendacity round and wanted to decide on between the three, this may be my decide of the litter.
Talking of which, the Cincinnatus Centurion’s preorder sale ends on February 15! After that, patrons might be taking a look at $550 retail. However even at half a grand, I nonetheless assume this is a wonderful watch. It’s the best-looking piece within the firm’s small however enticing catalog, positively bursting on the seams with character and real retro-cool. As talked about above, the design attracts on historical inventive themes, with out feeling heavy-handed or deliberately dated.
However within the grand scheme of issues, waxing poetic about costly wristwatches is a luxurious. Now, as in historical occasions, there are those that can’t afford it eat. However this explicit timepiece, like its namesake, is doing one thing to assist. Per the corporate’s web site, “Within the spirit of civic responsibility, a portion of each sale feeds Cincinnati residents in want. Study extra about Cincinnatus, how Cincinnati was named, and the Freestore Foodbank.”
As considerate in its design as it’s towards its neighborhood. That’s look, fellow countrymen.