nywatchfan
3T WIS
| Joined: | Tue Nov 1st, 2011 |
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| Posts: | 20 |
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I have been curious about Benarus and lusting for the Moray since the Moray 2. But with such limited pieces and thus limited reviews, i waited. Recently I had an email communication with Steve L. of Benarus and he shared that one of his pre-order customers would be cancelling for the black dial bead blasted case that you see below. After a couple questions answered i jumped at the opportunity to own #73.
To give you some background, I have owned a few watches. I've Sold off a Rolex Date Just, Ball Engineer Master II Diver COSC titanium, and yes, even my recent grail acquisiton my Omega Planet ocean. On the lower end of the spectrum I have owned dozens of Invicta watches which are now all sold and gone to new homes. Also have owned a few Deep Blue diver watches as well.
The only timepiece i have become attached to and I cannot part with thus far, has been my Hamilton Jazzmaster power reserve with ETA 2897. for dress it is a killer value watch, that looks so much more luxury than what the cost was, and it was a dear gift.
the Benarus Moray 3 may become only the 2nd watch to do the same. My summary is that it is the perfect watch if you are looking for a diver that can pull off many various looks. From the rugged look of a Hamilton Khaki, to the bravado of a Panerai, and utilitarian tool of Thor's hammer.
The bead blasting is excuisite. no rough patches anywhere, much like the perfect paint job of a classic sports car. Which brings me to the case. I do not know if this is a custom case that begins from CAD designs, but there is def homage lines to a Panerai. The only micro brand that I have seen with a casee similar has been Magrette. Regardless, the case lines are vintage, the kind you would expect to see in the window of a watch maker's store in the 50s, abliet now in 44mm.
The heartbeat is powered by the new Miyota 9015, which beats 28.8, much like the ETA 2824. Steve L. from Benarus has shared his opinion that he feels the Miyota is a better decorated movement and in some aspects better, example being the efficiency of the rotor. I can attest that when trying to spin the rotor by shaking my wrist, the rotor sounds like it is spinning a lot longer after my arm has stopped, vs an ETA 2824 powered watch. I will have to report later on accuracy as this just landed on my wrist.
Presentation is excellent for this price point. The box/casing is rugged canvas case with the Benarus tri-dolphin logo. Benaraus was gracious enough to throw in a free bead blasted buckle when i told them I was ordering a custom strap. Also came with screw driver and set of spring bars.
The Moray dial face is so clean and easy to read time. the black is a nice deep color. Not matte, but not too shiny to give off glare either. The bezel is 120 clicks and very mechanical. a joy to operate as it aligns perfectly to 12 oclock and with all the index markers on the face. The hands are fairly standard, but the minute hands have three lume boxes vs two on the hour hand, making it easier to discern which is which in darkness. The lollipop seconds hand is a nice touch of class while remaining fun in spirit. The double domed sapphire cystral is also easy on the eyes.
The lume is excellent and i will let the pics speak for themselves.
What is striking to me is that the Benarus Moray can be so many things for the owner. By choosing various strap colors, textures and buckles, you can dress this watch up for the boardroom, to weekend outings, and as your diving tool.
The watch comes with an excellent 24MM soft rubber that does smell like vanilla. It reminds me a lot like the $100+ isofrane, so this is a big bonus.
I currently prefer to actually wear it on the dark brown leather strap it came on. However I am getting a custom dark charcoal ostrich strap and attaching a bead blasted Benarus buckle.
Bravo Benarus. You get a standing ovation and a new customer/fan.
Lastly, as a guide for others who have sub 7" wrists, this watch works fine. My wrist is 6.75" but my wrists are flat where the face of the watch sits. Onto the pics.
(I could only manage these. originally had 24)
 Last edited on Fri Nov 4th, 2011 07:30 pm by nywatchfan
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