Radiomir Review

[TeeJay]

Okay, so I didn't have anything to do this morning, and, knowing that this watch will only be under my protection for another four days, I figured I'd best review it while I had the chance The watch in question, is a Radiomir ordered for one of my best friends' birthdays. As folks may have read, this was not the exact model watch I ordered, but, due to mentioning this particular model, with regards a strap change, (which I wanted for myself) it's easy to see how the error could have arrisen. We're all Human, we all make mistakes, and, the dealer in question was extremely apologetic. I could have returned it for exchange, but, due to the time it would have taken to reach China, the return time for the replacement would likely have been the day we leave for the birthday, which would have been cutting things a little too close, as without it, there would be no gift, so I decided to just keep the watch received. In all honesty, it is still a nice watch in it's own right. Not quite a 210, but something close, and certainly worthy of wrist-time and appreciation.

About my review:

In writing this review, I am going to follow the style of a review which ultimately led to my interest in Omega watches, and ultimately reps, John B. Holbrook, II's excellent comparitive review, Omega Seamster Professional Vs Rolex Submariner.

I am going to be judging the watch as objectively, and honestly as possible, giving justifications for my reasonings as I go. These scores are purely based upon my own observations and opinions about the watch, people are free to agree or disagree as they wish.

A note about my 'scoring system':

I will be scoring on a scale of 0 - 10, with 5 being the mid-way score. A score of 5, would mean that the 'aspect' performs its intended function. And no more. A score of five, in academic terms, would be considered 'a pass', but the lowest possible pass, and single lower mark would have meant a failing grade. Respectively, a 0 reflects a total failure to perform the designated role, and a 10 represents a performance of the designated role which goes 'above and beyond', and could not possibly be better.

Let's get started...

CASE:

Pretty awesome, really. Classic cushion-shaped Radiomir case. Cleanly executed, highly polished, nice etchings on rear corners. Designed for use in naval combat, so not requiring any embelishments. Utilitarian, but elegant. My one gripe is no crown-guards of any kind, which leaves the crown hideously exposed to impact (when worn on the left wrist)

RATING: 8 (would be higher, if crown-guards were present)

BEZEL:

Not much to say here. Does what it's supposed to do...

RATING: 10

CASEBACK:

Simplicity itself. Crisp, clear engravings. Mineral crystal affords excellent view of Asian Unitas 6497 movement. Saphire would be nice, but, in all honesty, not necessary.

RATING: 9

CROWN:

The unprotected onion crown features well-defined ridges as a gripping surface, and the logo. The ridges are easy to grip, and give firm resistance for operation of the crown. Crown screws in and out smoothly without hint of 'grinding' or 'stripping'.

RATING: 10

DIAL:

One of the highlights of the watch. Color is charcoal grey, with white printing. Dial indices are elegant and, while certainly not as attention-grabbing as a sandwich dial, still appealing and attractive. Lume is nothing special. If lume was of the standard on my PVD 111g, it would have been a flawless aspect.

RATING: 9

HANDS:

Large, straight, hands are easy to read at a glance. Something I cannot identify, seems 'off' about them. When they are not reflecting silver, it is not an issue, so this could be a case of black hands suiting this watch better. Functionally, they are fine, but aesthetically, they do the watch no favors.

RATING: 8

CRYSTAL:

Slightly domed saphire crystal does not distort the view of the dial in any way.

Rating: 9 (would be 10 if AR coated)

STRAP:

Instead of being on a leather strap, I specifically installed a 26mm Caoutchouc-style rubber dive strap, so it would better fit in with my friend's wardrobe. Takes away much of the elegance which the Radiomir is currently popular for, but, does harken back to it's original military origins. The thick ends of the strap do make the watch appear somewhat 'flat', compared to how a 127, fitted with the same strap, would look. However, strap is comfortable and not too much of a 'dust trap'. Markings and lettering on strap surfaces is crisp and clear.

RATING: 8

BUCKLE:

Buckle has no sharp edges to damage the strap in any way. Highly polished, with well executed etchings rather than engravings.

RATING: 9

VERSATILITY:

The Radiomir is incredibly versatile, based upon strap chosen to accompany the watch. Incredibly elegant on crocodile, casual on honey/tan, and functional on rubber. I can undestand why many choose the Radiomir as a 'dress watch', although in the case of it's intended owner, it will likely never be worn with a suit, hense the choice of strap.

RATING: 10

UNSCORED EXTRAS:

Given that I don't have the time, or the budget to replace this watch before my friend's birthday, this is a testament to the confidence I have in it, and by extension, the dealer I bought it from.

What's this?!

What am I doing?!

A rep near water?!

Try not to sh*t yourselves in excitement

Not a hint of fogg- OH NO!!!!

HAHA, it was just condensation on the outside of the case

Submarine-style:

CONCLUSIONS:

POSSIBLE SCORE: 100

OVERALL SCORE: 90

Overall, this watch is very nice. For my own personal collection, I would prefer a Radiomir with a sandwich dial, but, as I keep reminding myself, this watch is not mine, nor intended to be part of my collection, so I have tried to judge it as objectively as possible.

As stated above, these opinions are solely my own, and others are free to agree or disagree with them as they wish. I hope this has been an informative review, thanks for reading

Edited February 18, 2008 by TeeJay

[Victoria]

TeeJay, what ARE YOU DOING?? Two stellar reviews in less than one week, madness!

Great stuff. How to describe the impact of this photo?

Or the simple lines of this:

Wrapped up in this:

Magic!

...don't care for the silvery hands. I think it's distracting somehow. And that rubber strap's gotta go (I know I know, I read why). But this is a seriously humping watch.

Thanks for the awesome effort!

[its_urabus]

thanks for the write up. I love that watch....

[b16a2]

Nice review, and a beautiful watch!

[TeeJay]

Thanks Victoria I felt it was time I made some contribution to the community, and at present, reviews is the best way I can do that It also gave me something to do this morning

Those two photos... Want to know why the majority of the water shots were 'off the wrist'? By the time I'd taken the second photo, my hand and lower arm were numb I took two photos to show the doming of the crystal, that one, and a second one without shadows. I felt that one drew more attention to the watch

Glad you enjoyed the review When my friend starts wearing smart shoes rather than trainers, I'll get him some decent straps for the watch