Stuhrling Watches – A Review

In the fast-growing market, Stuhrling watches stay close to traditional designs and adds modern twists here and there. This fine blend of old and new is what keeps collectors coming back.

Typically, a well-styled watch is one that offers sheer beauty. It does more than tell the time, it acts as an accessory that you can love and show off for many years. 

Since the first chronograph came out, its been something of a must-have within elitist groups. They were considered to be a luxury, and today’s timepieces are nothing short of that.

Nowadays, the market is full of options. There’s the classic design to smarter, fitness trackers and smartwatches. Everyone can buy a watch now!

Background

Max Stuhrling founded the company in the latter part of the 1800s. His designs contained elements inspired by Swiss movement. What he also focused on was functionality as much as design.

The brand had a revival in 1999. One of Max’s direct descendants, also named Max, had a vision for the family company following the revolution of quartz. He paired with partner George von Burg in the early noughties and evolved the collection to be intricately detailed and price accessible.

How does Stuhrling weigh up?

When Stuhrling timepieces were released for online purchase in 2002, they branded themselves as a company who exclusively made watches with Lexus movements. These movements were claimed to be a sole invention of their own. It had a precarious link to Swiss-based movements.

Stuhrling kept those Swiss components back specifically for the higher-priced models. Most of the other watches have Chinese movement that are seen quite a lot across the board.

Comparing the Chinese movement with that of other brands of similar builds, the more expensive Stuhrling models boast a movement that is far superior in terms of consistency and functionality.

They blow all competition out of the water. This is why collectors love them.

Let’s have a look a the top three Stuhrling watches for 2020.

Original Aquadiver Regatta

£99 / £77

The Aquadiver Regatta is a great sub $100 watch. It has a 42mm case, the dial of which is protected by Krysterna crystal. Inside is Swiss-made quartz movement. Already you can see you’re getting a lot for not a lot.

The watch has a basic shape that doesn’t stand out much. The lugs and crown guard are both rounded smoothly.

The lugs are curved, facing downward. This particular feature is great for a daintier wrist. These lugs mean the watch sits as flush to the wrist as possible.

Both the case and wristband are made from stainless steel. This won’t corrode if subjected to saltwater often. Which is possible when this watch is also water-resistant up to 200m. You can safely snorkel and dive in this. Which is quite critical when it’s considered to be a diving watch.

The crown is screw-in, too. This is a key feature for any watch you intend to get wet.

It has an analogue display that has big white numbers on a black face. The contrast means it’s really easy to read. The hands are also luminous which is perfect for any time-telling under the water where lighting is poor.

Thanks to the stainless steel, this is a perfect daily watch. It’ll fit in just as well with your office suit as your wet suit. If you planned to keep it on at the gym, though, you might come unstuck. It’s not the most comfortable if you’re getting sweaty. But, you can change the band if you want.

Advantages

• Superb value for money
• Great design 
• Great readability 
• Perfect for small wrists

Disadvantages 

• The date is difficult to read
• The bezel can become loose
• The stainless steel bracelet isn’t suitable for the gym

Original Aviator

$90 / £70

A beautiful-looking classic. This Japanese quartz watch has a 44mm case which, despite the size, is understated. It has the same Krysterna crystal protecting the dial, which is shatterproof. This is another awesome everyday watch that you can rely on during more demanding times.

The design is simple but there are some clever details that make it interesting. The face is a charcoal colour and textured, which gives it a unique contrast from the numbers. It has a leather band that boasts silver studs located close to the lugs. This makes it look a bit bolder than your average leather-banded classic.

One of the best features is the day of the week window, which is shown to you as a numbered date. The face, on the whole, isn’t cluttered.

The leather band is calfskin, so you know it’s comfortable. It stays put better than a stainless steel alternative would. You can wear it in the pool or shower, as it’s 100m water-resistant, but it’s not advised.

Advantages

• Unique but subtle details
• Shatterproof crystal is great for sporty people
• Time markers and hands are luminous for readability in low-lighting

Disadvantages

• You have to manually adjust the calendar 
• Leather band will eventually wear down

Original Atrium Auto Skeleton

$114 / £94

The Atrium is another traditional timepiece with incredibly bold detail. It’s still an everyday watch but it’s got a special vibe about it compared to more basic alternatives.

The polished stainless steel case is 42mm, with a matching bezel, which is bevelled.

It’s an automatic so it has self-winding movement. 

Again we see the signature Krysterna crystal which is protective against shattering. 

The face is partially-skeleton so you get to see the movements. You can see it from the back, too. This skeleton feature is what really brings this watch to life.

There are Roman numerals on the silver analogue display. They give off great readability. It also has Breguet-style hands in a bold blue.

The alligator leather strap is a delicious dark brown. It blends in perfectly with many kinds of outfit. It’s only 22mm thick so it’s big enough to offer comfort but not too thickset to be restrictive.

Advantages

• Goes great with everything
• Doesn’t need a battery
• Water-resistant up to 50m, so you can shower in it

Disadvantages

• Hands are not luminous
• Not for use during sporting activities 
• If left unworn, it will slow down

Summary 

So here you have it! A wonderful budget-friendly option that offers a unique style. 

If you like the idea of the skeleton feature, check out our review of others, here.

If you want to continue your homework on budget watches that look expensive, we have a review for men, and also one for women. Happy hunting!

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