I've recently decided to downsize my watch collection.
It was a decision based on having a sain, wearable collection. It was about not feeling guilty for the watches that didn't get enough wrist time. It was about enjoying the watches and not lusting after the next one. I sold the Sinn 356 Pilot, Steinhart Ocean 39, Dan Henry 1964, Seiko Chronograph, and gave away a few Casios and chinese "clomages".
You can take a look at the current collection here. Rolex, Omega, Tudor, Longines, Tag Heuer.
Of course, after selling all these I noticed a watch missing: the all purpose watch, not expensive, apropriatte for travelling, to the beach and ocasionally to the office. It would have to look good with steel, sailcloth and rubber straps and provide wrist presence satisfaction. The Steinhart OO39 used to be this watch, but a bit close to the Rolex Submariner, despite having, in my opinion, a character of its own.
As a watch enthusiast I didn't have to do much research, I'd seen this watch around. But now, with the decision to downsize the collection, the stakes were higher. I had to choose wisely, if you know what I mean (Indiana Jones nod to my generation folks). I'm finally wearing all my watches on rotation and don't intend to start collecting microbrands again.
I wanted a diver watch with a classic look (sweet spot is 39mm - 40mm), but that distanced itself from the Rolex Sub and Tudor BB, already in the collection. The dial had to have a distinctive appeal and the finishing of the materials had to be oustanding. This is when the RICHARD LEGRAND OCEANFARER came into the scene.
It was a decision based on having a sain, wearable collection. It was about not feeling guilty for the watches that didn't get enough wrist time. It was about enjoying the watches and not lusting after the next one. I sold the Sinn 356 Pilot, Steinhart Ocean 39, Dan Henry 1964, Seiko Chronograph, and gave away a few Casios and chinese "clomages".
You can take a look at the current collection here. Rolex, Omega, Tudor, Longines, Tag Heuer.
Of course, after selling all these I noticed a watch missing: the all purpose watch, not expensive, apropriatte for travelling, to the beach and ocasionally to the office. It would have to look good with steel, sailcloth and rubber straps and provide wrist presence satisfaction. The Steinhart OO39 used to be this watch, but a bit close to the Rolex Submariner, despite having, in my opinion, a character of its own.
As a watch enthusiast I didn't have to do much research, I'd seen this watch around. But now, with the decision to downsize the collection, the stakes were higher. I had to choose wisely, if you know what I mean (Indiana Jones nod to my generation folks). I'm finally wearing all my watches on rotation and don't intend to start collecting microbrands again.
I wanted a diver watch with a classic look (sweet spot is 39mm - 40mm), but that distanced itself from the Rolex Sub and Tudor BB, already in the collection. The dial had to have a distinctive appeal and the finishing of the materials had to be oustanding. This is when the RICHARD LEGRAND OCEANFARER came into the scene.
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And what an amazing watch!
It has a 40mm case diameter, 46mm lug-to-lug, 20mm lug width. The dial finishing and details are sublime. I went with the black matte dial (there's a blue and a white) for versatilty. It really absorbes the light in a way that highlights the applied markers, with numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9. The printing is refined, with a touch of red, and the hands are well proportioned, long and classicly shaped. The bezel is polished ceramic, reminiscence of the Fifty-Phatoms but flatter and thiner. Of course saphire crystal and great lume. The case is fine brushed on the sides and upper lugs, with chamfered polished edges, and the case back is nicely engraved. It houses the Miyota high-beat 9039 movement.
I see influences of Fifty-Phatoms, IWC, Glashutte divers, and yet this watch has a look of its own. Well done RLG!
The watch came in a leather-type roll, with an aditional tropical rubber strap and strap changing tools. Costs 389USD
The only complaint I have about this watch is the bracelet. Not that it's not good looking and well finished, with flat links that play well with the light, but it's bulky with a 20mm clasp. In my opinion, it should tapper to 16mm and have a smaller clasp. Not a comfortable and flattering wear.
It has a 40mm case diameter, 46mm lug-to-lug, 20mm lug width. The dial finishing and details are sublime. I went with the black matte dial (there's a blue and a white) for versatilty. It really absorbes the light in a way that highlights the applied markers, with numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9. The printing is refined, with a touch of red, and the hands are well proportioned, long and classicly shaped. The bezel is polished ceramic, reminiscence of the Fifty-Phatoms but flatter and thiner. Of course saphire crystal and great lume. The case is fine brushed on the sides and upper lugs, with chamfered polished edges, and the case back is nicely engraved. It houses the Miyota high-beat 9039 movement.
I see influences of Fifty-Phatoms, IWC, Glashutte divers, and yet this watch has a look of its own. Well done RLG!
The watch came in a leather-type roll, with an aditional tropical rubber strap and strap changing tools. Costs 389USD
The only complaint I have about this watch is the bracelet. Not that it's not good looking and well finished, with flat links that play well with the light, but it's bulky with a 20mm clasp. In my opinion, it should tapper to 16mm and have a smaller clasp. Not a comfortable and flattering wear.
 Artem Sailcloth - BEST |  RLG OEM buckle |
What I was not expecting was that this watch would be such a "STRAP MONSTER". As it had the bent bars for the rubber strap it came with, I though the lugs would be too short to support most straps, but no. I'm telling you, I've tried most of the 20mm straps I had laying around and every strap looks great on this watch. Canvas, Rubber, Sailcloth and Leather. It's by far the most versatile watch I've had for different straps. The short lugs, althought tight, fit most straps and in fact avoid that large gap that a few watches have between the strap bar and the case.
Overall a great looking watch, all the right features and lots of strap fun.
Overall a great looking watch, all the right features and lots of strap fun.
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On a side note.
I had a few interactions with RLG and it is one of the best costumer services I've seen by a brand.
Stay safe!
A few links to Youtube reviews:
Watch Collecting Strategy - best affordable diver in the collection
Just the Watch - perfect one watch collection
WatchChris - best microbrand watch of 2020
Random Rob - why isn't everyone talking about this watch
I had a few interactions with RLG and it is one of the best costumer services I've seen by a brand.
Stay safe!
A few links to Youtube reviews:
Watch Collecting Strategy - best affordable diver in the collection
Just the Watch - perfect one watch collection
WatchChris - best microbrand watch of 2020
Random Rob - why isn't everyone talking about this watch