Product Review - The Comanche Watch By Chronodos

Craig of That Dapper Chap reviews the 'Comanche' artisan watch from Chronodos

Product

Today's product review is all about this beauty, the 'Conamche' artisan wristwatch by Chronodos.

Chronodos specialise in more unusual looking watches. "we want to offer men around the world unique alternatives to most generic and boring watches that you'll find elsewhere" say the guys at Chronodos and they seek inspiration for their designs from various sources including architecture, movies, people from history and nature.

Enjoying a coffee wearing mr Chronodos watch

The leather that they use on the watch cuffs generally from Italy and is specifically tailored to your wrist. When you purchase your watch you have to specify the exact measurement of your wrist, making it specific to you and you alone. It's very easy to do and takes just a few seconds.

The details:

Case material: stainless steel
Case diameter: 38 mm
Face diameter: 33 mm
Bezel width: 2.5 mm
Band material: Italian leather
Band width: 44 mm
Clasp: single push button deployment clasp
Dial window material: crystal mineral glass
Display: analog with semi skeleton
Movement: manual

Other watches available from Chromnodos

Price

Priced at £98.00 ($139/€125)the cost is very reasonable for what you get. It's not a high end piece but will make a nice gift.

The 'Comanche' watch with Italian leather cuff

Packaging & Presentation

My watch arrived well packed in a padded envelope. Inside was a wooden box with the brands name carved into the lid which is a really nice touch.

The Chronodos presentation box with carved lid

I'm not sure if my package received a bump or two on its way to me but the box was unfortunately broken and had come apart at one of the joints, which meant that the lid wouldn't close properly. If I was giving this to someone as a gift I would have had to fix it first so this was a little disappointing.

The broken corner of my presentation box

Inside the box and the foam paper wrapping

Inside the box I found my watch wrapped in foam paper. It would have been nice to find a cushioned pad or something a little nicer than foam paper, but this is just the packaging and only really important if you are indeed giving this watch as a gift.

Performance

Firstly, the watch fits my wrist perfectly and is nice and snug. As with all of my watch reviews, I set the time by the Speaking Clock and checked back in 24 hours later. I'm pleased to say that the watch kept perfect time.

Time for coffee

As this watch has a cuff rather than the traditional strap it can feel a little big on the wrist, and I did know that I was wearing it. This could simply be because I'm used to a thin strap.

Pertinency

If you're a guy who likes something a little different on your wrist take a look at Chronodos. If you're into Steampunk, this may appeal as the general aesthetic lends itself to this trend.

If on the flip side you prefer your timepieces simple and classic I wouldn't recommend this watch for you.

A closer look at the 'Comanche' watch

Pro’s & Con’s

I really like the watch face, particularly the semi skeletonisation. Its unusual design is very appealing and it feels like a good quality item.

For me the packaging lets the piece down and if the brand wanted to improve on anything I would politely suggest that they spend some time here.

There were no instructions or paperwork with the watch but I do know that they offer a full refund policy.

Instructions would have been great however as I wasn't entirely sure if this was a wind up watch or battery operated. That could just be my naivety!

The semi Skeleton watch, a standard design element for Chronodos

People

This watch really polarised the team. Those who liked it, really liked it and those who didn't were somewhat less positive about its charms.

Matt noted "It has a nice controlled action and doesn’t feel to big on the wrist. I just don’t like the strap"

When he initially opened the box he said that "I like the two tone leather but not the chunkiness of it. The watch feels better made than the box would indicate"

A look at the made to measure italian leather cuff

The enigmatic Mr G commented "It would go very well with a pair of smart slacks for walking out with a lady" Quite so Mr G!

Harry commented "I really don't like it, it's horrible" but Courtney really liked it, particularly the skeletonisation.

Side view of the 'Comanche' watch

Précis

Overall I like the watch. It doesn't lend itself to every occasion and I'd suggest it's more of a casual watch, great dressed down with jeans and a sweater.

It's a good price point and the quality feels very good.