This is the first of many, please excuse the language and the lack of depth.
I hope you can enjoy this blog, as much as I enjoy writing it.
WATCH to LIKE
When we are talking about dive watches, what brands will come in mind? Is it the world-renowned Rolex? Maybe the formidable Omega? Or perhaps the everlasting Seiko? I bet those are the common brands we often think of when thinking about dive watches brands out there. Their quality have been proved, and without doubt will always be ones of the best dive watches. But enough with those mainstream brands, it’s time to be different.
So without further ado, WATCH to LIKE presents to you, a watch review about ARMIDA.
GET TO KNOW
ARMIDA? What in heaven’s name is that? Well, if you have never heard of it, then it’s just fine. Because I was just as confused as you are back then.
It all started that day, when I was casually browsing the internet. I remembered looking for several choices of bronze dive watches (Ancon, Helson, Heroic18, etc) and still, nothing caught my eyes. Just so you know, these are some of really nice anti-mainstream dive watch brands, they offer numerous types of bronze dive watches, but unfortunately my budget wasn’t that much at that time (I was looking for something under $400).
Why bronze, you ask? I honestly have no idea. It’s just, I’m fascinated with the vintage look & the patina effect of those bronze looks so damn badass. For some of you who aren’t familiar with the word patina, you can find it here.
So after an hour of browsing, I finally came into this forum. Just then, I found a thread reviewing this watch so-called ARMIDA, and I have to admit that their watches are very eye appealing. My curiosity lead me to their website (armidawatches.com), and to be honest it doesn’t look fancy. Don’t imagine well designed websites like the ones those top brands have, because you’ll be disappointed for sure. But hey, I’m looking for the watch, not the website, so honestly their simple design doesn’t bother me at all.
Unlike many other new brands, ARMIDA is really honest with literally everything. They are not hiding the fact that they are both producing & shipping from Hong Kong. As a new self-proclaimed watch enthusiast, I’m only familiar with Japanese (Seiko, Casio, etc) and Swiss (Swiss Army, Victorinox, etc) made watches, not to mention luxurious high-end brands such as Rolex, Panerai, IWC, Audemars Piguet, Hublot, Patek Philippe, etc. So of course there’s a little bit feeling of doubt going on in my head, whether if this brand is really reliable, are their watches really as good as their look, things like that.
ORDER & SHIPMENT
So yes, I decided to give it a go. Frankly speaking, the ARMIDA A1 42mm 300m Brass is hard to resist. It’s not just the looks that tempted me, it turn’s out that this watch is quite a beast! But we’ll talk about it later, let’s talk about something else.
Purchasing the watch. Yes, that was the first time I bought something, or a watch to be specific, from an online website. Which brand I have never heard of before, and the company selling it is only known virtually. They don’t have an office, or store, whatsoever. So even if you’re living in Hong Kong, you’ll still have to buy it online. But I finally convinced after reading some reviews and articles, one of them was from A BLOG TO WATCH (read here). The blog was so convincing that I didn’t have much choice but to buy the watch anyway.
After 4 days waiting, the long-awaited watch finally arrived! It was shipped using FedEx at 8th November 2014 and delivered at 11st November 2014. It was nicely packaged, and what surprised me the most is they really-really kept their promise, they took care of the custom fees wisely (I live in Indonesia). The watch itself cost $349, include shipping, and don’t forget the 10% Christmas Discount they were giving. So in total, it only cost $314.10, that was a really good deal. Before shipping, the man responsible in ARMIDA, named Chris (I’m not really sure whether he’s the owner or the Customer Service) replied all of my emails with much details, and even offered if I want the watch to be declared as $50, only to minimize the custom fees. The result is, I only need to pay IDR 55.000 (roughly $4.5 only!). I must say I was really impressed with their service & care, such a professional way to handle their customers for such a small company. Bravo.
THE WATCH REVIEW
Okay, this is the part you’ve been waiting for, isn’t it? Let’s just get to the point then…
The package came in a styrofoam box, ensures the safety of the watch and everything. The watch box was perfectly fitted between the styrofoam, that made it impossible to tumble around or shake, not even the slightest bit. I give it a 10 out of 10.
Styrofoam box, tightly sealed with a tape. Simple but effective
The watch box, isn’t box-shaped, it’s cylindrical instead. From what I read in several articles & forums, the container (let’s call it that from now on, it’s not box-shaped anyway) is even water-proof, really points out the dive watch feel. I got an Orange colored container which really stands out, it comes in Black too for other types. You can see a big sticker with an ‘A’ on it, which stands for ARMIDA on the side. Again, I give it a 10 out of 10.
The Watch Container. Water Proof Cylindrical Box
Inside, you’ll find the warranty card, spare lugs, and also the watch (of course) which is safely covered with foam(?). Sorry but I just can’t find the word for it, but anyway it’s in the picture, you’ll know what is it right away. It’s all nicely put in, the only thing missing is the A1 42mm doesn’t come along with extra NATO strap, while the A7 brass does. It’s not like I’m a fan of NATO straps, I don’t really like the look, but still it will be really nice to have an extra strap, doesn’t it? So yes, it kind of deduct some good points out of it, I decided to give it an 8 out of 10.
What’s inside; warranty card, spare lugs, and the watch itself
Now the watch, the long-awaited part of this long never-ending blog. Let me give you some details:
Armida A1 Brass 42mm 300m Diver
- Case: Brass
- Dial: Black
- Hands: Gold
- Lume: C3 lumed bezel, hour markers, and hands
- Case Diameter: 42mm
- Lug to Lug Distance: 46mm
- Lug Distance: 22mm
- Height: 15.2mm include the domed crystal
- Glass: 2.8mm double domed sapphire crystal, with an AR (Anti-Reflective) Coating on the inside
- Strap: 22mm rubber strap with brass buckle
- Waterproof: yes, up to 300m / 1000 feet
- Crown: screwed in and signed 8mm brass crown
- Warranty: 1 year international warranty
This watch has a really nice and tough look, yet luxurious at the same time. The combination of the brass bezel and the black dial are just perfect. Originally, you can choose between the blue, green, and brown dials too, they are also available with the sun-brushed ones, but this black dial is just really irresistible. You can also get one of these with the date function.
Mine is a black dial one, with no date. The gold hands match the black dial perfectly.
It’s not that hard to see that the dial is pretty much similar with Rolex’s, but I personally think that’s one of its good points. Having a $350 watch with a dial of a Rolex, that sounds good enough to me!
The bezel is nicely done, complete with the 120 clicks, uni-directional rotation feature, really screams out the diver watch concept. Lume is also outstanding, the C3 can stay easily visible for at least 8 hours, with a yellowish glow.
C3 lume shot, after a full charge. Very bright and clear
The crown is perfectly synced with the bezel itself, as they use the same material for it. It’s really well made and screw down smoothly, something you won’t expect to get from an inexpensive watch, right?
Screw down crown. Well made and precise
The movement is Seiko SII NH35A, automatic, running at 21.600 vph, and approximately 40 hours power reserve. Until the day I wrote this blog, it’s power reserve capability is still unchanged, it’s able to stay clicking even after 1 day of sitting still. What’s more appealing is it’s timekeeping ability, this watch runs a solid +2-3 seconds per day, both worn and sitting still.
The back case is made of stainless steel, the watch specifications and its serial number are engraved nicely. You can also find a peculiar drawing in the middle, which turns out to be a Flower of Life. I don’t know what’s the connection between the drawing and dive watches, but it’s cool though.
Stainless steel back case, simple yet luxurious details
The strap is neatly done, and have a famous ISOfrane look. It’s roughly 5mm thick and 22mm wide, completed with a brass buckle. Still match perfectly on my 6.5″ wrist (yes I know, I have a small wrist!). So for the watch, I would say it’s a really nice bargain, and what you get is pretty much a lot more than a usual $350 watch. It’s very easy to change too, you can change into any kind of straps that suit your style. You can find a small hole on the watch case, just give a poke using a Bergeon 6767-F Watch Spring Bar Tool
A 5mm thick, 22mm wide strap. Matched well with the brass buckle. ARMIDA is engraved on it
CONCLUSION
They have several types of watches, but I happen to be really interested in their brass ones. The use of bronze is common in watch-making, but brass? Well, that’s quite new for me. Brass & bronze are quite similar in looks, they have the same yellow-gold-ish feel (I don’t know the correct word for that), but bronze is somehow darker than brass, and FYI bronze is a more expensive material than brass.
Overall, I’m really satisfied, not just for the watch, but for everything aside. Starting from purchasing, customer service, delivery speed, receiving the watch, and wearing it. Until today, I’m still wearing this watch daily. I brought it swimming, running, and everything. It’s already proved its durability and reliability. The patina is developing nicely, it gradually changes naturally as I wear it, because of sweat, air, and humidity mostly. Some people will try to force the patina, with egg-treatment, vinegar-treatment, or any other methods that I’m not familiar with, but personally I prefer the natural process.
Up close and personal with the beastly watch
My companion during my holiday to Bali, Indonesia
Introducing my watch to the amusing Kuta Beach, Bali, Indonesia
Trying to be a photographer here, can’t get a decent shot though.
The second close up shot. Really thick strap, with a beastly over-sized buckle. Just perfect.
So with an average rating of 9.5 (38 out of 40), I would personally refer this watch to my friends, colleagues, and even you. Yes, you! Don’t hesitate to purchase this watch, they are able to ship worldwide, and it’s been proved. If you take a look at some forums, there are buyers from United States, France, Germany, Singapore, and even Indonesia (yeah me!) that had ordered these watches, and are as satisfied as I am. But please note that the custom fee might differ for each countries. I can’t guarantee you’ll get a fee as reasonable as mine, but as expensive as it might be, it’ll still be worth it.
WATCH to LIKE 