Introducing: The Colorful Batavi Marina Chronograaf

March 18, 2012

It s summer in the Northern Hemisphere, so it s time to dust off your colorful watches. If you haven t got any colorful options in your watch box yet, look at the new Marina Chronograaf collection by Batavi. As always, the Dutch brand offers surprising color combinations, and the modest pricing turns these models into perfect bonus watches. Of course, if you re just getting into the hobby, one of these pieces could also serve as a vibrant and affordable first mechanical watch.I have already handled quite a few Batavi watches. They re often original takes on watches with classic complications or specific design features. First, there was the Kosmopoliet GMT, and then came the Architect, which had an integrated bracelet. Finally, I checked out the Geograaf in both GMT and worldtimer formats. What all those watches have in common is their Dutch names and, importantly, their colorful accents. In that respect, the new Batavi Marina Chronograaf also doesn t disappoint. Let s take a look.The Batavi Marina ChronograafThe new Batavi Marina Chronograaf has a 38mm stainless steel case with a mix of polished and brushed finishes. Its lugs span 46mm from tip to tip, and the case is 13.5mm thick, including the domed sapphire crystal. The stainless steel quick-release three-row bracelet mimics the sharp and angular lines, making it a nice match. It also features toolless micro-adjustment in its clasp, so, after removing excess links, you can get a perfect fit with just the push of a button.On the right side of the case, you find the pushers and the push-pull crown. With the latter, you can operate the hand-wound Seagull ST1901 chronograph movement, which is visible through the case back s sapphire window. This caliber runs at a frequency of 21,600vph, features 21 jewels, and holds a power reserve of 45 or 50 hours. This depends on whether you use the chronograph function often or not. The steel frame of the case back also indicates that the Marina Chronograaf is water resistant to 50 meters. A transparent sandwich dialBatavi offers four colorways for the Marina Chronograaf. The first one has a pink and turquoise gradient dial. It s called Sunrise and features Eastern Arabic numerals. The next one is called Mist, which has a snow-white dial, light blue lume on the hour and minute hands, and light blue accents on the 30-minute counter. The Sand option features a beige dial with orange, brown, and blue accents. Finally, there s the Night version, which is mainly black but has pink, green, and purple accents.All the dials have a sandwich construction, with color on the bottom layer and a transparent top layer with openings for the two concentric-grained sub-dials. The hour markers, minute track, logo, and Marina Chronograaf name are printed on top of the transparent layer. This creates a nice sense of depth and makes the sub-dials stand out. Which version is your favorite? I think I d go for the classic Sand option. On the wristThe Batavi Marina Chronograaf is quite compact for a mechanical chronograph and will wear well on wrists of many sizes. I like how the colored accents on the different dials can pique one s interest, but the beveled case and bracelet also shimmer nicely in the light. Meanwhile, the links articulate well, and it s easy to find the right fit with the toolless micro-adjuster.Available nowIt s cool how fresh and fun Batavi s watches always feel. The new Marina Chronograaf models certainly put smiles on our faces when we unpacked them in the office for the first time. They might not be Swiss-made watches, and the specs are quite basic, but for a retail price $699 (or $649 during the introduction period), these chronographs are a great catch.What do you think of the new Batavi Marina Chronograaf collection? Which version would you pick? Let me know in the comments below.Watch specifications Brand Batavi Model Marina Chronograaf Dial Black with pink, green and purple accents (Night), white with light blue accents (Mist), beige with orange, brown and blue accents (Sand), or turquoise and pink gradient (Sunrise), sandwich construction with colored base layer and transparent top layer, with cutouts for two sub-dials, printed indexes and minute trackCase Material Stainless steelCase Dimensions 38mm (diameter) 46mm (lug to lug) 13.5mm (thickness)Crystal Domed sapphireCase Back Sapphire and stainless steel Movement Seagull ST-1901: manual winding, 21,600vph frequency, 50-/45-hour power reserve (chronograph off/on), swan-neck regulator, 21 jewelsWater Resistance 50 meters (5 ATM)Strap Stainless steel three-row bracelet with quick-release spring bars and toolless micro-adjustment in claspFunctions Time (hours, minutes, small seconds), chronograph (30-minute register, central seconds)Price $699 ($649 during introduction period)