Magrette Waterman | Watch Review

Magrette Waterman

The Magrette Waterman is the latest release from the New Zealand microbrand, and one many have been looking forward to. Well, if you are a fan of micro brands or Magrette that is. And when I say they have been looking forward to it, not exactly this particular model, but one that measures in at 42mm. Yes, Magrette released two new models so far this year, both 42mm in size, this Waterman model and a reissue of the Regattare 2011. Using that classic cushion case shape that is their bread and butter, the Waterman comes in the full black PVD like you see in my review and also a brushed/polished stainless model. When it was announced last year what models Magrette was introducing, many started clamoring for this model as it was a brand new model in many ways, and it also showed a mock-up of a Tropic style rubber strap. So, take a look at the specs below, and then read on to find out why Magrette has the following they do.

Magrette Waterman Specifications:

• MODEL: MOANA PACIFIC WATERMAN
• MOVEMENT: 9015 MIYOTA WITH HACKING SECONDS
• CASE DIAMETER: 42MM EXCLUDING THE CROWN
• CASE LENGTH: 5OMM
• LUG WIDTH: 22MM
• CASE THICKNESS: 15MM INCLUDING CRYSTAL
• CASE FINISH: 316L STAINLESS STEEL & PVD
• CROWN: SCREW DOWN CROWN.
• CRYSTAL: SAPPHIRE (HIGH DOMED), AR COATING.
• WATER-RESISTANCE: 200M/20ATM WATER RESISTANCE
• STRAP: 1X RUBBER
• LIMITED EDITION: 500 PIECES PER COLOR
• MOVEMENT: MIYOTA 9015

Price $585 USD

The Magrette Waterman has a vintage vibe to it, with its smaller case size, the very thick crystal, (though this is sapphire, not acrylic,) and the tropic style rubber strap. As  is the trend these days, what’s old is new and many watch enthusiasts dig the vintage look. Brands from mainstream to micro are doing vintage inspired pieces or doing re-issues of their classic models from the 60’s and 70’s.

One standout feature is the sandwich dial. Many companies do sandwich dials these days, but many times we see them done with numbers as opposed to markers. It is a great look and and the cutouts are smooth and clean. Some will recognize the stoplight style second hand from the Seiko 6105. While the idea was not a Magrette original, it is still a second hand we do not see often, and I quite like it. The PVD version has a monochrome look about it, with the exception of red used for the words “Moana Pacific” and the second hand, giving it a just a splash of color.

While the aluminium bezel insert does not have elapsed timing markers that we have become accustom to with a dive watch, it it is rated to 200 meters and is equipped with a screw down crown.  I am not really sure what the reasoning behind the bezel numbers are, my only thinking is that it can be used with the markers, or instead of, for regular timekeeping. It can possibly be used as a second time zone as well. Both the bezel and crown operate flawlessly, with the crown being solid and easy to wind and the bezel ratcheting as it should be with no play at all.

Ah, that damn crystal. Yes, let me talk about the crystal for a moment. I know MANY have expressed the love of this crystal, at least on our social media accounts. Yes, it is a throwback of sorts and for the most part, it does look cool, but personally, I do not like it. I would just prefer a standard dome or flat crystal. It is no doubt thick though and should be able to handle a good amount of abuse, and of course for the most part, you wont scratch sapphire. My biggest issue with it, is the distortion it causes. Keep in mind, again, this is me being picky about aesthetic and has nothing to do with the quality of the watch or crystal.

For some reason, I long for the days when companies produced solid case backs with nice stamped or engraved logos and such. Seems more and more are going the exhibition case back route. When it comes to a nice dress style watch with a beautiful movement, I’m all for it. When it comes to a Miyota 9015 based diver, I think solid is the way to go. Granted, the Magrette Waterman does have some nice details added to the border of the movement and the sapphire crystal covering it, so at least it is not Plain Jane like some companies do.

Lume junkies will love the beautiful and long last longing dual color lume used on the Waterman. C1 blue and C3 green are the compounds used, which was surprising to me. In the video, I incorrectly say it is BGW9, as it was much brighter than C1 I have seen used in the past.

My one little point of contention would be the Tropic Style rubber strap. Let me be clear, for the most part it is comfortable. The issue I have is it is polyurethane and not a natural rubber. The Magrette Waterman strap is not as pliable as say an Isofrane but it is not as rigid as an old Casio or Seiko strap. As I said, I had no issues wearing it, but it is just the feeling of it, its just a little off to me, you know? Look wise, it is great, and of course completes the vintage style the entire watch has going on. To cap it off, you have the great CNC Magrette buckle.

Wrist Shot on 7 1/2 inch wrist

Magrette continues to produce what brought them to the table, and they did not disappoint me with the Waterman. The vintage styling is there, without making it look exactly like something from the late 60’s.  I would love the rubber strap to be a natural rubber composite, but overall the  Magrette Waterman is well executed for its price point.  http://www.magrette.com

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