Hello everyone, and welcome to another of my reviews. In this article, I’ll review a pair of watches from the local accessories label Black by Blue Brave.
I’ve reviewed Black by Blue Brave’s watches previously, namely the Classic 1986 Automatic Watch and the HS7. The brand just launched its latest iteration of the Classic 1986 and sent me one for review. As it was around the festive season, I also decided to get one of their best-selling ladies watches as a gift for my mum. Let’s see if they are any good.
Black by Blue Brave Classic Automatic 1986 – Review
Like its predecessor, the new Classic Automatic 1986 features great specifications for the price.
Firstly, the Black by Blue Brave Classic 1986 Automatic uses a domed sapphire crystal. As mentioned numerous times in my previous reviews, I’m a huge advocate of sapphire crystal due to its inherent scratch-resisting properties. I always look for sapphire crystal in my modern watches as it adds greatly to the watch’s durability. It’s also worth pointing out that domed sapphire crystals are typically more expensive than flat sapphire crystals, so they are a rarity at this price point. And despite being a dress watch, the Classic 1986 Automatic has an impressive water resistance rating of 100M, rendering it robust enough for virtually all everyday activities – including rainy days.
Secondly, the Black by Blue Brave Classic 1986 Automatic remains powered by the Miyota 8215 movement, which is commonly used by affordable mechanical watches. Some specifications: the Miyota 8215 possesses a power reserve of around 42 hours, has 21 jewels, an accuracy of -20 to +40 sec per day, and hand-winds. It’s visible through an exhibition caseback and features a lovely gilded custom rotor that’s also adorned with Geneva striping – another feature that’s uncommon at this price point.
The watch comes on a glossy, genuine leather strap with alligator embossing. It’s nothing to shout about – being genuine leather, the strap will not patina over time and isn’t very durable. Still, it’s nothing a third-party option wouldn’t fix.
While the specifications remain unchanged, the dial received a big upgrade – it now features a Flinqué (i.e. waves) guilloche dial. Of course, it’s machine-stamped at this price point, but it’s still a sight to behold. The wavey guilloche is eminently striking, especially in the right sunlight. As compared to the relatively simple sunburst dial of the previous iteration, the new Flinqué Classic 1986 Automatic is definitely more attractive.
Another change is the use of applied Arabic numerals, which enhances the dressy nature of the watch. The applied nature of the Arabic numerals and logo also adds to the sense of depth, resulting in a dial that possesses both depth and texture. The slender leaf hands – as well as the lollipop second hand – tie the look together smartly.
I’m also a fan of the monochromatic all-silver aesthetic, which further elevates the formalness of the timepiece through its minimalistic elegance. However, those looking for a bolder look can consider the salmon-dial variant, which comes in a rose gold case.
Unfortunately, the bulky dimensions of the watch detract from its dressy billing. The Classic 1986 Automatic is 42mm wide and 13mm thick, which is on the larger side for a dress watch. It still fits under a shirt cuff, but just barely. Ideally, I would love for Black by Blue Brave to release a dress watch in 40mm, with a ~10mm thickness (though the latter might be difficult if the Miyota 8215 movement is used).
All in all, the new Classic 1986 Automatic is fantastic value for money. Not only does it boast great specifications for the price, but this iteration also features a striking Flinqué guilloche dial that’s rarely seen at this price point. If you’re OK with the watch’s beefier dimensions, then the Black by Blue Brave Classic 1986 Automatic may well be one of the best dress watches under S$300.
Black by Blue Brave Cherry Blossom – Review
However, Black by Blue Brave is actually better known for its female watches.
Most female watches skimp on the specifications, but the Cherry Blossom uses sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating applied.
Still, the most attractive aspect of the watch is its pretty dial, which is intricately put together. Firstly, cubic zirconia diamonds are used as hour markers at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions, giving the watch a touch of luxe. Secondly, the dial features a mother-of-pearl centre, which further enhances the opulent feel of the watch. And true to its name, the Cherry Blossom showcases sakura flowers in two aspects – engraved artwork on the dial and sakura-shaped hands. Paired with a rose gold bracelet, the Black by Blue Brave Cherry Blossom is an eminently feminine watch which offers understated luxury.
In case you’re wondering how to tell the time, the big triangular pointer represents the hour, while the smaller triangular pointer indicates the minutes. It’s a cute spin on traditional hour/minute markers, and fits the vibe of the watch to a tee. At just 32mm wide, it’s also dainty on the wrist.
At just S$239 (after the promo code below), the Cherry Blossom is a beautiful gift for a female loved one that won’t burn a hole in the pocket. My only knock is that it’s quartz, but some – especially non-watch enthusiasts – may prefer the grab-and-go convenience of a battery-powered timepiece.
Conclusion – so Black by Blue Brave Watches “shiok” or not?
Black by Blue Brave offers terrific value propositions in its timepieces. On the men’s side, the Classic 1986 Automatic is a well-specced dress watch with an alluring dial and is arguably one of the best formal options in the sub-S$300 price bracket. For ladies, the Cherry Blossom provides ample glam – diamonds, mother-of-pearl dial, rose gold bracelet, sakura-inspired aesthetics – for a surprisingly low price. With such bang-for-buck watches, it’s no wonder that the brand is quickly gaining traction not just locally but internationally as well (with branches in European countries like Bulgaria, France, and Sweden).
Those interested in purchasing from Black by Blue Brave can use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” for 25% off all items from its web-store. After the discount, the Classic 1986 Automatic would cost just S$284, while the Cherry Blossom (on a bracelet) would set you back a mere S$239. There aren’t many notable watches in the sub-S$300 price segment nowadays, so credit to Black by Blue Brave for offering noteworthy, affordable watches for both genders.
View the Classic 1986 Automatic here.
View the Cherry Blossom here.
View the full range of Black by Blue Brave’s offerings here.
P.S: Check out The Shiok Store here – it serves as a curation of my favourite products from my favourite brands.
P.P.S: Do check out the new “Discounts!” page for exclusive discounts for Wah so Shiok readers! More brands will be added very soon – stay tuned!
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P.P.P.P.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
