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The Pandial Duobox Chronograph now opts for the vigour of black!
Brellum is a niche independent watch brand that was launched just two years ago by Sebastien Muller, a fourth-generation watchmaker in the Swiss Jura. His first model, the Duobox, is a no-nonsense chronograph offering excellent value for money. Recently, the collection received a cool-looking Panda version (white dial with black sub-counters) – the “Pandial”, reviewed here – and today, this model gains boldness with a new black DLC-coated case. Meet the Brellum Duobox Pandial Black-DLC.
Powered by a COSC-certified Valjoux 7750, the Brellum Duobox features two box sapphire crystals (explaining its name). Box sapphire crystals stick out beyond the case edge/bezel. These add a cool retro and sporty flair to the watch. If these are not rare, it is truly unique to use this type of crystal for the caseback. This unusual choice offers a superb view of the chronograph movement. It also proves to offer great wearing comfort and allows for a rather slim caseband.
The Pandial was the first true evolution of the model. It was presented at the end of 2017. In addition to its black and white panda dial configuration, the model features a tachymeter bezel giving the watch a sportier look. It is also a tad larger, being 43mm in diameter compared to 41.8mm for the first version of the Duobox. Originally available in steel with several dial options, the Pandial is now presented in a black DLC-coated steel case. With its diamond-like-carbon coating, the scratch-resistant black case can take a lot of wear and tear and lends the watch a stealth mood.
The panda dial features the traditional 6-9-12 layout of the Valjoux 7750. It is nicely detailed and the high contrast definition provides excellent legibility. The target design of the small seconds brings an interesting balance. The applied facetted hour markers and the hands feature luminescent material. Last, the tachymeter scale framing the dial is a nice touch.
Flipping the watch over, the box sapphire crystal offers an interesting perspective on the automatic BR-750-1 calibre. This cam-and-lever chronograph movement is a customized version of the tried-and-tested Valjoux 7750. Brellum gets its precision certified by the COSC (the official Chronometer certification agency of Switzerland). It is finished with Geneva stripes and blued screws. The openwork rotor is emblazoned with the Brellum logo.
On the wrist, the Brellum Duobox Pandial Black DLC wears really well. It is presented on a technical black canvas (called Nebur Tec) secured by a folding buckle. It comes with an additional rubber Nato strap. Last, Brellum offers an additional free strap and buckle with each watch ordered in November using the promo code strap18.
Priced at CHF 2,590 (CHF 100 more than the non-coated steel version), the Brellum Duobox Pandial Black DLC is a great all-rounder. It is indeed a worthy pick if you’re not the type who needs a famous brand name to impress your friends. For more information, visit www.brellum.swiss.
1 response
Brellum sure are keen on emphasizing their Swiss-ness. If the usual “Swiss Made” under 6 o’clock wasn’t enough, now you can be sure with the “Swiss Watchmaking” underneath their brand logo. Do we get chocolates included in the box as well? Snark aside, I think it’s quite a handsome piece. Problem is, there doesn’t seem to be anything that sets it apart from many of the other panda-faced chronograph offerings on the market. I’m assuming it’s the polishing costs that make the non-coated version higher priced?