Initial Impressions: Uniform Wares 300

*Check out our full review of the Uniform Wares 300 here. 

The Uniform Wares 300 Chronograph is the current top of the line model offered by the relatively young English brand, which they were kind enough to lend us for a review. I mentioned them not too long ago when they released their newest model, the 150, but this is the first chance I’ve had to really experience wearing one of their watches. The 300 comes in a simple, elegant and understated package that consists of an uncoated gray paper sleeve over a matte rubberized paper box (the paper itself has a sort of soft, rubbery coating). The watch sits in a contour cut dense foam that holds the watch securely and could definitely be used for travel. Understated is the key word here, as the packaging well describes the nature of the watch itself. Uniform Wares is not one for the flashy, maintaining a line of watches and a brand image that are defined by their restraint and devotion to a clean graphic design aesthetic.  The 300 is a study in line, form and proportion. Every detail is exacting, clearly legible, and nothing detracts from the watch as a whole.

Upon removing it from the package, the build quality of the watch immediately shines. The strap is a soft and supple, the body is dense black PVD, the crown and chrono-pushers are very tight and really click in a satisfying way, thanks to the ETA quartz chronograph movment. But the most impressive aspect of the watch upon first inspection is simply the looks of it. The lug-less 42mm case wears large because of the very thin, bezel-free rim, and the 18mm strap appears thinner than usual. The contrast of the two creates a striking visual effect on the wrist. The rest of it is all face: big, clear and beautiful. It is fairly light, not too thick at about 11mm and very comfortable; the sort of watch you can wear all day effortlessly. I have immediately found myself matching my outfit more carefully to the watch, as it really feels (as all watches should!) like the centerpiece to my attire.

Full review and gallery coming soon