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Bomberg Watches is a new Swiss timepiece company boasting “cast-iron tradition” for customers “who wear their lion hearts on their sleeves.” Bravado aside, I have to say that the company’s launch lineup of 52 watches from 3 lines–the 1968, Maven, and Semper collections–are aimed to impress with quality build materials, an assortment of color ways, and all priced under $700.
The Maven collection consists of 16 watches in either 44mm or 39mm stainless steel or PVD coated cases, a variety of dial and band color options, and either Miyota OS25 Chronographs with retrograde 1/20 sec or Miyota 8215 Automatic movements. All models have screwed down case backs, mineral crystals with anti-reflective sapphire coating, luminova, and 100m water resistance. Prices range from $625 to $695.
In the Semper collection you’ll find 14 watches–with 42mm or 39mm stainless steel, brushed Rose Gold, or PVD coated cases and Miyota OS21 Chronograph movements across the board. An interesting component of the Semper models is the addition of a telemeter scale, a feature that can be used to time the distance of lightning. This scale is also joined by a tachymeter and maintains the sporty aesthetic shared with the other Bomberg lines, however its more traditional styled cases make it the most versatile if you wanted to dress it up or down. A whole bevy of color options doesn’t hurt either. Prices range from $495 to $580.
Perhaps the best exhibition of Bomberg’s many “man-isms” slathered across their website is the 1968 collection. To put it simply, these watches are bad-ass (just take a look at the 44mm Chrono model in all black). The interesting thing about the 1968 Chronograph models is the location of the crown and pushers–they’re on the top. This design has been known as the “Bullhead” and was popular in sportier watches of the late 60s and early 70s. It’s definitely a unique approach to case design and one that is rather risky for the non-chrono models where the crown (sans pushers) is on top. That being said, it may just be what distinguishes these watches from the herd.
The movement in the 1968 Chronographs is a Miyota OS11, it also has a tachymeter, nickel hands with luminova, and 100m water resistance. The 1968 Automatic watches are powered by Miyota 8215 movements, these models lose the chrono pushers at the top of the case, but retain the crown in the same location. The dial differs as well, with the two-eye chrono/tachymeter design being swapped out for a date window and central hour circle. The 1968 collection comes in both 44mm and 39mm stainless steel or PVD coated case sizes. Mineral crystal with anti-reflective sapphire coating is standard in all models and there is no shortage of color combos to choose from. Prices range from $595 to $675.
So there you have it–all 52 watches and the flavors they come in. With all the variations in case sizes, color ways, and designs, I’d say there’s something here for everyone. What’s better is that these watches are coming in at a competitive price considering their specs. That said, I would like to see sapphire crystals and even Swiss movements find their way into the next releases from the Swiss based start-up. While a global launch is slated for 2013, specific release dates for the U.S. are still not announced. Regardless, the brand will be showing at this year’s Basel World exhibit and more details should be released then.
by Tom Caruso
