Latest Review
It has been nearly a year since we last had ran an article on one of our favorite German brands, Defakto, and we’re excited to be the first to show you their newest goods. The design-focused brand, known for their one-handed watches, have a bold, but spare aesthetic that at once speaks to the Bauhaus and military designs. Their newest release stays true to the core style of the brand, but adds a new level of interest.
The Modular series, which consists of new variations on their Eins and Akkord models, take their existing designs and dresses them up with a clever combination of materials and finishes. There are two varieties, one with a steel central case and one with bronze, both featuring black PVD bezel and crowns, both measuring 42mm. Both also have a semi-coarse brushing, giving them a subtle texture. Though an almost obvious play on the existing models, the new Modular colorway creates watches with a unique ambiance and style. Dark and handsome, the contrasting materials play off of the stark dials, for a modern and sophisticated look.
This also marks the first use of bronze for Defakto, though that hardly comes as a surprise. Defakto is one of the Ickler brands based out of Pforzheim, along with Archimede and Limes, a fact that is playfully indicated in a laser etched 1924, the year the brand was founded, between the lugs. The success of the Archimede Pilot Bronze watches has demonstrated their abilities at crafting with this material. We were excited to see them use it in a pilot, but I am perhaps more excited to see Defakto use it in their more minimal design. The bronze simultaneously brings a more formal, golden hue and a rugged patina. This is watch that will develop a lot of character.
The Modular Eins is powered by a Miyota 9015 movement and comes in at $630 in steel and $744 for bronze. The Modular Akkord is powered by an ETA 2824-2 and costs $657 in steel and $772 in bronze. All are made in Germany and feature sapphire crystals and calf leather straps. The Akkord in particular strikes me as quite a good value for a German made watch with a Swiss movement. If you’re looking for something different in you next watch, these are worth checking out.
