Review: Magrette Regattare 2011

The Magrette Regattare 2011 is conceptually a very interesting watch. Its super compressor functionality and cushion style case, give the Regattare decidedly classic undertones.  But layered on top of this classical foundation is a sporty, rather modern veneer.  Not to mention that the watch boasts 500 M water resistance, a feature not common in a watch priced at under $550.  This unique balance of classic and contemporary styling with sport functionality makes for a surprisingly versatile watch that should appeal to a broad audience.

Case: Brushed and polished stainless steel
Movement: Miyota 8215 21 jewel automatic movement
Luminous: Super Luminova C3
Lens: Double domed sapphire crystal with anti reflective coating
Case Back: Screw-down
Strap: One leather and one rubber
Water Res.: 500 M
Dimensions: 44 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Lug Width: 24 mm
Crown: Dual screw-down
Warranty: 1 year

The face of the Regattare is where it gets most of its sportiness, with yellow hash marks for the hours and red and white minute markers on the internal rotating bezel.  The hour and minute hands are straight, lume-filled sword hands, and there is a simple polished steel second marker.  The super compressor adds to the overall sportiness of the watch as well.

The case of the Regattare stands in stark contrast to its dial.  The case is a classic cushion style, defined by its plush square shape (kind of like a cushion).  This look is commonly associated with Panerai’s today, but there are a number of beautiful vintage examples that I more closely associate with the look.  The case also features both brushed and polished finishings, with the lugs and top of the case being polished.  In total, these details provide a classic and refined look to the Regattare 2011. 

One of the more interesting details of the Regattare 2011 is its large, brushed external bezel that features no markings.  When you look at the watch straight on, the clean simplicity of the bezel, juxtaposed to the polish of the squared lower half of the case, really makes the geometry of the watch pop.  It also allows the color and sport of the face of the watch to make a clean break from the rest of the case, and seems to allow the classic, more refined case, live harmoniously with the sporty face.

I find this balance of classic and sport styling makes the Regattare quite versital.  When I wear the watch with a brown leather strap, which you can see in the photos included, the watch takes on a decidedly more refined, dressy appearance.  The cushion case looks so at place on a thick brown leather strap that you your eyes are immediately drawn to those more classical aspects of the watch.  However, throw on the rubber strap that the Regattare comes with, and the dive elements of the watch are enhanced.  The dual crowns, thickness and dive bezel are your focal points.  Finally, when worn with the black leather strap provided by Magrette, which features a bright red interior, the Regattare is pure sport.  Throw on your driving gloves and you’re good to go.

Sticking with the straps provided by Magrette, I find them both to be very comfortable.  The rubber strap is very soft and pliable, much more so than any other rubber strap that I’ve worn.  And the black leather strap is soft and wears very comfortably.  The brushed hardware of the straps are identical and quite nice.   I appreciate that the buckles offer a lower profile, making the 24mm strap more comfortable to wear.  This will certainly be a consideration for someone with a smaller wrist.

Wearing the Regattare, you will definitely notice its size.  Although it only measures 44mm in diameter, by our measurement it reaches 15mm in height.  Aesthetically, I find the thickness of the case to only add to the bold looks of the watch, but in use it wears rather large.  The height is likely a product of the internal bezel, but again, for someone seeing the Regattare more as a dive piece, this should add to the desired aesthetic.  Consistent with its dive capability, the Regattare also has a very nice, well-constructed feel to it.  The case is heavy, and solidly built, and the crowns both have a very nice, secure feel to them when making adjustments.  Inside the case is a Miyota 8251 automatic movement, which we’ve discussed a number of times on worn&wound.  It’s a workhorse, and makes a lot of sense in the Regattare.  Finally, the C3 luminescence on the Regattare is excellent, though a bit brighter on the hands than on the dial itself.

I must admit, I overlooked the diving pedigree of the Regattare 2011 when I first came across Magrette’s website, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m not the only one. Given its price tag of $545 and slightly more fashion-oriented aesthetic, I never expected the Regattare to carry 500 M water resistance.  To put that in perspective, the Helson Skindiver and MKII Sea Fighter, both of which carry a higher price and are more firmly in the dive watch family, both have a water resistance of 200 M.  That’s not to take anything away from these two watches, or to necessarily say the Regattare would make a better dive watch out of the three.  In fact, given the likelihood that the Regattare 2011 will be worn more with a business suit than a wetsuit, it seems surprising that the watch would have this feature.

In my time with the Regattare, it has transitioned fairly seamlessly between the office and home.  Though I will say that, given the its chameleon-like tendencies to change looks so drastically when presented on different straps, I found myself changing the strap frequently to match the occasion.  For example, I found the rubber strap to be a bit too sporty for my taste to wear in the office, but it looks right at home on the weekend with jeans.  Meanwhile, I really enjoy wearing the Regattare on a brown leather strap to work.  I think it looks fantastic.

All told, I found the Regattare to hit all the marks of a watch at $545.  Quality components, superior dive capability and original design justifies the price point.  Its unique and versatile design should certainly appeal to a broad audience.  The Regattare 2011 is available from Magrette’s website today.  Many thanks to Magrette for providing a Regattare 2011 for review.

Check back with worn&wound next week to see our video review of the Regattare 2011.

*please note that the brown leather strap features in the photos above is the Vintage Tobacco With Black Stitching.