Rarely do I have the opportunity to become acquainted with watches from an Australian brand.
However, when my editor-in-chief tasked me with conducting a detailed review of the Bausele Elemental, it was a great chance to explore how the brand successfully combines two different traditions.
The Australian company Bausele specializes in sports watches. The brand balances between two worlds: on one hand, it is very European - the founder is French, and the watches use Swiss Sellita movements. On the other - the design aims to bring in Australian flair. This approach commands respect and interest.
Bausele Elemental: Optimal Price-Quality Ratio
Today, we look at the Elemental model, which is Bausele's response to the trend of sports watches with integrated bracelets. At first glance, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of execution and attention to detail. The watch is priced at around 1200 Australian dollars, which is approximately 750 US dollars, 650 euros, or 590 British pounds (excluding taxes). For this amount, the buyer gets a quality watch with a Swiss Sellita SW200 movement, water resistance up to 200 meters, a screw-down crown at the '4 o'clock' position (which we will discuss separately), and numerous unique design solutions.
Unique Bezel with Dual Purpose
The first thing that catches the eye is the two separate bezel rings located within one case. The outer ring with a matte black finish is used for counting minutes, while the inner one with a metallic gray tint displays a 12-hour scale. This combination of two functions in one bezel is an interesting solution, which the company Serica has successfully applied before.
Sand in the Crown
Particular attention is deserved by the crown, inside which there is real Australian sand! At first glance at this unusual design solution, I even asked again. The founder of Bausele, Christophe Hoppe, explained that he wanted to emphasize the connection of the watch with Australia not only through the dial but also through other details. The idea with sand in the crown is very original. The sand is taken from Manly Beach - an iconic place for surfers in Sydney.
Bausele Elemental: A Design That Grows on You
Initially, the Elemental's design seemed too bold to me. However, over time, I began to appreciate it more. All elements - the textured dial with a sandy hue creating a beautiful wave-like pattern in the sun, the two-tone bezel, the unusual hands - harmoniously blend and do not compete with each other. As a result, these are quite original watches that do not look like copies of other models on the integrated bracelet market - a challenging task.
Unusual Competitor in the Integrated Bracelet Segment
That's why I would prefer to purchase the Elemental rather than, for example, the Tissot PRX. Of course, opinions may differ, and that's the beauty of the watch hobby - everyone finds something to their liking.
Besides the design, I was impressed by the build quality. The watch feels reliable, and the thoughtful details enhance the tactile experience of use. For instance, the bezel slightly protrudes beyond the case, making it easier to grip and rotate - like on modern diving Rolexes. In comparison, the bezel of the Tudor Black Bay 58 with small notches is located very close to the case, making it harder to grip.
Reliable Watches with High-Quality Execution
It is always pleasant to be pleasantly surprised by watches in this price segment. And it’s not just because it's an Australian brand - although for me, as an Australian author, this is an additional plus. The main thing is that these are really well-made and original sports watches with an integrated bracelet at an adequate price.
Main Technical Specifications of Bausele Elemental
Let's move on to the technical parameters. The Elemental case has a diameter of 40 mm, a lug length of 46 mm, and a thickness of 12.2 mm. However, watches with an integrated bracelet usually feel larger on the wrist, and I would say they look more like 42 mm on the wrist.
Personally, I would prefer a case diameter of 38 mm, like some IWC Ingenieur models, which seem more comfortable to me. But I have relatively thin wrists, and the Elemental will fit well for wrists with a diameter of 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) and larger.
Interesting Mix of Design Solutions
The case is made with contrast: the middle part has a polished surface, and the back cover is covered with a texture reminiscent of elephant skin or coarse sand on the shore. Bausele calls this "underwater sand." Inside the case is an anti-magnetic Faraday cage - a useful feature in today's world with many magnetic devices.
The bracelet is neatly assembled, did not cause discomfort during two weeks of wear, and did not pull hairs on the hand. The central links resemble ship portholes, which nicely diversify the traditional design. The bracelet width at the case is 26 mm and tapers to 18 mm at the clasp. The clasp is fold-over with buttons, featuring a tool-free micro-adjustment mechanism.
Flagship Model of a Young Brand
The Elemental is positioned as Bausele's flagship model. Previously, the brand released other models, including a collaboration with the Royal Australian Air Force (which can be discussed separately). But it is the Elemental that makes the impression of a confident product from a young company located far from the traditional centers of watchmaking. It feels like an "outsider watch" - which gives it a special appeal.
If I were choosing sports watches with an integrated bracelet costing up to 2500 euros, contenders would include Ollech & Wajs ref. 8001 (although their price is more than twice as high), Tissot PRX, as well as Christopher Ward Twelve or Nivada Grenchen F77. But honestly, I would choose the Bausele Elemental. It has a personality that many other models lack. Yes, it's a bit unusual, but that's precisely the feature I liked.
Conclusion
Currently, the Elemental is available for pre-order in Coorong Mist color, as well as in turquoise and black Oceanic Blue. A recently released orange version was launched for the 12-hour Bathurst race. Personally, I like the "sandy" shade I got to know the most. I'm glad I had the opportunity to spend time with these watches and let the design win me over.
What do you think? Would you consider such a model? Write your opinions in the comments - I would be happy to read them. Thanks to the Bausele team for the opportunity to get acquainted with these watches.
