Not all watches are made in Switzerland, Germany, or Japan. Fortunately, some brands have chosen to manufacture watches outside these countries, bringing a piece of their heritage into unique designs. Today, we discuss watch production in Sweden... While not the most expected watchmaking location, Bravur endeavors to produce most parts (except the movement) there. This is quite bold. Today, the brand unveils its latest creation - the cool-looking chronograph that completes a trilogy inspired by great European cycling races. Meet the Bravur Grand Tour “La Vuelta” Chronograph.
This new model follows in the footsteps of “La Corsa Rosa” and “La Grande Boucle” and completes the Grand Tour series of watches inspired by cycling - all three-register, fairly compact, and characterful chronographs. Why such inspiration? It's simple - cycling is a passion of the brand's owners, Johan and Magnus. Each model has its details and design features, and the last in the series, inspired by La Vuelta (a three-week cycling race held in Spain), is another cool, fresh, and affordable watch.
A noteworthy point: all these watches are quite compact yet do not look vintage - it's clear that modern models can be made smaller. The case diameter is indeed 38.2 mm, which is quite small for an automatic chronograph. The case design is sporty and modern, with pleasing details like the combination of matte surfaces and polished accents - on each side of the lugs, square chronograph pushers, and even a racing flag pattern on the case back.
Besides these pleasing touches, the watch is also fully equipped with anti-reflective sapphire glass, a sapphire case back, and 100 m water resistance. The uniqueness of the La Vuelta chronograph lies in its red aluminum bezel with a feature that will catch the eye of sports fans - the inverted “race number” 13. This is a long-standing tradition in cycling: a rider with number 13 in a race tries to avoid the misfortune associated with this number by flipping it upside down. To complete the racing look, the watch is worn on a perforated black leather strap.
The dial, presented here in a silver-white color with two-tone recessed sub-dials, features a beautiful asphalt pattern in the center. Red accents dominate the design of all the watches, also present on the dial as a nod to the leader's jersey in the Vuelta a España. The design is clean and modern, with graphic-style Arabic numerals for the hours. The display consists of 3 sub-dials, including a rather unexpected 15-minute chronograph counter.
Inside the Bravur Grand Tour La Vuelta chronograph is the well-known, time-tested Sellita SW511b movement (an updated clone of the 7750 model). This automatic chronograph with a cam mechanism is presented here with a checkered pattern. It beats at a frequency of 4 Hz and boasts a 62-hour power reserve.
AVAILABILITY AND PRICE
The Bravur Grand Tour “La Vuelta” Chronograph will be released in a limited edition of just 50 pieces with individual numbering, the watches will be shipped at the end of September 2021. The watch is currently available for order on the website bravurwatches.se at a price of 24,500 Swedish Krona, or about 2,388 euros excluding taxes.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – CHRONOGRAPH BRAVUR GRAND TOUR LA VUELTA
Case: 38.2 mm in diameter – 46.3 mm lug to lug – stainless steel case, matte and polished – domed sapphire glass with AR coating – sapphire case back – fixed red aluminum bezel – 100 m water resistance
Dial: silver-white dial with asphalt texture, three dark grey recessed sub-dials, rhodium-plated hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova luminescence
Movement: Sellita SW511b – automatic chronograph with integrated cam mechanism – 27 jewels – 28,800 vibrations/hour – 62-hour power reserve – hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph with 15-minute and 12-hour counters
Strap: Perforated black leather rally-style strap, steel pin buckle
Availability: Limited to 50 pieces
Price: 24,500 SWEDISH KRONA, (about 2,388 euros excluding taxes)