I am not a cyclist. I do not do spinning. I have a Peloton, but I don't use it (sometimes my wife does).
Nevertheless, I like interesting watches, successful collaborations, and lightning bolt second hands. That's exactly what the new model from the Swedish brand Bravur in collaboration with the fitness platform Zwift offers - essentially a gamified version of Peloton, often described as an MMO platform for cycling and running. Although it doesn't meet my needs and desires as a fitness device user (which are extremely limited), the watch looks truly interesting. But the watch itself is an even more impressive product. The limited edition Bravur x Zwift once again borrows elements from the cycling world and creates a watch that will attract the attention of both sports enthusiasts and those far from it.
Origins and Design: Team Heritage and Modern Accents
The limited edition Bravur x Zwift is based on the Team Heritage platform, already existing in the brand's collection. This collection uses an elegant case reminiscent of racing bike tubes and is decorated in the colors and with the emblems of legendary cycling teams: Peugeot, St. Raphaël, Mercier, and Renault. Each model is unique but united by the common design of the case and strap. However, Bravur x Zwift goes further and looks even more original. Although the Team Heritage line is dedicated to mid-20th-century teams, the shape of the watch remains modern and relevant.
Compactness and Comfort: Case Size and Ergonomics
The stainless steel case has a comfortable diameter of 37 mm. For a sports watch, this may seem small, but it fits perfectly with the modern cyclist's image and current watch trends. On my 7-inch wrist, the watch with a lug-to-lug length of 44.6 mm sits comfortably, thanks to the monoblock case shape. The model is equipped with a sapphire crystal, water resistance up to 100 m, a screw-down crown, and a case thickness of 11.4 mm. As a result, it's a compact and pleasant accessory that won't feel heavy even during sports activities.
Unique Case Finish: Style and Practicality
More important than the size is the case finish, which sets these watches apart from competitors. It's hard to find a similar example - the case is unique, attractive, and comfortable to wear. Particularly noteworthy is the satin-finished surface of the mid-case and lugs. This combination of satin, polish, and brushing is rare and yet does not overload the design. Special attention is given to the protective crown guards, which look organic and smoothly transition from the case, rather than protruding sharply like many sports models.
Strap and Clasp: Bright Accent and Ease of Change
The lug width is just 18 mm - a great size for the case but might limit strap choices for those without a collection of narrow options. Included are two FKM rubber straps: bright orange and black. Both are adorned with an embossed bicycle cap image typical of the Team Heritage series. The straps feature an easy change mechanism, simplifying replacement, although the basic strap with a classic three-link buckle looks very respectable and is unlikely to be changed.
Dial: Integration of Zwift Elements and Functionality
The main feature of the dial is the integration of elements from the online platform Zwift. As in other Team Heritage models, Bravur allows itself to play with the design. The most noticeable accent is the second hand in Zwift's signature orange color in the shape of a lightning bolt, reminiscent of the iconic Milgauss hand.
The lightning shape is repeated in one of the main hour markers - symbolizing the importance of power and watt tracking in Zwift. Other key time markers feature the Zwift logo, the "feather" icon - a game boost, and the "thumb up" icon used for support between participants - "Ride On".
Reference to the Virtual World: Design and Inspiration
Although the watches are hand-assembled in Båstad, Sweden, the dial states "Designed in Watopia" - the only and most popular virtual world of Zwift. Besides it, the game has nine more worlds that alternate, but Watopia includes fantastic elements like dinosaurs and riding inside an active volcano. The central dial design is inspired by the asphalt surface of the volcanic track, although on a macro level it resembles regular asphalt. The hour markers, filled with Super-LumiNova, are placed on a radial black ring and separated by a luminous ring - a reference to the Zwift Tron bike with neon wheels. Around it is a minute track in the form of a racing circuit. The luminous elements are evenly applied but not distinguished by brightness and duration of glow - they are sufficient for short-term use in the dark.
Case Back and Movement: Striking Design and Reliable Caliber
The reverse side of the case is another striking design element. The Zwift logo is repeated in orange lacquer in the style of M.C. Escher, surrounding the model name, executed in volumetric orange letters with the inscription "Ride On". Each case back is numbered in a series of 100 pieces and secured with screws. Inside is the updated Sellita SW200-2 movement with a 65-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. This is the first model with this caliber that I have tested, and I encountered no issues. Interestingly, after two days of not wearing it, the watch continued to run, indicating a good power reserve.
Conclusion: Successful Collaboration and Versatile Design
Effective collaborations in watchmaking are those that successfully integrate a partner or theme without turning the design into an overly obvious branded product that might repel those not connected to the theme. For example, simply applying the Pan-Am logo to a dial is often perceived as an overly blatant solution, while globe embossing and inscription on the case back is a stylish and unobtrusive approach.
This approach is implemented in Bravur x Zwift: the watch turned out to be interesting, with original indices, excellent texture, and a superb case. Whether you are a cyclist or a Zwift user, this model may seem attractive. The limited edition Bravur x Zwift is priced at $1,195 and is released in an edition of 100 pieces.