Brellum Duobox 39 Ice Blue Mother of Pearl Review

We continue to follow the watches from the Brellum brand with interest.

This small brand produces a maximum of 299 pieces per year, including several limited editions. In this review, we will discuss the latest model - the Duobox 39 Ice Blue Mother of Pearl Chronometer. Despite the long name, the key features are the reduced case size and the shimmering dial.

Compact Size and Case Elegance

In November 2024, Brellum introduced a reduced version of the Duobox with a case diameter of 39 mm. This was a pleasant surprise, as despite the steady demand for large chronographs, many appreciate a more moderate watch size. More than a year later, the model returns with a new dial that is equally interesting to both women and men. It is likely that the watch will look particularly striking on women's wrists.

The Duobox 39 Ice Blue case is made of 316L stainless steel and measures 39.5×48 mm with a thickness of 15.3 mm. The thickness seems substantial, but a significant portion is due to the domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both the front and back. Without these elements, the case profile is only 11.05 mm. Despite the elegant appearance, the watch is designed for everyday use in any conditions. Its water resistance of 100 meters makes it safe for both swimming pools and ski slopes.

Bracelet and Strap: Comfort and Style

The Duobox 39 Ice Blue comes with a five-link steel bracelet with a design reminiscent of a Jubilee. The central three links are polished, while the outer ones are matte. The clasp is a butterfly style with buttons. The bracelet is thin and flexible, yet substantial enough to balance the watch case. In addition to the bracelet, the set includes a white calfskin strap with a classic steel buckle.

New Ice Blue Mother of Pearl Dial

Unlike the silver sunray dial of the original version, the new model uses a more natural material - light blue mother of pearl, in line with the Ice Blue name. The material has a semi-transparent structure that can appear bright or barely noticeable depending on the lighting. This is a successful choice, as overly shiny dials often provoke mixed reactions from buyers. Our photos show the unique mother of pearl texture from different angles, but overall the dial looks coherent and almost porcelain-like.

Otherwise, the Duobox 39 retains the classic chronograph look. The dial features polished applied indices with Super-LumiNova luminescent coating, as well as luminous hour and minute hands. Beveled metal frames surround the 30-minute, 12-hour, and small seconds counters. Black print is used for the numerals, seconds track, and tachymetric markings. All elements seem to float above the dial's surface. Notably, the black-on-blue date window at the "6 o'clock" position harmonizes with the design while remaining legible yet unobtrusive.

La Joux-Perret Movement Inside

The watch is equipped with a movement based on the La Joux-Perret L100 caliber, which has earned industry acclaim for its reliability and high precision. The Duobox 39 Ice Blue Mother of Pearl Chronometer uses this automatic chronograph with manual winding and stop-seconds functionality. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, with a power reserve of 60 hours. Decorative elements include a rotor with 4N gold plating, Geneva Stripes, perlage, and blue screws. All details are visible through the sapphire case back. The caliber features a column wheel and is certified as a COSC chronometer.

On-Wrist Impressions

This model is perhaps the most restrained and versatile among all Brellum watches we have tried. Despite the high quality of the brand's previous watches, the Duobox 39 Ice Blue looks and feels like a product capable of competing with offerings from major watch houses in the premium segment. As for the dial, in person it appears entirely different from preliminary photos - the translucency of the mother of pearl is muted, making the watch truly unisex. A similar shade can be found in the current Breitling Navitimer model.

The case thickness of 15.3 mm may seem considerable, but given that more than a quarter of this thickness is due to the sapphire crystals, the watch appears sleeker. Additionally, the downward-curved lugs fit well on the wrist, and the bracelet smoothly transitions into the case thanks to the "female" links. With the smooth bezel and domed crystal, the overall aesthetic is compact and neat, despite the stated 39.5 mm size.

Conclusion and Model Availability

The Brellum Duobox 39 Ice Blue Mother of Pearl Chronometer is an example of thoughtful design and high-quality execution. The use of an unusual light blue mother of pearl dial gives the watch freshness and originality, avoiding clichéd solutions. The price in Switzerland is 3,190 Swiss francs with tax, for export - 2,950 francs. The model is available on the brand's official website and is limited to 46 pieces. It's an interesting option for those looking for non-mainstream watches with a quality mechanism and versatile design.

Technical Specifications Brellum Duobox 39 Ice Blue Mother of Pearl Chronometer

This expert article will help you understand the features and advantages of the Brellum Duobox 39 Ice Blue Mother of Pearl model and evaluate its place in the modern watch market.