It's not often we get to review watches from a brand entirely new to us.
However, this week I had the honor of becoming acquainted with new watches from the young brand Lesablier. This is the LS-04 Travelgraph, and in brief, I would describe it as a compact and affordable worldtimer. The watch operates on the Miyota 9075 caliber, which means it has an independently adjustable hour hand. The Constellation version I reviewed also features a blue aventurine dial. Read on to learn what I think about it personally.
But first, let me tell you a bit more about Lesablier (le sablier translates from French as “hourglass”). The brand was founded by a guy named Akbar from Washington, D.C., USA, in 2017. His goal is to create innovative, unique watches, each with its own individuality. That's why he chose the hourglass as his company logo: they have a very characteristic design and are always recognizable as hourglasses. He wanted to achieve the same with his watches. The LS-04 Travelgraph is Lesablier's fourth watch. The brand's first model was a quartz pilot's watch. Then came two sports watches with integrated bracelets - one with automatic winding, the other with a meca-quartz chronograph. Prices range from $195 for the pilot's watch to $885 for the LS-04 Travelgraph, which I am reviewing today. Let's see what you get for this money.
Lesablier LS-04 Travelgraph
The Lesablier LS-04 Travelgraph is a 40mm stainless steel chronometer with a rather sporty design. Additionally, it is quite compact for a world chronometer: the lug-to-lug distance is 44mm. The case thickness, including the double-domed sapphire crystal, is 14mm. The case and 12-sided bezel are slightly brushed and polished. The bezel and honeycomb bracelet resemble those on the previous Chronosport model. However, the Travelgraph has a more classic design with standard lugs instead of an integrated bracelet.
The screw-down crown with a distinctive signature is slightly recessed into the case. It can be used to wind the automatic Miyota 9075 movement inside, visible through the exhibition case back and equipped with a custom rotor. Originally, this is a GMT movement, but the date complication has been modified to install a 24-hour disc, turning the Travelgraph into a world chronometer. By pulling the crown into the first position, you can set the independent hour hand. In the second position, you can set the home time, simultaneously moving the blue-white 24-hour disc located under the main dial. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 per hour, has 24 jewels, and a power reserve of 42 hours.
Aventurine Dial Timer
The Travelgraph watches are available in three versions. The only difference between them is the color and finish of the dial. The Constellation model on my wrist has a glossy and shiny blue aventurine dial. Additionally, there are several yellow accents on the city ring and the tip of the second hand (these are not yet present on the prototype shown in the photos). There's also a Midnight version with a black dial with red accents. And finally, an Azzuro version with a trendy ice blue sunburst dial. Apart from the color and finish, the dials are identical.
An inclined city ring runs along the edge of the dial, matching the color of the dial center. Between this ring and the center, there is a window through which you can see the recessed two-tone 24-hour disc. The main dial is situated on an “island” in the center and is adorned with applied indexes, hour and minute hands, as well as a double petal second hand. The hands and indexes are coated with Super-LumiNova luminescent material. Along with the 24-hour disc, they glow in the dark, providing better visibility. At the “12 o'clock” position, there is a small applied plaque with the brand name. The font will be changed, and the corresponding limited edition number will be moved to the case back of the serial models.
On the Wrist
On paper or when viewed from the side (from the wrist), the Travelgraph appears to be a rather thick watch. However, when you wear it on your wrist, it conceals its bulkiness very well. I think this is due to the thinner mid-case and the fact that the bezel occupies quite a large portion of the thickness. Thanks to the relatively short lug-to-lug distance, the watch looks good on my 17cm wrist. However, the bracelet links do not fully articulate, so the watch will wear a bit larger than the stated 44mm lug-to-lug measurement.
The quick-release bracelet hugs the wrist nicely, and although the prototype lacked a butterfly clasp, Akbar assured me that micro-adjustment would be provided in the serial model.
Improved Lume on the 24-Hour Disc of the Serial Model
While I like how the 24-hour disc peeks through, I find it positioned too low. Shadows from the dial above sometimes make it hard to read. However, the fact that it is illuminated is a nice touch. I also like that the city disc accounts for cities affected by daylight saving time. A small hand next to the names of some cities helps read the time and prevents the need to reset the watch. It's also nice to know that the Travelgraph is water-resistant to 100 meters, so you can confidently jump into the pool.
Available for Pre-Order Soon
I'm not entirely sure yet if the Lesablier LS-04 Travelgraph is exactly the distinctive watch Akbar aims for. To me, the 12-sided bezel, case shape, and honeycomb bracelet are a slightly chaotic mix of different forms. I think they could use a bit of refinement. But considering that the retail price of this Constellation version is $885 (or $755 during the pre-order period), perhaps I'm expecting too much. The Midnight and Azzuro models will be even cheaper - $795 (or $675 during the pre-order period). With the worldtimer complication and 100-meter water resistance, these are very capable watches at a pleasant price. In addition, they even feature the rarely seen aventurine dial.
The Lesablier LS-04 Travelgraph watches will soon be available for pre-order. They are limited to 50 pieces per color. For more information, visit the official Lesablier website.
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