I have distant Czech roots on my father's side.
In the mid-19th century, the Razak family (at that time the name was spelled and pronounced differently) emigrated from Czechoslovakia to the USA, settling in Kansas. During my studies abroad, I was fortunate enough to visit Prague - although my ancestors are not originally from there, it is a beautiful city. Later, during my honeymoon, I took a day trip to the incredibly picturesque Cesky Krumlov and visited the eerie Sedlec Ossuary. So, when I saw the new chronograph from the Prague company Robot, I was already psychologically ready to get acquainted with it. And I must admit, the Robot Robotic One truly intrigued me, and I quickly outpaced my esteemed colleague Ripley with a review.
Comparison with Moser Streamliner Chronograph: Similarities and Differences
You can't help but notice the obvious comparison between the Robot Robotic One and the Moser Streamliner Chronograph. This is justified, as the case and bracelet have many common features. However, in my opinion, they simply belong to the same style. The problem is that in the watch community, it is the Streamliner that is associated with this style - with its characteristic sunray-finished case and bracelet reminiscent of a sclerite.
Therefore, any watch with a similar design inevitably draws comparisons and possibly criticism. Objectively, such remarks are not unfounded. Nevertheless, the Robot Robotic One clearly has its own individuality - this is manifested in the shape of the case, the placement of the buttons, strap options, and of course, the dial.
Case Design and Construction Features
The 904L stainless steel case has a unique shield shape with a fine sunray finish radiating from the cushion-shaped polished bezel with a narrow flat top that matches the main case's finish.
The diameter is 43.2 mm, and the thickness is 14.8 mm, which corresponds to the standard sizes of modern automatic chronographs. However, due to the design features and the integration of the strap and bracelet, the watch looks much lighter than one might expect from such dimensions. On my 7-inch wrist, they sat very comfortably - no bulkiness or heaviness. For those who prefer bolder solutions, the Indigo model with a blue PVD-coated case is available.
Special attention is deserved by the construction of the chronograph control buttons. Instead of the usual identical buttons, Robot uses a pump-action start/stop button with an orange accent and a wide reset button in button style. Both buttons provide a clear and pleasant press. The reset button and the slightly tapering crown are located in a recess on the side of the case. Combined with the case shape, this creates an original visual and tactile image, which is rare - few chronographs strive for such expressive differentiation of buttons (exceptions are recent models from Casio, Breitling, and Hanhart).
Strap and Bracelet: Comfort and Functionality
The strap and bracelet of the Robotic One are crafted at a high level. The shape of the bracelet links and their finish create a harmonious and cohesive image on the wrist. The folding clasp is equipped with a quick size adjustment button. The clasp has a bold, angular design that echoes the case. The purchase includes a choice between an orange rubber strap with a fabric-like texture and blue or white alligator leather straps. I only had the orange option, which matched this version of the watch perfectly. The strap ends have molded blocks for a perfect fit into the case. It should be noted that the Indigo model with a blue case is only available on a strap, as the brand does not produce a blue bracelet, however attractive it may be.
All bracelets and straps are equipped with a one-button quick-release mechanism (the brand calls it SwapEasy), which facilitates the replacement. At the same time, any standard 22-millimeter straps can be used, as the button simply retracts the spring bars, rather than securing a proprietary attachment, limiting accessory choices. This means the case lug has a standard and fairly spacious size, allowing the use of both classic and straps with passing pins. For most users, this will not matter much, but for true enthusiasts, such versatility is an important plus.
Dial and Legibility: Harmony of Color and Form
Robotic One is offered with a silver, blue, or comparatively dull black dial. All three variants have vertical brushing and the same chronograph counter arrangement in a 3-6-9 layout. The dial is balanced, and the color scheme is a masterful example.
An almost faded blue color is used for the division ring and counter outlines. Thin stripes of metallic orange run around them, which is repeated on the small hands and the chronograph second hand with the brand logo as a counterweight. The hour and minute hands are made with a clear reflection of the case's angles, which is rare and enhances the visual integrity of the watch.
Chronograph enthusiasts may be both pleased and disappointed. On the one hand, all the numbers are intact, without truncations, and the counters avoid placement at the 2-4-8-10 marks, replacing 3 and 9 with simple blocks.
On the other hand, the date window partially overlaps the 12-hour counter, which purists may not appreciate. Personally, it didn't bother me, as I rarely have to measure intervals of 5-7 hours, and for such tasks, you can always use a smartphone. The most controversial but interesting element is the font. The applied luminescent numbers are in a futuristic block style, which is repeated on the date disc - a nice detail. I liked this font in the context of the overall design.
Movement and Technical Specifications
On the back under the sapphire glass, the automatic Swiss Robot chronograph with the R11242 caliber is visible. As Ripley noted in his review, this is apparently the same La Joux-Perret movement used in the brand's Minor Chronographs, but with a more spectacular skeletonized rotor and a date window shifted to 6 o'clock - which is a significant improvement.
The column wheel ensures the chronograph operates at a frequency of 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour, with a power reserve of about 55 hours. The architecture and finish of the movement, including blue screws and a column wheel in tone, suggest that it is almost certainly the La Joux-Perret L110 - a reliable and appropriate caliber for such a watch.
Conclusion: Robot Robotic One - A New Standard for the Brand
For me, it's always a good sign when a watch continues to appear on the wrist more often than required after a review. This means I like them. With the Robotic One, it's simple: the colors are well chosen, the case is beautifully finished and has an unusual shape that sits comfortably on the wrist, and the dial is expressive yet easy to read. This is almost the perfect set of characteristics for me - in fact, all my requirements are met.
In my opinion, the Robot Robotic One is the best watch the brand has ever released, and it demonstrates what Robot is truly capable of. The model's price is 7,500 USD excluding VAT.