Hands-On: The New Brellum Pandial Power Reserve Black Titanium LE Chronometer
Today, we’ll go hands-on with the latest Brellum release. The Pandial Power Reserve Black Titanium LE Chronometer builds upon this month’s earlier introduction of a similar model in steel. Considering that this is the brand’s most feature-laden watch, it’s worth taking a closer look.
With such small production runs, Brellum maintains an aggressive release schedule. Limited editions, which often number below 50, are typical. This allows the brand to remain fresh, agile, and communicative with its customer base. Another typical trait of Brellum’s watches is that they’re often larger than the smaller watches that are currently on trend. That’s okay, though, because there’s still a healthy demand for pieces with 42mm+ diameters. Perhaps the latest release is just the type of watch to help satisfy that demand.
The Brellum Pandial Power Reserve Black Titanium LE Chronometer
Let’s begin with a rundown of the particulars. The latest Brellum model arrives with a black DLC-coated Grade 5 titanium case. It’s a stout piece weighing in at just 72 grams (head only) with a 43mm diameter and a 51.5mm lug-to-lug. Its 15.9mm thickness includes a box-type sapphire crystal with an antireflective coating. Like its steel counterpart, the watch features a 100m water resistance rating. From an accessory perspective, the watch comes with a case-hugging black Nebur Tec strap. A matching black DLC-coated titanium folding buckle completes the package.
A stealthy black dial with four registers
Instead of the panda dial first seen on the steel version, today’s Black Titanium LE Chronometer has an all-black visage with matching sub-dials. The contrasting elements consist of applied metallic indexes, white Super-LumiNova, and white details. Three red flashes appear on the power reserve indicator and tip of the central chronograph hand. Regarding the topography, Brellum mixes it up with inset running seconds and power reserve indicators. The 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers both feature raised outer scales, while the latter register also includes an inset white-on-black date wheel. To match this, the watch has a corresponding external tachymeter bezel with an aluminum insert.
On display, the chronometer-certified Brellum BR-750RM
The Black Titanium LE Chronometer uses the now-familiar BR-750RM, which is based on the Valjoux 7750. The 26-jewel automatic caliber has a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a 46-hour power reserve. Where Brellum adds its magic is on the black-coated, skeletonized rotor. The brand has also specified perlage, Geneva stripes, blued screws, and a column wheel. For good measure, the caliber has a COSC chronometer certification. All of this goodness is on display via a box-type sapphire crystal on the back. Regarding the operation, a small corrector is on the case flank for date setting. Otherwise, the crown and two pump pushers are standing by, ready to operate.
A bold, tactical instrument
Whereas the steel panda-dial model gives off a slightly dressier vibe, the Black Titanium LE Chronometer has a clean, tactical look. That observation shouldn’t be mistaken for an appearance that renders it solely for casual occasions. No, it’s nicely finished enough to work in dressier business environments or when out to a nice dinner.
Now, regarding the size, this watch is certainly not for those with particularly small wrists. However, the lightness and color help bring down the visual mass by a large margin compared to the steel model. Plus, if we consider the case profile, the lugs truly hug the wrist. Then, the curved-end strap, with its leather backing, also conforms nicely and doesn’t require a lengthy break-in period.
As far as legibility, there may be a lot happening on the dial, but it’s somehow quite easy to read the time at a glance. Sure, the sub-dials are small, but again, the contrast helps. Another detail we’ve come to appreciate is the lack of extraneous writing. The brand name, chronometer designation, and “Swiss Made” are plenty, thank you. Really, who needs the word “automatic” on the dial?
Final thoughts and availability
Like all of Brellum’s watches, the new Pandial Black Titanium LE Chronometer is a small-batch offering. Just 23 of the watches will be made, and the individual number is indicated on the rotor. With a price of CHF 3,235 within Switzerland and CHF 2,950 shipped elsewhere, the watch is just barely more expensive than its steel counterpart. Granted, that piece included a bracelet and a strap. Still, titanium typically commands a slight premium. Yes, Brellum is a small company, but its vocal customer base loves the watches and the one-on-one customer service. Therefore, this should be another welcome release.
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