Introducing: The Serica 6190 M.S.L. Chronometer In Black, White, And Gray

Designing and producing robust and elegant wristwatches is what it’s all about for Serica. Today, the brand’s founders Jérôme Burgert and Gabriel Vachette launch a new iteration of their 6190 field watch. Although under a different name (or reference, for that matter), this is where it all started for the young Parisian brand. You’ll see, though, that quite a lot has changed since then. Let’s take a look at the Serica 6190 M.S.L. Chronometer.

It has only been five years since Serica launched its first watch, the W.W.W., which stood for “Wrist Watch Waterproof.” However, it has seen several iterations and improvements since 2019. A year after its debut, the water resistance rating increased from 100 to 200 meters, partially thanks to its new sapphire crystal. It was also renamed (or numbered) 4512 and was made available in both white- and black-dial variants. In 2022, the 4512 was once again renamed/renumbered to 6190, and instead of a hand-wound movement, it got an automatic one. Today, those three current versions of the 6190 get company from a new 6190 trio. Meet the Serica 6190 M.S.L. Chronometer in black, white, and gray.

Last year’s 6190 Field Chronometer in between the new gray and white M.S.L. models

The Serica 6190 M.S.L. Chronometer

With the introduction of the 6190 Field Chronometer last year, the case shape and dimensions also received an update. The most obvious changes are the slimmer 10.4mm profile (instead of 11.3mm) and its chamfered lugs. As Jorg said in his introduction article, these changes made Serica’s field watch feel a bit more sophisticated. Well, it looks like with the new 6190 M.S.L., Jérôme and Gabriel are making their field watch feel even more elegant rather than sportier.

By contrast, the 6190 M.S.L.’s name is heavily influenced by the exploratory nature of the field watch. The model name comes from the M.S.L. meter, which is the international unit for measuring the height of a summit above the Mean Sea Level. The watch has the familiar brushed and polished stainless steel 37.7mm case, which is indeed 10.4mm thick, including its 1.8mm double-domed sapphire crystal, and spans 46.5mm from lug to lug. With those measurements, the 6190 sits snugly and comfortably on my 17cm wrist, especially on the magnificent, flexible, and adjustable Bonklip bracelet.

Soprod inside

Before we explore the updated dials, I’d like to tell you that the 6190 M.S.L. features the same self-winding movement as its Field Chronometer counterpart. The Soprod M100 automatic caliber runs at a 28,800vph frequency, features 25 jewels, and holds a power reserve of 42 hours. In addition, though it isn’t visible through the steel case back, the movement is decorated with Geneva stripes.

Just like in the 5303 divers and the 8315 GMT watches, the 6190 M.S.L.’s movement is a COSC-certified chronometer. That means it’s advertised to run somewhere between -4 and +6 seconds a day. After having had some problems with its movements in the past, it’s admirable that Serica now gives extra attention to its calibers by making sure they have all passed the COSC tests.

The current 6190 Field Chronometer

Applied indexes instead of printed numerals

Until now, Serica’s field watches have always had printed numerals on their logo-less dials. The current Field Chronometer comes with either four or 12 Arabic numerals or a mix of Roman and Arabic numerals on its “California” dial. Although the 4512 was available with a white dial in the past, for the Field Chronometer, black is your only choice. Well, get ready because the 6190 M.S.L. throws in some new options here.

First of all, the numerals all make way for applied indexes. Their shape and layout aren’t completely new, though, as we already know those from the 5303 diver and 8315 GMT. However, the fact that they are raised and have a thin frame does make them much more of a design statement. Whether all Serica watches will get applied indexes from now on, I don’t know. But I do know that they look very much at home on the 6190 M.S.L.’s clean dial.

Available in black, white, and gray

The second change is that the dial on the 6190 M.S.L. comes in three different colors — black (obviously), white, and gray. White was a common request from fans, so Serica brought it back. The gray option is a completely new one, and it also marks the first time that a Serica field watch has had a different dial color than black or white. I have to say, it works very well. The glossy black dial with white arrow hands and printing feels like classic Serica. If you’re looking for a do-it-all watch, this is your pick. Then again, the other two options might be just as versatile. I hadn’t expected it, but the crisp white version also looks very good with its crisp enameled dial, black printing, and black arrow hands.

However, my favorite of the three has to be the new gray version. As described by Serica’s founders, it’s somewhere between brown, beige, green, and gray. I’d say “taupe” is quite a good description here. Anyway, it looks great, and, on this version, the white printing and black hands don’t match. I’m still not sure whether that’s a genius design move or whether they should’ve matched. I guess I’ll let you decide that in the comments below. Knowing Jérôme a little bit, I’m sure he tried all available combinations, and it seems this was the winner.

One thing that bothers me slightly is that I feel there’s a lot of space left around the edge of the dial. I don’t have this feeling with my Serica 5303-3 diver. For some reason, the proportions on the 6190’s dial look a little off to me. Other than that, I think this dial design suits the 6190’s case very well.

On the wrist

As I already hinted, the Serica 6190 M.S.L. Chronometer is a real dream to wear. Its slender case hugs the wrist very well, but with its familiar chamfered and vertically brushed bezel, it still has a lot of presence. In its press materials, Serica calls the numeral-less dial a sportier option, but I beg to differ. I think this is a more sophisticated and dressier version of the 6190. What do you think?

In real life, the applied indexes are an incredibly nice touch, especially because they’ve been executed and placed with admirable precision, as you can see in Morgan’s close-ups. They also contain a decent amount of lume for improved readability in darker situations.

Just like Serica’s first field watch, the 6190 M.S.L. also comes on the brand’s proprietary Bonklip bracelet. I’ve owned this bracelet for a couple of years, and it’s one of the most comfortable bracelets out there. It articulates very well and allows for quick on-the-go adjustments. I love how it looks on the 6190, but I also know people who’d prefer something else over its straight end links.

Final thoughts

The 6190 M.S.L. Chronometer is another very elegant-looking and robust timepiece from Serica. The screw-down crown helps keep the water resistance at 200 meters, and the automatic movement inside lets you forget about having to wind it. If you’re into vintage-inspired watches, the 6190 M.S.L. is most definitely worth a look.

The Serica 6190 M.S.L. Chronometer goes on sale today for €1,090. As mentioned, it comes on a Bonklip bracelet. Of course, it’s also compatible with Serica’s injected rubber straps and quirky engraved end links. For more information, check the brand’s official website.

What do you think of Serica’s new iterations of its field watch and the applied indexes? Which color would you pick? Let me know in the comments below.