If you have been in search of a Swiss watch brand that pushes the boundaries of design and originality, but dosnt break the bank, then DWISS will surely win your heart.
Many may agree that the watch industry is saturated with many of the same rehashed designs that you’ve probably all seen time, and time again from the big brands and microbrands.
As a watch enthusiast, many have argued that watch innovation has taken a back seat.
And I dont blame watch brands from taking the cookie-cutter approach because as you may know by now that certain watch styles sell better than others, and while there is a burning passion for most watchmakers to keep their love for watchmaking alive, I can empathize with brands because its not so easy to run a business without the help of the designs that sell, or the alternative is to get involved with investors to help, which can inevitably compromise the creative integrity.
DWISS on the other hand, are in a league of their own with their futuristic yet elegant designs that stray from the traditional watch style to bring you something sporty and elegant.
DWISS will soon be around for 10 years (Founded in 2011), and over that time the founder, Rafael Simoes Miranda has won multiple design awards and has graced the halls of Baselworld with DWISS which is a testimony to their high-quality watches.
A quick back story on how I discovered Dwiss
I was first introduced to the M2 DWISS some years ago and I was immediately drawn in with their unique designs.
Some years later I was pleasantly reminded about DWISS through browsing the internet with their brand new release of their flagship RS1 Automatic series which looks like an update from their previous M2 modal.
The new RS1 Automatic modal takes form in futuristic design with angled edges, multi-layered dial with each variant featuring a power color scheme and they even created an exclusive tourbillion version.
I reached out to DWISS founder, Rafael to get a closer look at one of his popular DWISS watches and he was gracious to send in the R1 Quartz Black with the Brown dial.
This review has been a long time coming and naturally, I couldn’t be more excited to be collaborating with DWISS on this review as I feel they are a hidden gem in the world of watches.
So let’s get straight into the review, shall we?
Dwiss R1 Quartz Design
The R1 Quartz can be described as the little brother of the RS1 with its stunning shiny black stainless steel case that makes it simple, sporty yet elegant design for all different occasions.
The dial’s simplicity of its design may be reminiscent of a Quartz AP which features a hexagonal inner bezel labeling the watches features on the in edges.
The easy to read brown dial that features enlarged 12 and 6, luminescent hands, steel indices, with the date window positioned slightly under the 3 o’clock position which I found to be a quirky design choice which is all encased in a sapphire crystal for optimal scratch protection.
The bracelet is perfectly engineered which is a common theme throughout this watch.
its AP-est bracelet features a quality deployment buckle with the DWISS logo flawlessly engraved on both ends of the links of bracelet as a small reminder of what this watch is all about.
I personally love the bracelet, there is no sign of play in the links which is what you should expect in a quality Swiss timepiece such as this.
The back of the case has a matte black finish which reads “Veni, vidi, vici” from Latin which translates to “I came; I saw; I conquered” which is popularly attributed to Julius Caesar.
And is
Beating on the inside of the R1 is a RONDA 714, a Swiss movement with 5 jewels with a water resistance of up to 10 ATM’s or 100 meters in-depth and is a limited edition of 999 and each R1 Quartz modal.
Specs
- 316L Stainless Steel
- Diameter: 40,0mm
- Thickness: 8,5 mm
- Water resistance: 100 meters
- Swiss-made – Quartz movement Ronda 710
- Battery life 5 years
- 5 Jewels
- Luminous hands
- Hand-applied date
- Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- 3-link solid 316L Stainless Steel bracelet
Unboxing Experience
The watch came loosely packed in a vinyl black box with the DWISS logo imprinted on the top.
Naturally, it wouldn’t be complete with the warranty card and the instruction manual.
That said, I did find the unboxing experience a little underwhelming as i was expecting more for a watch in this price point.
I think it could be improved if the watch came with a microfiber cloth and a smaller box that could safely house the extra bracelet links.
That aside I think the watch does all the talking in terms of quality and that’s where this review wins the most.
Wearing experience
The DWISS R1 is easy to wear and for my small wrists and I managed to get a comfortable resize of the bracelet without it having too much play on the wrist.
As you may tell I have some long hairs on my wrist which sounds like a nightmare from some who know what the feeling of snagged hairs feels like.
the good news is that I’ve had 0 snagged hairs since wearing the watch and I give it a 10/10 just for comfort.
It sits comfortably under your cuff and it’s not too big or bulky to get around but it does have some weight to this Quartz watch which is a great thing because you know you are getting a solid watch that’s made to last.
Who is this watch for?
With its APesc look, I feel like this in an all-around dress watch you can wear to formal occasions and a casual day to day wearer.
Overall the watch holds it down on its own with its discreet and elegant look that doesn’t take a particular outfit to make it work.
Many friends have expressed interest in the watch because of its sleek black design.
In Conclusion:
The R1 series with the bracelet is $560 RRP which may not be as cheap or affordable as some of the other offerings.
However, I think it’s worth the price for its quality and, the attention to detail far exceeds many known brands in this price range.
With DWISS watches you can be confident you are getting a Swiss-made watch straight from Dwiss that has 30 returns policy and a 2 year international warranty.
If you love Dwiss’s design and their ongoing innovation then its a no brainer investment for your first watch or your next addition.
Click here for more information on the Dwiss R1 Quartz
DWISS CLUB
If you liked what you read in this review then Dwiss is doing something special for watch lovers who’ve always wanted their very own customized Swiss-made watch, where you, as the watch enthusiast get to see the watchmaking process.
You will get exclusive over the shoulder look on how to design your own watch.
And with the Dwiss team holding your hand through the entire process, from the design to the manufacturing stages, to seasoned watchmaker putting your timepiece together virtually right in front of your eyes.
The end of the process is bittersweet, yet you take with it a wealth of knowledge and a once in a lifetime experience in the creation of your very own timepiece.
And the best thing of all you get to flaunt the watch you had a hand in designing with the Dwiss team and bringing it to production.
You’re probably wondering what this costs to get the ultimate behind-the-curtain experience for watch enthusiasts who have always dreamed about designing their own high-quality Swiss watch?
The truth is, its probably cheaper than your current phone plan.
And with 1 small monthly fee of only $79 you can design and own your own watch in the following months
Learn more about Dwiss Club here
