What We Know
It’s time to put aside the debate of big watches versus small watches. I think we can at least agree that options are a good thing, so everyone can get what they want. With that in mind, Serica has released three new, smaller Field Chronometer watches measuring only 35mm by 9.6mm thick with a COSC-certified automatic movement and three new enamel dials.
These three new watches, with stainless steel cases, play off the design language of the ref. 6190 with a few tweaks. There’s the slightly larger, fixed bezel with pips at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock. They have a double-domed anti-reflective sapphire that should somewhat magnify the smaller dial. The two-tone cream-and-black “Tuxedo” dial is similar to the ref. 6190 TXD, with hand-applied numerals. The other two, the “Minute Critical” dials in black or olive green, aren’t that far from the ref. 6190 “Denali” that is already on offer in a larger size, with added 5-minute Arabic numerals. All three have Super-LumiNova C3 lume.
Inside the case is the SoProd M100 movement, which is COSC-certified for accuracy, making it a Field Chronometer in both name and function. The caliber runs at 4Hz, is self-winding, and has a 42-hour power reserve. According to Serica, it also has a decorated plate with Côtes de Genève, and while there are no photos of the caseback, I would assume it is still a closed caseback like its big sibling.
Then there’s the final major update: the watch comes with a redesigned Bonklip bracelet, featuring curved end pieces, squared, polished links, and a stronger taper. It’s also been fitted with a new Safe-Lock clasp, which is more secure but also allows the owner to wear the watch a bit looser if they want. The bracelet comes in three sizes.
The new Field Chronometer ref. 7505 costs €1,090 for the “Minute Critical” version and €1,190 for the “Tuxedo” dial (due to the hand-applied indices). You can buy all the versions on Serica’s website.
What We Think
Personally, 35mm watches are just a little bit small for me. I also think the larger bezel will make the dial appear even smaller than 35mm. But I do have to say that the dial options are all pretty attractive, and I’m not going to be mad at other options for the market. The “Minute Critical” versions are the most practical field watches of the bunch. The only disappointment for me is that the original 6190 “Denali” doesn’t come in an olive green enamel as this one does. It looks great, and we don’t get enough of these colors, and I’m surprised that Hamilton doesn’t have a color like this available at the moment.
The Basics
Brand: Serica
Model: Field Chronometer
Reference Number: 7505
Diameter: 35mm
Thickness: 9.6mm
Lug-to-Lug: 41.5mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: Polished enameled ‘Minute Critical Dial’ in Black or Olive Green, or two-tone ‘Tuxedo dial’
Indexes: Printed or hand-applied, circled hour-markers
Lume: Super-LumiNova C3
Water Resistance: 200M
Strap/Bracelet: 20mm Bonklip® Bracelet with new, signed Safe-Lock clasp. Available in 3 sizes: small, regular, and extra long
The Movement
Caliber: SoProd M100
Functions: Hours, minutes, central-seconds
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4Hz
Jewels: 25
Chronometer Certified: COSC-certified
Additional Details: Decorated plate with Côtes de Genève
Pricing & Availability
Price: €1,090 (Minute Critical dial), €1,190 (Tuxedo dial)
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No
For more, click here.
