Gears, oil and watches – The Coachbuilder by DeSanders Horologie

Chronographs have a space on every watch enthusiast heart. When combined with automotive design and porpoise, it becomes not only easier to love but also to understand, because in our head, gears move everything.

The issue that I have with automotive watches, or any theme watch in general is that it can become a bit too gimmicky, almost cartoon like. The secret is to be as subtle as possible and not to disturb the overall composition, in other words the details do not need to be the focal point.

A brand that knows about restrain is the Norwegian watch house DeSanders. Their designs are quite out there, and we just happened to review their latest Concept V chronograph, a beautiful avant garde object that leaves no desire unturned.  

Today we have a different proposition, a tool one: The Coachbuilder. Where the Concept V had fluid lines the Coachbuilder with its bronze body feels more utilitarian, ready to be worn every day. The high contrast of the hands and dial is a testament to legibility which is appreciated for a racing chronograph and together with the small details which we will see after, this new watch from DeSanders becomes a very appealing proposition.

I was lucky to receive the Bronze Nero version, which is my favourite of the line up, it is a good combination that feels attractive and but avoids losing its tool nature. Join me to start revealing what makes this the chronograph to have. Let’s begin.

The specifications

43mm in diameter, at least for me is the sweet spot for a bronze watch. We have seen this trend with plenty of watches, so I am glad to see it here in this bronze aluminium configuration. Although The Coachbuilder is a utilitarian watch, it has nice curves on the lugs and the side profile that allows it to be also beautiful. The bezel mimics a gear shape just like the screw down crown with piston like pushers, again a small but subtle detail. They are also functional as they provide 100 meters of water resistance which is impressive for a chronograph.

Coming to the dial, the sunburst great is well executed and the light blue tone of the chronograph hands and the 24-hour indicator at 3 o’clock, finishes the composition with elegance, it is a very goodlooking combination. The rose gold applied markers have a coffee bean like shape, they match the skeletonized hands to perfection. I quite enjoy that there is minimal writing on the dial with the logo at 12 and ‘’DeSanders’’ under that round 24-hour indicator.

At 9 o clock we can find the minute counter and at 6, we have the seconds one. The rail track is denoted by 15 min white markers and for some reason, it has this nautical vibe that I quite enjoy, perhaps is the matte bezel insert with the tachymeter scale in relieve that reminds me of the Rolex Yatchmaster, the fixed bolts complete the look giving extra points for attention to detail.

Behind the caseback, we can find the reliable VK73 movement, meaning that is a quartz unit with a mechanical heart. The smoothness of the top pusher feels incredible, probably one of the best I’ve felt for this type of watch. I am happy to see it here because not only keeps the watch constantly ticking but also affordable, more on that later.

On the wrist

So far everything is good with the Coachbuilder, I’ve reviewed several watches that have good ergonomics but fail in the lug-to-lug measurement, not here because the Coachbuilder has a 51mm lug to lug that fits my 6.25-inch wrist to perfection. The thickness of case is17mm but because the lugs go down dramatically, everything hugs the wrist quite well.

One of the main characteristics of the CoachBuilder is the strap. The custom rubber piece is soft and has a tyre patter which matches the theme of the watch, it integrated to perfection with the lugs giving an integrated look which I quite enjoy. The buckle also matches the case, and it is aging quite nicely which is one of the key assets of this case.

Wearing the Coachbuilder is easy, despite of being a large watch, is not top heavy and quite comfortable. I’ve used it mainly to the gym and over the weekends, it just suits more a day-to-day wear, a more active lifestyle.

Legibility is one of the key priorities for the watch, the perfect contrast and lume application is very generous. The AR coating also gives a very clear view of the dial, it is refreshing to see a grey sunburst finishing with a pop of colour, specially in a chronograph layout.

The Coachbuilder also comes in other 4 different varieties; our bronze case also comes in steel, another version with an Opaline Panda, a Deep Blue with bronze and steel case and a very light Steel Blue. They are all very goodlooking and ready to make a statement.

Concluding thoughts

There are several details that I quite enjoyed on this new watch from DeSanders. The shape of the case is one of the best large watches I worn this year and then, there is the looks. The Coachbuilder is one of those watches that can make a statement, the combination of colours at least from our variant feel right on point.

The strap is also a big part of the wearing experience, is not only soft but also being 22mm will make it suitable for other combinations, that said it would be hard to change it because the OEM it’s very good.

Now coming to the best part of watch which is the price. The Coachbuilder comes at 499 USD which is a great price for something that is not only original in every detail, but it also has lots of them.

This is a watch for someone who needs an everyday, robust and goodlooking chronograph, it would be easy to maintain with the movement and offering you the peace of mind from DeSanders, quality is assured.

Please check them out at: https://desanders.no/pages/coachbuilder

Technical Specifications

Functions

• Hours, minutes and seconds

• Tri-compax subdials, running seconds, chrono minuttes and 24hr GMT (at 3hr).

• VK73 movement

• Chronograph movement (mechanical quartz)

Case, dial and hands

• 43mm diameter, 17mm thickness

  51mm lug to lug

• Aluminum bronze case, brushed finish

• Dark grey to black fume dial. Black bezel insert.

• Sapphire crystal glass

• 100m water resistance

• Screw down crown

• Lume, BGW9 blue and C3 green

Strap

• Custom rubber strap, quick release

• Custom buckle.