Integrated and Convinient - The Scarifour from Benjamin James

We covered the initial version of the Scarifour from Benjamin James  here and it was quite a threat. The proportion and fit from his watches were outstanding to say the least, and if you do not believe me, check out his website as they are all sold out for a while now. This is no coincidence as when I spoke to Benjamin, he came across a person that was very much into small details like wearability and size and we know that for an integrated bracelet watch, this is key.

 As you can see in the previous review, my impressions were extremely positive and, in my head, there was nothing else to be done to the Scarifour, but I was wrong. How about an automatic movement for an ultimate everyday wear?

This seems like a simple swap, and in theory it is because not much has change on the Scarifour and here is where the real challenge lies; not to disturb a winning formula. An automatic power source brings so much benefits but also brings issues such as thickness, heft and of course costs.

Join me to discover the new iteration from the brand and how can it still be that mentioned winning formula. Let’s begin.

Specifications

The dial is one of the aspects that did not change much. In terms of layout, the watch has the same chevron patterns but this time with a new salmon (or champagne) dial that really stands out. In this type of watches (integrated ones) these palettes are usually reserved for more exclusive models, and I am glad to see that sunburst circular effect on the new automatic variant.

Another change was the addition of a seconds hand. I did not realise that would make such a difference on how I fell when I look at the dial. The constant motion is something that I quite enjoy, at the end we watch nerds love a sweeping hand.

The proportions of the case are similar in dimensions, the Sacarifour Automatic does the same numbers as its predecessor with 31mm in diameter by 40mm for lug to lug. The only difference is the height of the watch which adds 1.2mm leaving it way under 10mm, we would look at the wearing experience later.

Inside the watch, instead of a hand wound movement, we find the ultra-thin Miyota 9039 Automatic movement. It is a great addition to the watch because it keeps up with the thin nature of the Scarifour. Perhaps in my ideal world, I would have opted for a closed case back adding the possibility of engraving, but I can also see the appeal to have moving gears in the back and a sweeping second hand at the front.

The 50 meters of water resistance are still present and lumed hands only for extra legibility.

On the wrist

As mentioned, dimensions haven’t shift much and the added thickness is unnoticeable on my 6.25-inch wrist. This is key for the new version in my opinion, because the convenience of an automatic movement surpasses the manual one by quite a mile. Sure, we can get into the argument of the previous Swiss movement vs the current Japanese one, but in the end, if the watch keeps on ticking for longer, I am sure that it would be chosen everyday regardless of its country of origin, specially with that yummy Salmon dial.

One part that is a hidden hit is that the watch doesn’t include a ghost date. You’ll be surprised the amount of time that this has happened to me, it is quite disappointing. But I am happy to report that this is not the case with the Scarifour, it is well thought out and that hexagonal crown still looks and feels like a charm.

The bracelet still makes me smile, not only because of its fluidity but because how intricate is in terms of design. Another concern I had was the added weight, but this is also when the Miyota version was the right choice for the new automatic version, it just doesn’t add any more weight or at least I did not feel it. The Scarifour is easy to wear on daily basis and that is what the automatic version is intended to do, more versatile and equally comfortable.

Concluding thoughts

There are quite a few watches that I’ve enjoyed everyday and this is one of them, it just works for my wrist size but in terms of originality. It is unique when you compared it to what it is out there, it feels very special.

The 2 new added colours are also part of the novelty. Our Salmon sample is accompanied by a British Racing Green version which I’ve seen briefly and also looks outstanding. I am not sure which one would be my favourite but the style and refinement that both versions bring to the table are equally beautiful.

Now for the price, the price was 648 GBP which is quite a bargain for an original well design object, but unfortunately there is a waiting list. This is quite admirable as when waiting list in the watch scene seem to be going down and Benjamin Watches are still in strong demand.

Stay tuned and the brand also teased a new upcoming model in burgundy, cannot wait to see the reveal and showcase it.

For more information, please visit

https://benjaminjameswatches.com/products/scarifour-automatic-champagne-salmon

Technical Specifications

Case Size: 31mm by 40mm

Case Thickness: 9.5mm

Material: 316L Stainless Steel

Buckle: Hidden Butterfly Buckle

Top Crystal: Sapphire with AR Coating

Bottom Crystal: K1 Hardened Mineral Crystal

Water Resistance: 50 Meters

Dial: Circular Grained Chevron Motif ‘Heraldry Dial’

Lume: BGW9 Swiss Super-LumiNova on hands only

Movement: Miyota 9039 Automatic