Quality and execution – Albedo Solaris Chronograph

It is always a joy to have a new brand feature on our site, this mean that the microbrand space is healthy and that enthusiasm is still in vogue. And enhancing the last point, enthusiasm is what drives Albedo, a brand founded in the Netherlands with a missing to bring quality and affordability to anew audience.

We must say that this is a statement made by many brands and it is really hard to deliver, because low prices mean that at some point you have to compromise on certain aspects like the components, finishing and of course, the movement.

But to tight all up, that large enthusiasm on our community also inspires suppliers to invest in new capabilities and new techniques. The supplier’s catalogue nowadays is vast and bring new possibilities for brands like Albedo and ultimately us, to enjoy that formula where our wallets feel safer, is a snowball effect.

So the big question is, has Albedo delivered? Today we have their latest iteration, the Solaris. This is a chronograph that really surprised me, not only because of the layout or looks, but the high tolerances in construction, it is hard to imagine a better built watch at this price point. We are here to share, let’s begin.

The Specifications

The Solaris is a chronograph that leans heavy on the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in terms of design and why not, if you are going to borrow from someone, borrow from the best. That said the elements are completely different from its more expensive and unattainable counter-part. The variant we have for review has a blue sunburst dial which oozes personality, I’ve enjoyed this dial quite a bit because how interacts with the black subidals and that red seconds hand, it all screams racing.

Looks alone wouldn’t do the watch, so the proportions of the Solaris are spot on at 39mm in case diameter and 45mm for the lug to lug, it wears very well on my 6.25 inch wrist. The bezel is all brushed and has than tachymeter scale that we watch nerds love specially paired with that red seconds hands mentioned earlier. The 4:30 date is unobtrusive and with a black background matches the subidals to perfection, quite a nice detail.

The pencil hands are long and they are filled with BGW9 superluminova, together with those concentric black subdials in a tri-compax layout, the Solaris feels like a well-cooked design.

The screw down pushers are a joy to unthread and here is where the quality is apparent, a good design executed correctly. There are many brands that fail into these small points, a good design that look great on the photos but when you have the time to inspect, it falls short, not the case in here with the Solaris.

The pushers control the VK64 movement, a meca-quartz engine that we all know and love. It keeps the watch ticking and as we mentioned, affordable but we would come to that later. The Solaris also has 100 meters of water resistance which is quite good for a sports watch.

On the wrist

Wearing the Solaris is easy, the case curves nicely and the 13mm in thickness makes it svelte for any occasion. The watch comes with a solid metal bracelet and it suits the design quite well because it contrast with the brushed bezel. The oyster style construction is perfect and although we wish for a bit more tapper at the clasp (which is very secure I might add) the solidity is appreciate it, this is not a watch that would detach from your wrist.

It would be good to pair the Solaris with a different strap, I think it would work well specially with the slim profile and me being me, I am thinking nylon in grey, it would give an even sportier vibe with versatility.

I wore the Solaris mostly at the office, it is a very elegant watch if you consider the blue dial and bracelet option, not elegant for dinner jacket attire but casual ready. It is a watch that can you to the gym and straight to the party, it blends well.

Legibility is another high point on the Solaris, the BGW9 superluminova is potent and glows as it should, it is quite nice to look when the sun starts to hide. The hands are part of this legibility, let’s not forget the amount of information that a chronograph has to displayed and here is no different. The subdials with white writing are easy to spot and then the long hands glide over the dial making the time easy to read at a glance.

Concluding thoughts

What makes the Solaris a great watch is not only how it looks but in reality how it feels on the wrist. The ergonomics are spot on and the quality delivered here is  outstanding. I’ve seen plenty of watches way more expensive than the Albedo’s new baby and sometimes they disappoint.

Now we need to address the best part: the price for the Albedo Solaris which starts at 178 GBP, it is incredible for a chronograph. I am also pointing out that the VK64 is a joy to operate but more impressive on the reliability side, so in reality you have both worlds covered.

There are 2 other version of the Solaris, a black and a silver one. I still believe that our royal blue is the way to go but that light silver dial has been winking on me lately which also points out the affordability aspect of the Solaris, do you want to indulge yourself, 2 of them won’t break the bank.

If you are in the market for an affordable but well built chronograph, this should on top of your list. Albedo has a bit of know how in chronograph watches and I’ll be at ease to trust them with their expertise, just make sure you get one on time.

For more information visit www.albedowatches.com 

Technical Specifications

·       Case material: Stainless steel 316L

·       Case finishing: Brushed

·       Case diameter: 39mm(42.5mm with Crown)

·       Lug width: 20mm

·       Lug to lug: 45mm

·       Thickness: 13mm

·       Glass: Sapphire Glass

·       Dial finish: Sunburst Dial

·       Super-Luminova®: BGW9

·       Movement: Japanese Made VK63 Movement

·       Battery Lifetime: 3 years

·       Crown: Engraved

·       Water resistance: 10ATM - 100 Meters