The integrated steel watch lives on – Decima Gatekeeper

It was not so long ago when the so called ‘’Genta’’ inspired trend began. I do remember when you could walk into a shop and buy the latest integrated steel sports watch (If you had the funds) without having to prove your royal bloodline. But the reality today It is another one; anything that has resemblance to the iconic 70’s style, its working well for a brand therefore a higher price must be paid. That is not to say that we haven’t seen mistakes in this area, from Patek Phillipe with its new Cubitus line to the Tissot PRX Chronograph (despite the great value given) there are plenty designs that are just off, too big, or perhaps too heavy, the elegance of the design can be lost easy.

Today we have a new debutant, the Gatekeeper from Decima Watches, and in my opinion, they keep the style alive with details that I haven’t seen in other watches from this category. Just like the watch, Decima as a brand is a mix of different backgrounds, the Albanian owner is moved/inspired by Roman ancient culture, that said, he is also established in New York, the result, something different and refreshing. Join me to discover.

The specifications

With integrated sports watches, size is everything, 1mm off and the design could be completely ruined, in the case of the Gatekeeper, well it holds its grounds well at 38mm, a size that many brands are lacking, the short 46mm lug to lug also helps to keep things tidy.  The somehow oval style shape of the case is unique, so is not mimicking any other designs being its own thing and of course the star of the show is the dial. A guilloche pattern that hypnotizes the wearer, looks incredible from afar and under the macro, the dagger style hands look sharp, well finished adding those roman numerals which give a classy atmosphere to the watch.

As mentioned, the Gatekeeper mixes several styles in terms of design and while the dial looks elegant and traditional, the case and the bracelet are brushed to perfection for a more robust experience. Coming back to the ‘’H’’ link bracelet, this is one of the best finished metals I’ve handled at this price point, it is rounded, well executed and comfortable. The round ‘’squat’’ onion crown it is also appreciated; the size is proportional to the watch, it is very easy to operate. Everything is backed up by 50 meters of water resistance.

The symmetry of the dial is something that brings harmony to the whole watch, there is no date, and I am glad to see this, the main reason could be that I would really like to avoid Roman numerals clashing with Arabic numerals for the date, it would be something odd to see. The Gatekeeper is powered by a 9039 Miyota movement, thin and automatic, it is the perfect companion to keep the watch wearable and affordable, the movement can also be seen from the back and because it sits lower than the actual ring, feels better on my 6.25-inch wrist than any other similar size watches.

On the wrist

This is the part that everyone is waiting for, how does the Gatekeeper wear? Well, no surprises but with a great bracelet, a thinness under 12mm and a clasp which includes on the fly micro adjustment, it is pretty amazing. I wore the Gatekeeper for a week and the experience is good, legibility is there but to me the standout is the style, it is a watch that can be called a chameleon, it blends with many outfits by being elegant when it needs to, but sporty in a similar way, a great all-rounder. Sure, a green dial is not for everyone but to me it feels incredible.

The way that the bracelet blends with the case is also something to highlight, many watches with this style feel clumsy or a bit of an afterthought but not here, the Gatekeeper lines make the case and bracelet feel like a unison which is what it supposed to deliver, a one-piece design and not a bracelet attached to a case.

I would recommend this watch for medium size wrists, it wears well and has some presence, the luxury feel is there without the price tag, amazingly, is not cutting corners in any sense, it is a hidden gem.

Conclusions

Integrated steel sports bracelet cover a specific niche of our hobby, they are for people who are into watches but also for those who are into design, it is a fine line to walk but I believe that Decima has done a great job with this one, in fact it would be one of the watches that I would consider adding into my collection, it really adds that missing link on an already messy hobby.

Decima watches are one of the most approachable brands I’ve interacted with, please make sure to check them out and reach out personally, it is a great experience.

The Gatekeeper will be available on Kickstarter in November with an initial price of 340 USD, and it comes in Blue, Green, Purple, Salmon, Yellow and Ice Blue.

More information coming soon.

Technical specifications

·         Diameter: 38mm Lug-to-Lug: 46mm

·         Thickness: 8.9mm (11.0 mm including crystal) Lug Width: 14mm (Integrated Bracelet)

·         Stainless Steel 316l Water Resistance: 5 atm / 50 Meters / 164 Feet

·         Polished Crown: 6.5mm serrated pull-push crown

·         Bracelet 316l Stainless Steel Bracelet Width: From 24mm to 18mm

·         Miyota 9039 Country of Origin: Japan

·         Power Reserve: 42 hours Frequency: 28800 BPH