When a watch has it all – the Feynman One Galaxy Aventurine

Talk to any watch nerd and there is a bucket list of ‘’items’’ that are needed on a dress watch. Even when you think that everything is in order, there is always something missing, something that is not quite right.

I spoke in length with Yong Keong Lim who is the founder of Feynman Timekeepers, and when he described how his new watch was going to look, I was immediately hooked. As always, I was sceptical at first but when I saw the First Edition of their Feynman One which had an Onyx dial with rose gold Breguet numerals, it became one of the watches at the top of my wish list.

Unfortunately, this variant was done in a very limited run, and after a very short blink, they were all sold out. But maybe is not such a bad thing because now we have its direct sibling with an aventurine dial. This new variant not only ticks another box on our collecting journey, but it also gives us another opportunity to experience a sold out model.

The Feynman One Galaxy is a clear example of a watch that changes easily with a few touches. The silver numerals paired with the silver hands give a colder look, a more austere look than its predecessor, and in my eyes, it becomes a more versatile watch, not so dressy.

Let’s us begin to discover what could be a classic watch with modern construction, the real neo-vintage category.

The specifications

One of the specific boxes that the Galaxy ticks is the size at 39mm. While I do think dress watches could always be smaller, the Feynman does a little bit of magic with a step case construction, making the watch feel more like 37mm. The lug to lug is also good at 46mm and of course we must mention the ‘corne de vache’ style applied here. It is a detail that I can always appreciate, and it blends quite nicely with the rounded design of the watch, elegance first.

The rest of the case is simple but well executed. The crown at 4 o’clock is a detail that I enjoy quite a bit as it makes the watch visually asymmetrical. This is also reflected by the seconds subdial dial at 7 with the iconic lizard hand, which brings us to the dial. Here is where the Galaxy excels, the aventurine centre is a deep blue which looks like a clear night sky, it is one of the coolest effects I’ve seen on a dial. Then you have the guilloche minute track where you can find the stunning and well machined Breguet numerals, they are reached by the skeletonized arrow hands allowing the dial to breathe better.

Turn the watch over and you are greeted by one clean caseback, not much writing and 4 screws. I quite like it because it lets you enjoy the Swiss ETA 7001, which in my opinion has one of the coolest architectures from a third-party movement today. The top-grade calibre includes Geneva stripes, blued screws and provides 42 hours of power reserve. On this last point, I could easily say that this power reserve feels low compared to other movements out there. But because is a manual winding watch, it will force you to interact more with it which is always a pleasure.

On the wrist

The sum of the parts on the Galaxy is what makes it wears so comfortable. The lugs are very ergonomic, and they pull down the watch to feel planted, the crown is unobtrusive because of its position and then we have the high-quality leather strap that it comes with. The Galaxy is paired with a lizard strap made by YI leather, it feels very durable, and it has this artisanal quality that cannot be matched by other straps out there. The shiny nature of the strap also matches well the aventurine dial. I did try the watch with other more common combination, and it is a chameleon watch (yes, another lizard reference), they all work well.

I wore the Feynman One Galaxy mostly at an office environment and it did not disappoint. The watch gives you this aura of vintage/classic with a modern twist. It feels like an obscure reference from a brand discovered on an auction catalogue; it is that special. The legibility of the watch is also outstanding, the silver markers and hand contrast well with the blue dial and although there is no lume, the aventurine dial gives you plenty of shine.

On my 6.25-inch wrist this aventurine beauty wears well. There is a lot going on the dial but still manages to look uncluttered, there is no denying that it is a dress watch, but it is a good one that could work in many situations, it can dress down to a casual situation and even more sporty vibes.

Conclusion

The Feynman One is the second watch I’ve handled from the brand, and it doesn’t disappoint. Although it was the first model that caught my eye, it was the one that I’ve spent more time with and it is one that I feel more attached to, no wonder as it ticks all my boxes, I guess I am a watch nerd.

Another pleasant point about the Galaxy is the price. We are talking about a unique design paired with a reliable but special Swiss movement and to encounter these 2 elements well under the 1200 GBP mark, it is a real find.

The Galaxy Aventurine is part of a series, and it also comes in several variations, I would suggest heading over to https://feynman.watch/collections/feynman-one-2022 and check them out, they won’t be there for long.

As you can tell my time with this watch and this brand has been very pleasant. To have a watch that offers its own design language at this price range is a rare thing. It should be celebrated and the best part is that is not going to break the piggy bank, potentially it will break only mine.

Technical Specifications

Case: 39mm

Lug to Lug: 46mm

Height: 11.5mm

WR: 50m

Lug width: 20mm

Movement: Top grade ETA 7001

Caseback: Sapphire

Strap: Premium handmade Lizard strap by Yi Leather