Last July I was able to review the Bertucci Vintage 44 Illuminated Field Watch here on WatchReport. You can see that review HERE . I was impressed with the look and feel of the replica watch and the overall construction, as Bertucci in my opinion really tries to create the perfect replica watch for those out in the field, or someone wanting a casual replica watch that is still rugged and can take abuse. That particular model was quartz, with tritium tubes.
The model being reviewed here, is one of their latest offerings, the Bertucci A3-T Navigator Ti-Matic, a full titanium case, with a large, clean dial, and a horween leather strap. It is also an automatic, in the form of the Miyota 9015. For the replica watch guys out there, looking for the upgrades, this might be the one for you.
Please take a look at my video presentation below:
Bertucci A3-T Navigator Ti-Matic Full specifications:
- 42mm Case diameter
- 50 mm case length
- 22mm lug width
- 11.5mm case thickness, about 13mm with strap
- Weight: 73 grams
- Durable U.S. patented brushed finish solid titanium A-3T case
- Titanium screw down crown & caseback
- Hardened anti-glare sapphire crystal
- Premium 24 jewel Japan automatic movement with date
- Sweeping second hand w/ hacking feature (stop second device)
- Swiss super luminous hands & numbers
- Period authentic WWII dial
- Integrated unbreakable titanium band retention lug bars
- 100 M water resistance
- Made in USA Horween® leather band
- 3-year warranty
- Price as shown on Horween Strap $409
This being the second model from Bertucci that I have reviewed, I would like to point out a few things, as it concerns price, and this Navigator model, for those that are looking for the best specs for the price. The Vintage 44 was a Swiss quartz with a sapphire crystal, in a titanium case with tritium tubes that sold for $439. This Navigator Ti-Matic is again a solid titanium case, with a Miyota 9015 automatic movement, with sapphire crystal, superluminova hands and markers, and a horween leather strap, for $409. When it comes to value, this one might edge it out in the end.
Another thing of note, as I spoke to previously about Bertucci Watches, is that they are designed in the USA, with the packaging and straps produced in the USA, while the replica watch cases, and in this example the movement, are made in Asia. They are trying to do as much in the USA as possible, under their relatively affordable price points. So, onto the replica watch:
The 42mm case is all brushed titanium, with nicely curved lugs, and the screw down crown at 3 o’clock. One of Bertucci Watches key features, is their solid lug bar system, which they deem as “unbreakable”. Now, while I believe that nothing is truly unbreakable, the solid titanium lug bars are without a doubt going to be more sturdy than screw in bars or your standard spring bar lug system. I would say the chances of you ever breaking one of them and having the replica watch fall off in one of your activities is probably going to be slim, but on the safe side I am not going to personally say that it’s impossible.
The dial is nice and clean with large Arabic numerals and the date at the 3 position. The outer track of the dial has the minute/second hash marks with numbers for every 10 seconds/minutes.The white hands and markers pop off of the matte black dial and make it very legible, and has that military/pilot replica watch look to it.
When it comes to the leather strap, I am not overly fond of one-piece straps, whether they are leather or fabric, but with solid lug system, I understand it. With that said, the strap is Horween, which if you are not familiar is some of the nicest leather you can purchase, and whether you are a replica watch company or a custom strap maker, horween usually commands a premium. The color is listed as a nut brown, and is a beautiful shade of a dark brown with a slight distressed look to it. The backside is a light tan color and the whole strap is supple and smooth and feels great on the wrist. The stitching is well done and the buckles and keepers are metal (titanium?) for long-term durability.
In the video, I remark about the strap not having another keeper, and I show how some tongue is sticking out from the left side of the strap, while on my wrist. If you look at the pictures in the review, you will see I don’t have that issue. That is because when doing the video, I didn’t have the strap pulled through all the way to be centered properly, so the pictures here more correctly show how the strap should look and wear on the wrist. I find the replica watch comfortable to wear on my 7 ½ wrist and the strap sitting underneath the case back does not make it sit too high nor make it awkward looking.
The lume being used is listed as Swiss Superluminova and is above average in my opinion, but not going to light up the room by any means. I noticed the hands were brighter than the lumed numbers, so maybe another application of lume compound could be applied to them to make them brighter and match the hands.
Many of you know I am a big fan of the Miyota 9015 movement, and their is no need to discuss accuracy at this point, as I have covered that in countless reviews. The movement is a workhorse with a smooth sweeping second hand, and this example is no different.
As I’m writing this review, I realized that while most brands keep going up in their prices, Bertucci is offering this model in full titanium, with a Horween Leather strap, sapphire crystal and Miyota 9015 automatic movement, for just over $400. I would say that is a pretty good value, when it comes to comparing other replica watches out there in the current market. Its a good looking replica watch on the wrist, is lightweight and could be your field replica watch, or just your everyday or weekend casual replica watch. While it does have a screw down crown, it is only listed at 100m water resistant, so obviously this is a replica watch you would not be taking in the pool with you, especially with the leather band. I’m guessing if you were to change the band, you could, and should be fine, but I would not go beyond that. Overall I think it is a great value, and another nice example from Bertucci replica watches.
You can see this model and more from Bertucci Watches HERE
Thank you to Bertucci for providing this Navigator Ti-Matic for review and I look forward to your comments below.
