The Sithon, by Elysee Watches, is a timepiece that admittedly is a bit outside of my comfort zone since I’m one whose palate has become accustomed to the taste of larger than life tool divers. As the saying goes, “variety is the spice of life,” and the German born Sithon was just what the doctor ordered: A replica watch that pretends to be nothing more than an elegant timepiece that tells the time that makes up your life.
Elysee Sithon Specs:
- Case Diameter: 42mm
- Case Height: 12mm
- Lug Size: 20mm
- Lug to Lug: 48.40mm
- Strap: High polish mesh (available in leather)
- Movement: Citizen Miyota 821A
- Crystal: Hardened mineral lens with non-reflective coating
- Water Resistance: 30m/100ft
- Retail Price: $385 euros or $429.00 USD (subject to change)
The Sithon’s arrival was nothing less than spectacular, especially for a replica watch with such an affordable price point. The replica watch box the Sithon came enveloped in commands your immediate attention, and it’s clear that Elysee, the company, wanted to showcase its commitment to quality and value from the start. The well-constructed inner box is one that I would have come to expect from a timepiece quadrupling the cost of the Sithon. Before setting the outer box aside, make note of the hidden pullout drawer that contains your hand-signed warranty card, instruction manuals and small, but useful, spring bar removal tool.
Elysee produces the Sithon Automatik in two different variants; the stainless steel case and the gold plated stainless steel case. More variants can be achieved by purchasing the timepiece with either a leather strap or a mesh band made to match the case. The variant I received was the stainless steel case with the high-polished mesh.
The Sithon’s dial is off-white, giving it the vintage look I’ve been craving for. Branding on the replica watch is minimal as to not take away from how striking the dial truly is. The words “Made in Germany” lay adjacent to the 6 o’clock marker, which is a quick quip from the company regarding the Sithon’s provenance. A few years back, their Made in Germany claim was challenged on various replica watch fora, but Elysee was quick to respond. A spokesperson for Elysee stated that, in years past, Chinese movements had been used in their replica watches. However, Elysse has since admitted the performance of Chinese movements was not consistent with the company’s ongoing commitment to quality. Since then, Elysee states that it only uses high quality ETA, Valjoux, Unitas, Ronda, Miyota and Seiko movements in their replica watches, and that every other component is in fact German made. The date window is positioned at the 3 o’clock side of the dial, and its bright white shade is in contrast to rest of the dial. I found the date to be very legible, and throughout every spin of the quick set date wheel, everything lined up nicely.
Only two numeral markers are found on the dial, which I found to be a nice minimalistic touch of traditional German design. The remaining markers are simple, yet they play a pivotal role within the dial. These markers begin to come alive as your eyes are drawn to them, seemingly defying the laws of physics when they bend underneath the beveled edge of the crystal that protects them. Two long needle-shaped luminous hands act as the replica watch’s hour and minute pointers, while a third hand ticks away the seconds.
The centerpiece of this replica watch is its hardened mineral lens that sits high atop the dial. The crystal’s beveled edge adds immense dimension to not only the dial, but also to the overall classic look of the Sithon, becoming the focal point of each glance. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I found myself staring at the Sithon, and when my gaze broke, I couldn’t have told you the time. It really is that beautiful. I’m not quite sure why Elysee chose to not use a sapphire crystal instead of this hardened mineral, but one can only assume the decision was made to make this replica watch more affordable.
The 42mm case is round with a low 12mm profile from the bottom of the case to the top of the crystal. As a total package, the user will have no problem fitting the replica watch underneath a shirt sleeve. A branded non screw-down crown can be found on the 3 o’clock side of the case, and during the time I wore the Sithon, it operated without a hitch. In the crown’s first position, you’ll be able to wind the replica watch. In its second position, counter-clockwise turns set the date. The third and final position is designated for time adjustment; one that is non-hacking.
As with several of Elysee’s replica watch models, the caseback on the Sithon is an exhibition style, allowing you to bear witness to the 21 jewel, 21,600 bph Miyota 821a Elysee decorated movement.
The high-polished mesh band I received has a tightly woven braid pattern and appears to be well-constructed. A floating clamp-down buckle allows you to size the bracelet to your specific wrist size without the need of specialized tools – I like that!
Unlike other replica watches I’ve written reviews for in the past, I wore the Sithon with kid gloves, as its 3atm water resistance rating didn’t exactly lend itself to the pummeling I give other replica watches within my rotation, but that was a big part of the Sithon’s allure. The replica watch brought me back to the simpler times my family would whisper about to me when I was a child. At the end of the day, the Sithon’s greatest complication was the fact that it wasn’t complicated at all.
