I am a big fan of Magrette Watches, and I have been for a long time. I have followed the brand, owned and reviewed many of their replica watches since their inception, and they always seem to deliver a great replica watch for a not so large price point. (Magrette does make many limited edition replica watches, such as hand engraved models and others, that do have a higher price tag)
One of their newest offerings is the Magrette Dual Time, a 42mm steel case with a combo of brushed and steel finishes, or all black pvd. Today I will be discussing the stainless steel white dial model. As usual, Magrette has excellent case finishing, a sapphire crystal, an automatic movement (in this case the Miyota 9015), a sandwich dial, superb packaging and two leather straps. This was all offered for a pre order price of $515, with the current selling price at $575. This is one of the few offerings Magrette has done in 42mm, so for the people wanting a Magrette but not liking the large 44-45mm sizes they usually have done, this might be one you want to check out.
Please take an HD look at my video presentation below:
Magrette Dual Time Full Specifications:
- MOVEMENT: Miyota 9015
- CASE DIAMETER: 42mm
- CASE THICKNESS: 12mm
- CASE LENGTH: 51mm
- LUG WIDTH: 22MM
- WEIGHT: 95.8 grams
- CASE FINISH: 316 stainless steel
- CROWN: screw down crown
- CRYSTAL: Double domed sapphire with AR coating
- WATER RESISTANCE: 200 meters
- STRAP: Leather strap with Lorica Lining
- LIMITED EDITION: 500 pieces per color.
- Current price $575
The case of the Magrette is all brushed, except for the fixed bezel and surrounding accents on the screw down crowns. This is some subtle polish, as in the past Magrette has used high polish on the tops or sides of case, tops of lugs, etc. I am usually more of a brushed or bead blasted fan, so the little touches of high polish are welcome to me. The crown located at the 4 o’clock position is for setting the time and date, and the crown at the 2 position is for the internal bezel which acts as a second time zone.
Because the replica watch can be used to track another time zone, something that travelers often use, the case back of the Dual Time has an engraved Frigatebird. Direct from Magrette, the Frigatebird with a wingspan that can reach 2-3 meters, is known to stay in the air for up to a week, feeding itself by snatching prey from the sea surface. A great symbol for exploration and freedom, the spirit of this replica watch in a nutshell.
My favorite aspect of this model is the crisp white sandwich dial. For those reading who are not familiar with a sandwich dial, it means that there are two dials laid into the case, one underneath that normally has lume applied to it, (such as this does), and then a second or main dial that is placed on top with stenciled numbers, so you can see the lume from underneath. This allows much more lume paint to be applied than normal, because they have an entire dial surface to use, as opposed to just markers or numbers themselves. Protecting the dial is a double domed sapphire crystal with an inner AR coating.
And when it comes to lume, look out! This Magrette is a contender in the lume category, and might even dish out a few knockouts to the competition. It glows bright, lasts for many hours in the darkness, and is evenly applied on both the cutout numbers and the hands.
The movement used is one I have discussed many times here, and because of availability issues of the ETA movements, the Miyota 9015 has become the go to movement for many micro brands. For those not familiar, it’s listed specs are:
- Automatic winding and hand winding
- 28.800 BPH
- 24 Jewels
- Hour, minute and sweeping second hands
- Second stop mode (hacking function) when setting time
- Shock absorber for balance staff
- Running time of more than 42 hours when fully wound
On my 7-½ inch wrist, it fits great and is very comfortable. The included leather straps, one tan and one black with lorica backing are very soft and comfortable, but I have to say they are a little on the short side. I feel comfortable saying they would fit at best up to an 8-inch wrist, but that might even be a bit of a stretch. Unlike some companies, Magrette pays close attention to small details, like the buckle. You will not get a standard thumbnail buckle here, but rather a beautiful CNC buckle with the Magrette M logo on top.
With this being dubbed a travel replica watch, how fitting is it that Magrette has packaged this in their new leather travel case, that is made from soft black leather with microfiber and tan suede lining. It has an area for your replica watch, elastic bands to hold extra straps and an extra leather pouch that can hold even more straps, tools or even another replica watch. This is my favorite kind of packaging because not only is it useful, but can be stored easily. These travel cases can be purchased separately as well for $58.
This is one of those replica watches that I just do not have anything bad to say about it. With the exception of the on the short side straps, the Magrette Dual Time is a beautiful replica watch with high quality materials and great execution. When you factor in all you get for the price, the two straps, the luxurious travel case and a great looking and well finished case and dial, it is hard to argue why Magrette has become so popular among us replica watch enthusiasts and collectors over the past few years.
If the white dial is not your speed, this version comes in a black dial, and if you like PVD better, an olive green or tobacco brown dial. You can see all variations of the Magrette Dual Time HERE . Thank you to Dion and Magrette for providing this new model for review, and please leave your comments below.
