MOVADO.bestchronograph.com

I bought this watch a little over 6 months ago. I was very fortunate and bought it through a retailer using a 50% off coupon – so managed to pick it up for $275. I previously owned a Maverick II from Swiss Army and while that watch had the right aesthetic idea, I found it’s build quality lacking. This ESQ is to the Swiss Army what Arnold was to DeVito in Twins…(1980’s movie?) Anyway, point is it’s robust. It wears like a tank, though you get accustomed to it, and gives you the confidence that you’re wearing a time piece that will last.

I needed a watch I could wear regardless of how formal I was dressed. As a wedding photographer I frequently dress “up” for events and I wanted a watch that I could wear either while photographing nature, or at a formal event. It’s one of the most attractive “tough” watches I’ve seen.

This watch features a sliding rule ability which I’m only now learning to use… but it could come in handy for those who remember how to use this feature. The hands are bright at night, the numbers big and easy to read.

My only complaint is that occasionally I’ll stop the watch when I get dressed… Not sure how I do that… but it does happen occasionally.

After looking for several months at time pieces for men that were in the $300-$800 price range, I felt this was the watch for me… and when I got the deal I did, It won me over. It’s worth the $550 retail – It’s DEFINITELY worth the $275 sale price.

Even my friends who have Rolex Submariners have complimented the watch.

I selected this ESQ Beacon Chronograph from an assortment of available watches available as part of a 40 year Service Award from my place of employment. I’ve always been a watch person and regularly looked for new watches until my Dear One gave me a Rolex some 20 years ago. This has been the first watch that has tempted me in many, many years.

I read what I could about it. Information was scarce or even (as on this Amazon page) inaccurate. (No, this isn’t a woman’s model as the product information says). But features and appearance coupled with the Movado name led to make this choice. I received the watch yesterday and even such short acquaintance tells me the choice was a good one.

First Impressions: This watch is BIG. I always viewed my Rolex Datejust as a large watch but next to this ESQ it is small, small, small. This is not a negative. Indeed, considering how much information this watch can provide between its various dials and its rotation bezel, it is a positive plus.

Interestingly none of the material, either here on Amazon, or elsewhere speaks to this models aviation motif. And “motif” may not in fact be the right word because the bezel is specifically designed to help aviators answer specific questions about fuel usage, air speed, and range. More amazing is the absolute dearth of information about any of this provided with the watch. (My pilot son provided me with the information needed to take advantage of the watches capability)

How useful this will actually prove to be for me as a non-aviator only time will tell. But the same rule also can work as a traditional rotating slide rule. That I will no doubt have use for from time to time – but will I have my reading glasses with me on those occasions? Without them the small number and markings will be little more than a blur.

Since ESQ calls no attention to these capabilities, but does stress the watches’ style let me also say a bit about that. Simply put this is a beautiful watch. The finish is gorgeous – a tasteful mix of brushed stainless steel with a few touches of polished metal. The aviator motive is used throughout the watch. The left hand chronometer dial being the nicest touch in this regard: It accurately mimics a classic aeronautical instrument. Wonderful!

The hand are bold – with large glow-in-the-dark areas as are/do the numerals themselves.

The chronograph capability allows for accurate elapsed time as well as individual lap times and/or multiple contestant times. Very nice.

So, put it all together and this watch is IMO a keeper. If you like the style don’t hesitate at all.