Since I established Total Watch Reviews approximately two years ago I have built a rapport with many independent watchmakers. Primarily this is because like myself, a lot of the personalities behind these brands are accomplished designers in their own right. Some good examples are Jean-Marie Schaller, (Louis Moinet) Richard Paige, (R Paige) Frank Heydrich, Alvin Lye (Azimuth) Frank M. Bürgin (CX Swiss Military and Ilan Srulovicz (Égard).
Over the last year I have numerous conversations with Ilan Srulovicz and have always been impressed with his dynamic attitude. Ultimately he has always remained focused and goal oriented. His main objective was to create sustainable and affordable range of watches. In my opinion he has definitely achieved this and his timepieces are now sold through many reputable retail outlets worldwide. One thing that has always amazed me is his connection with many high profile actors. Although I feel he would have succeeded on creative talent alone this factor has certainly raised his profile.
Normally I wouldn’t even contemplate writing an in depth feature about the same watch twice. However I feel the Passages is a very special timepiece and therefore warrants it. Originally this watch was launched on a crowd funding website Indiegogo, with a pledge for $75,000. Incredibly, buyers came in droves and it netted $681,721, which is almost ten times this amount. Essentially this amount of interest had a huge knock on effect and international deliveries were massively delayed. Fortunately I have now received a sample for review.
When I published an article about the Passages last November I was very descriptive about the visual appearance. At that stage I was working from high-resolution 3D renderings. Realistically these images don’t do the watch the justice it deserves. Aspects like the multi-layered dial are pretty striking and will appeal to fans of SevenFriday. What makes this timepiece really special is the fact that it was designed in collaboration with William Shatner. From in depth discussions with Ilan Srulovicz, William Shatner isn’t just a brand ambassador but was seriously involved in the creative process.
Over the last week I have worn the watch constantly and for most occasions. Generally I have found it sat comfortably on my wrist and definitely didn’t experience any chaffing from the lugs. Essentially this is down to innovative case design and use of 316L stainless steel in production. Although the timepiece feels pretty lightweight to wear I would have preferred the use of titanium even if this meant a price increase.
At the heart of the watch is a modified Japanese (Citizen) Miyota 8S27. This caliber comprises 21-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,000 vibrations per hour. This movement is popular with both SevenFriday and Dietrich 1969. As I have mentioned previously I feel all these watches could benefit from an upgraded Swiss mechanism. Nevertheless this might not be an important factor to many consumers. Functionally the Passages features hours, minutes, seconds and a moon/sun indication. It also is water resistant to a depth of 50 metres and has a power reserve of 45 hours.
The Passages has a high quality black rubber strap with matching triple folding stainless steel clasp. Priced competitively at: $895
For more information visit the company’s website: http://www.egardwatches.com
