These days it is pretty easy to find a decent watch on eBay at an affordable price. However this market place doesn’t offer the same security as purchasing directly from the brand or via a reputable retailer. Even though there are a lot of trusted sellers on eBay there are also unscrupulous people supplying replica watches to unsuspecting consumers. My advice to buyers is to proceed with extreme caution and explore many different options. With a budget of around $1,000 you can buy a pretty decent watch from brands like SevenFriday, Egard and TW Steel. If the budget is increased slightly to $1,500 this will secure a very attractive Swiss made timepiece. A few good examples are Bausele, Sisu and Edmond Watches.
Approximately two years ago I contacted Edmond Watches to see if I could get a watch for review. At the time the owner JP (Jean-Pierre) Edmond was going through a transitional stage and redesigning some of his most popular models. JP started his career in the automotive industry and progressed into producing watches. From our numerous conversations I realise how much of perfectionist he really is. Essentially his meticulous attention to detail distinguishes him from many of his competitors. The drawback is that this also means that the design process evolves very, very slowly. Finally after numerous setbacks the company has unveiled two exciting new models called the Spray and Pole Guardian.
Even though I have seen many images of the (1st generation) Pole Guardian I only got to see the actual watch a few days ago. Dimensionally the timepiece measures 44m x 14mm but appears much larger due to the innovative Smart Locker crown protector system. I feel these proportions will appeal to a wide variety of buyers including the rapidly expanding unisex market. Generally I found the watch sat comfortably on my wrist and I certainly didn’t experience any friction from the lugs. Ultimately this is down to the ergonomic case design and use of 316L stainless steel in production. Personally I would be very happy to wear this timepiece on a daily basis.
Visually the Pole Guardian has a wonderful contemporary appearance normally found in watches several times the price. In this new 2014 version the only slight differences I can see are the exclusion of screws on the bezel and a redesigned date window. When I confronted JP about this he explained that essentially it is the same watch with minor improvements. All the really cool features like the three-dimensional 24-hour dial (with three rotating disks) open worked hour/minute hands and Smart Locker crown protector system remain the same. Overall I think the composition is accomplished and the attention to detail is first rate.
In this new 2014 model JP has replaced the old ETA 2824-2 movement with a Selita SW200 engine. Presumably he has done this because the Swatch Group is making less ETA mechanisms available. The calibre comprises 26-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). Functionally the Pole Guardian features hours, minutes, seconds, 24-hour display and date facility. The timepiece also has a power reserve of 40-hours and is water resistant to a depth of 200 metres.
The Pole Guardian (as tested) has a stylish brushed steel bracelet with double folding clasp. Priced competitively at: $1,390CHF (approximately $1,441).
For more information visit the company’s website: http://www.edmond-watches.com
