Nezumi Studios is thought for its big-value chronographs, and regardless of the rising costs of wristwear, this doesn’t seem like altering. After 13 years in existence and 9 years of making mid-century-inspired sports activities watches, the Stockholm-based model is now a longtime participant on the watch scene.
David Campo of the Swedish small model Nezumi has realized that change for the sake of it isn’t all the time factor. Evolution is the identify of the wrist recreation, and alongside providing a subject watch and the most recent Explorer-cool Aviera GMT, sub-40mm chronographs are what Nezumi does greatest. With the return of the Tonnerre, we see the model sticking to its ’60s weapons with a robust, German-assembled design.
The brand new Tonnerre TQ2 Chronograph
Tonnerre is French for “thunder,” and this watch gives a retro-sweet tackle the traditional ’60s/’70s chronograph. We’ve coated Nezumi’s releases earlier than, and I’ll admit to having the old-school Voiture myself. It is among the few retro-flavored watches I nonetheless have in my field. Why? It’s a superb on a regular basis watch that gives peace-of-mind accuracy because of the meca-quartz motion. David Campo’s sharp eye for element additionally units it aside correctly, with few compromises on high quality.
Many particulars set the Tonnerre aside, together with a telemeter scale, maybe a tongue-in-cheek reference to the “thunder” nomenclature. It’s a still-fresh evolution of the primary mannequin, punching above its value vary. I’ll additionally supply kudos to Nezumi Studios for locating a case design that works and sticking to it. Nowadays, a 38mm case has turn out to be the default candy spot for a lot of, and with the slim profile enabled by the Seiko VK63, consolation is certainly king. Nezumi additionally sticks to its tried-and-true technique of assembling all watches in Germany, and for me, that’s nonetheless an enormous high quality field ticked.
A profitable case design with a twist
Anybody can copy a clean-cut skin-diver case à la the 62MAS, and most do. However Nezumi has its tackle case involving twisted lyre lugs and an edge on consolation. The acquainted case began because the Voiture sequence with its Zorro-mask visage at about 40mm. This time, just like the Aviera GMT, we’ve a soft-brushed model of the identical — a extra tool-ish vibe for those who like. It’s the identical case however with out the Voiture’s tachymeter bezel. This slim, beveled bezel retains the diameter to a pleasant 38mm.
As a result of slim nature of the much-used Seiko VK-series meca-quartz motion, the case again of the Nezumi Tonnerre can be very flat. That leaves you with a wrist-hugging impression of ergonometry that solely underlines the wearability. And like some manufacturers, Nezumi’s designer and proprietor David Campo understands the attraction of customization. Meaning there’s a selection of straps and a pleasant Jubilee-esque brushed bracelet. And whereas this isn’t a hands-on story, having spent per week with the spent per week with the Aviera GMT final yr, I can attest to the consolation of that bracelet. And if you’d like a lighter combo, Nezumi’s delicate leather-based straps supply an enormous bang on your strap-buck and have a traditional two-stitch design.
Two takes on small-cased retro
Monochrome is greatest for on a regular basis flexibility, however the matte black dial of the TQ2.202 gives a cheeky pop of summery turquoise. The 24-hour sub-dial at 3 o’clock has an AM/PM cut up, and the 60-minute counter at 9 has an alternating white and turquoise 10-minute segments, giving it a vigorous really feel. Metal syringe fingers underline the classic aesthetic, whereas the registers have black pointers, and the needle chronograph seconds hand is resplendent within the Tonnerre’s vivid trademark turquoise.
The white-dial model (TQ2.102) has a clear, off-white shade with the identical 24-hour show and 60-minute counter, whereas the operating seconds at 6 o’clock are delightfully recent. Whereas the dials have a clean matte end, there are distinct concentric grooves on the three registers. The vibe is colourful, and whereas it clearly takes inspiration from greats just like the Skipper and Breitling High Time, it’s nonetheless very a lot a Nezumi creation.
A vintage-flavored conclusion
I preserve pondering I’ve had my fill of classic vibes, however then one thing good comes alongside. And like many, I’m nervous about proudly owning actual classic watches, particularly chronographs, because the Swinging ’60s hits at the moment are 60 years previous. Nezumi is a type of manufacturers that provide the fitting classic feeling with out fauxtina or a homage to any specific watch. Each variations of the brand new Tonnerre are as crisp and clear as in the event that they’d come out of a Swiss manufacturing facility final century, with Japanese peace of thoughts.
Sure, there’s an pointless 24-hour indicator at 3 o’clock, however in any other case, it’s all good. The hybrid tech makes the summer-fresh turquoise seconds hand stream with imperceptible mini-ticks, and accuracy is nice. A value of €345 on the Hunt leather-based strap nonetheless represents nice worth. Even coming in at €415 on the Colin brushed five-row metal bracelet, the Tonnerre could be very cheap in 2024. Each variations can be found now from Nezumi Studios in Stockholm.
What do you reckon, Fratelli? Does the Nezumi Studios Tonnerre reignite a retro spark in you? And what would you utilize the telemeter scale for? Let me know within the feedback.
