So some of you might remember when I first launched The Horophile, one of the first posts was a personal review of the JEANRICHARD Terrascope Blue, which I had just picked up the week before posting. What made it a particularly significant purchase for me was that it was the first time in years that I had considered and pulled the trigger on a watch in the sub-$5K USD range. I came to the realization that you I didn’t always have to break the bank to own an original, well-made watch; as my Tudor Black Bay and SevenFriday P2 (both came after) can attest to.
This is precisely what the revamped JEANRICHARD brand is all about: offering quality, original timepieces at reasonable prices. And if you don’t think the Terrascope or Aquascope (which I reviewed on timezone.com here) are for you, you just might find your bliss with the 1681 collection.
Positioned as JENARICHARD’s top-of-the-line collection, the 1681 is quite unlike the other JR offerings. While based on the same modular case construction, the 1681 definitely stands out from the rest. Instead of a sporty, chunky silhouette with lots of satin-brushed surfaces, the 1681 is more of a vintage-inspired watch, with the kind of retro flair that tickles this horophile’s fancy.
The 44mm case takes on a more slender profile that the Terrascope. It also features polished case-sides (which also serve as the lugs) and a slimmer, polished bezel that definitely result in a more “dressy” look. In fact the only satin-brushed surface is the central case component. The 1681 also features a more historical grooved crown.
The 1681 is also the only JEANRICHARD collection with a full rose-gold offering, which confirms its position as more of a mid-high end watch.
There’s even two-tone variants for those after a truly retro look.
I’ve heard some people say that the 1681 looks a lot like Panerai’s Radiomir, but I wholeheartedly disagree.Sure, they might share a similar form, but cushion cases have been around long before Panerai ever existed. Side-by-side the watches actually don’t have all that much in common.
The 1681 come in two distinct layouts, in a variety of case metals and dial colors. You either have the central seconds models with applied Arabic numerals and baton hour markers, or small seconds versions with baton markers. All dials are done in a sunburst satin finish, and I especially liked the silver and copper/bronze dials.
What really sets the 1681 apart from the rest of JR’s offerings is the movement. Instead of a modified Sellita (which I’m not complaining about) as in my Terrascope, the 1681 is equipped with the manufacture-made, completely in-house JR1000 caliber. Just in case you’re wondering, this is not a rebranded movement from sister manufacture Girard Perregaux. The automatic movement provides 48 hours of power when fully wound, and is finished with Côtes de Genève stripes and circular perlage graining.
By now you might have noticed that each watch comes on a very different strap. Part of JEANRICHARD’s philosophy is to offer the owner an abundant choice of straps, with everything from calf leather to ostrich and alligator in various colors.
On the wrist is where you might be pleasantly surprised with the 1681. In spite of the indicated 44mm diameter, the watch wears more like a 42mm since the horizontal diameter takes into account the case side inserts (which serve as the lugs). From one strap end to the other, the watch probably measures about 42mm.
The 1681 comes at a starting price of around $6’400 USD for the steel model, which is over double the price of the Terrascope. Yet when you take into account the in-house movement and overall finish, it’s still a bargain in my book.
More information on www.jeanrichard.com
