Balor Watches – the MANIFESTO Collection Brings Class, Sophistication, and Affordability to the Chronograph Market
If you’re in the market for an affordable chronograph watch, your search for an ideal timepiece has likely ended in frustration. The simple fact is, chronographs that are affordable are a very rare breed indeed. So rare that few examples exist, with options either not up to scratch mechanically or just too expensive. Luckily, we now have the affordable chronograph we have desired in the form of the BALOR BLR1401 mini Manifesto Collection.
Never compromising on quality, but boasting a reasonable USD$299 price tag, the BALOR BLR1401 offers excellent finish, high-quality mechanics, and affordability in a classy aesthetic package.
Balor is a small company, but it is recalling classic timepieces of the past to bring some sophistication to the quartz Chrono sector. The Decadent Time series is a flyback chronograph watch, so you’ll find the minutes at 9 o’clock and a 24-hour ticker at 3 o’clock.
We particularly like the way Balor has taken inspiration from more established watchmakers to deliver a stylish design. Fitting nicely as a dress watch, there are definite hints of timepieces from companies such as Omega in terms of finish and fit. Attention to detail is obviously important to the folks at Balor, and that shows they care about making an excellent product.
By taking aesthetic cues from iconic watches and ensuring the overall package is proportional on or off the wrist, the Balor Decadent Time looks much more expensive than it is. Holding one in hand delivers a feeling of high-end quality, making it easy to forget this a chronograph that can be purchased for under $300.
One thing that is worth noting is that Balor is also one of the most straightforward watchmakers currently seeking funding via Kickstarter. For a start, the company is committed to market transparency. That means no marketing spiel about working with Italian or Swiss watch parts like many Kickstarter brands claim (often nefariously).
Balor keeps things plain and simple, just offering an excellent watch that may become an instant classic. Certainly, it is hard to get this kind of chronograph quality at the humble price the Decadent Time series is available for.
Decadent Time Series Specs
This elegant timepiece sits comfortably on the wrist, not dominating but evoking a striking presence for the wearer. Its case measures 40mm x 12.5mm and is constructed from 316L stainless steel, affording durability alongside its classic design.
Balor has opted for a black dial that adds to the time-honored appeal of the watch, while faceted lance alpha hands provide a complimentary stylish finishing touch. No dress standard chronograph is complete without a Genuine Leather strap, and the Balor Decadent Time boasts a quality strap with Hermès tapisserie.
Full specs for the watch are as follows:
- Case: 316L stainless steel 40mm x 12.5mm
- Lug width: 20mm
- Lug to lug: 49mm
- Dial: Black with applied battonet indices
- Hands: Facetted lance alpha hands
- Strap: Genuine leather with Hermès tapisserie
- Crystal: double domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating on the bottom
- Movement: SEIKO VK64 hybrid
- Water resistance: 5ATM
Availability
Balor is preparing to make the Manifesto Collection available through a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. The timepiece is a bona fide bargain at $299, especially considering at no point has Balor compromised on craftsmanship or quality. We can see the Decadent Time becoming something of a modern classic, arguably the best affordable chronograph you can buy.
For updates, sign up to their newsletter, which you can find on the Balor Watches website HERE.
