In my days with the Conger , I found many things I really loved about it, and a few that I thought could have been better executed. One thing is for sure, they did build a very tough and solid feeling watch. The watch arrived in a seriously huge presentation box. The box is almost a piece of furniture when compared to the boxes that most watches come in. Is it a little overkill? Yeah, it is. But if you are a sucker for a great presentation, you will certainly appreciate this one.
The movement used is the ever popular valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement. On this example, it functioned flawlessly, with a great snap back chrono hand, and from what I could tell, superb accuracy. The crown and pushers are no different. Very smooth, solid, and what you would expect from a watch of this price range.
While I am primarily a 3-hand watch guy, the dial on the Conger Nero is very nice. The use of applied steel markers and a great day/date cutout, which is not only easily read, but very attractive. The dial is not overly busy for a chronograph (one of my reasons for not always liking a chrono). For a watch that is definitely meant to be a tool diver, the dial has an upscale look to it. It is eye catching, with some nice fine details.
The overall shape of the case, from the sides more so, reminds me of a Hublot Big Bang. When I say that, I mean the basic concept, not that it looks anything like a Big Bang, as you can see. The Conger Nero has very angled lugs and gives sharp definition to the case. The case and bracelet use both matte and polished finishes, which is not easily noticeable at first. In bright light, and at certain angles is when you will really pick up on it, and it gives that extra added sculpted look to the case.
The bracelet/lug integration is one area that I have a few things to point out. One, being that it is a proprietary bracelet. You will not be changing the bracelet out for another, or putting this monster on a strap. The other, is because of the integration into the case, the bracelet flares outwards, and makes the watch sit even higher on the wrist, with noticeable gaps on the wrist. Some people will like this look, myself, I like a watch that hugs the wrist a little more. The bracelet is well constructed and it is very thick, with links at the top at 6mm, tapering to 5mm at the clasp. The clasp is made of titanium, and functions as a typical dive clasp. For a watch of this price though, I would have liked to have seen something a little more custom. It also uses friction pins instead of screws. I have heard arguments on both sides, screws can come loose, pins are harder to size, etc. We all have our own likes and dislikes on this, so I will just say I prefer screws (hex screws would have been great here), and have rarely had issues with them. And the other thing is, for such a massive watch, I do not see this fitting a large wrist without obtaining extra links from the company. If you have a wrist larger than 8 inches or so, I would ask the company if extra links are available before ordering.
BlessedTA
Beautiful watch