Corniche Heritage 40 – Roquebrune Watch Review

The case measures 40mm in diameter and right around 43mm including the crown. The case also measures 48mm from lug tip to lug tip and right about 9mm in overall thickness.  The wearer will not have to worry about any overhang on the wrist.  The actual specifications note 7mm on case thickness but I think that may be excluding the case back, which bubbles out ever so slightly.  Regardless, the Roquebrune is an ultra-thin dress watch that will easily fit under the dress shirt cuff instead of constantly fighting a thicker watch getting hung up at the cuff. The watch weighs well under 100 grams so combined with the other specifications; it will have an ultra-lightweight feel on the wrist and shouldn’t be cumbersome on almost any wrist.  The signed crown is perfectly proportionate at 5mm in diameter to the case dimensions. The push/pull crown is easy to grasp and slide a fingernail under to engage the time setting function.  There is absolutely no play or wiggle when the crown is engaged.

The Roquebrune is fitted with a sapphire crystal with a diameter of right around 34mm which is of good size for a dress watch at 40mm in overall case diameter.  The specifications do not mention whether the crystal includes an Anti-Reflective (AR) coating but I anticipate that the model may include an interior AR based on how I had minimal difficulty with glare when photographing the watch.  If the crystal is indeed AR coated the company should consider looking into utilizing a higher quality AR to make the crystal appear even clearer.  A superior AR will almost allow the crystal to disappear entirely from certain angles.  Beneath the crystal is a beautiful grey ceramic dial, adding to the overall elegant appearance of the model.  I would have never considered using grey and rose tone together but I believe the combination works well and is quite unique.  Very limited branding is present on the watch dial above and below center dial providing a clutter free overall appearance.  All of the high polished hour markers are hand applied, adding a level of detail and flair, as well as, corresponding perfectly to the case finishing.  Finishing off the stunning dial is a rose tone dauphine handset that just pops up against the grey ceramic dial.

The case back is held in place by (6) six flathead screws which are not plated in rose tone like the rest of the case.  The screws will get a work out when the battery needs replaced so I believe that little detail is quite important rather than having scratched up rose tone screw heads.  I know I know who besides the wearer will know?  Well the wearer is the most important in my opinion and I know personally it would drive me crazy.  The case back has general specification information etched around the central portion about the watch model that is typical of many case backs. Corniche case backs will also include the etching of a Mediterranean pine tree near the center.  Beneath the case back is a Miyota 2025 quartz movement.  The movement has been spot on accurate since arrival.  I have corresponded with the company owner on many occasions about an automatic movement upgrade and can report that it may be a possibility in the future.  The company owner really wants to keep the costs down while producing a classy elegant timepiece that owners can be proud of wearing. On the other hand I believe that many of us, including myself, have become movement snobs and should place more emphasis on overall appearance than movement.  The overall appearance of this model has really helped me overlook the quartz v automatic personal debate.

The Roquebrune comes with a great looking brown croco-pattern leather strap which is a perfect compliment to the rose tone case finishing and dial features.  One of the nicest features of the Roquebrune is the 22mm lugs.  I am not a fan of small straps, as many other dress watches at this size come with 20mm lugs.  I just believe 20mm straps that generally taper to 18mm or so just appear cheap, flimsy and way too tiny especially for those of us with wrist sized about 7 1/2 inches.  The straps on the current Corniche watches taper from 22mm to 20mm near the tail and buckle. The strap is a significant 4mm thick near the lugs tapering to slightly over 2mm at the tail. The strap is finished off with a high polished rose tone push button dual deploy buckle that is signed with the Corniche brand name.

Overall, I strongly believe that the Heritage 40 – Roquebrune model from Corniche is a fantastic elegant dress watch and a solid value. The rose tone case finishing on the watch alone is outstanding and when you add in the other quality features of this model such as the sapphire crystal, applied markers, and ceramic dial, it will rival any dress watch in this price category.  The grey ceramic dial provides a very unique appearance that just adds to the overall wow factor the owner will feel when they receive the watch. The owners of the Roquebrune will also have the pleasure of knowing that only 498 other people around the world will have the opportunity to wear the exact timepiece.  The model is also ultra-thin and will fit nicely under the dress shirt cuff making it the perfect accessory for the businessman in the executive boardroom, as well as, the special evening out on the town.  The model is also a perfect budget timepiece for those that are unable to drop significant coin on other watch brands with similar specifications.  I would like to thank Corniche for working with WatchReport.com on arranging this review and each of you for reading.  Please take a moment to view the brief video presentation included with the review and subscribe to theWatchReport.com YouTube channel. I look forward to your thoughts and comments as always.