Elysee Graf Berghe von Trips Hemmersbach Watch Review

The lume is more than sufficient. It’s actually very bright and long lasting. I am personally okay with a watch not having any lume, but one of my “pet peeves” is, if you are going to put lume paint on the hands and markers, it better glow. And the Hemmersback definitely does, as you can see in the pictures. The lume is as good as most dive watches, if not better than some.

On my 7.5-inch wrist, it fits decently. And I say that because, while it does have enough holes to fit, the strap is on the short side at 120/75, and leaves little tongue left over. If you have a wrist larger than mine, you will possibly have to use an aftermarket strap to wear this one.

As many know, I am more of a dive watch enthusiast. More for the rugged look than anything, but I am also a non-traditionalist when it comes to many “rules” of watch wearing. So for me, this watch can act as a dress watch, or “dressier” watch for the occasions that I get all spiffy. And I do like the large dial and clear legible numbers that a pilot watch usually has, so for me, I really fell in love with the look of the Hemmersbach. The Hemmersbach is well made and finished, especially for a watch of this price. I still feel it looks more expensive than it is, especially when on the wrist, but as always, there are a few things I would like to see changed.

Movement:  I know, I know. At under $400 it’s hard to say the movement choice is sub par. And it honestly isn’t, but if I was to have a choice, I would rather the Miyota 9015 over the 8215.

Exhibition case back: I don’t feel it’s needed on a watch with this movement. A nice solid engraved case back would be more pleasing to me.

Strap length: For a large watch, having a short strap does not make sense. While everyone can wear what they want, a watch this big doesn’t look that good on a 7 inch wrist or smaller. And the strap as it will definitely not fit an 8 inch wrist.

But, overall it’s a very well finished and attractive watch, and it doesn’t hurt that the price point is very attractive as well.  The amount of watches under $400 with a sapphire crystal and excellent lume alone is somewhat rare, let alone and automatic movement.

You can see all of the Elysee watch models HERE. They use a lot of different movements in their watches as well, from Swiss quartz, Miyota 9015, Valjoux 7750 and more.

Thank you kindly to Elysee for providing the Hemmersbach for review.