Elysee Sithon Automatic Watch Review

The Sithon, by Elysee Watches, is a timepiece that admittedly is a bit outside of my comfort zone since I’m one whose palate has become accustomed to the taste of larger than life tool divers. As the saying goes, “variety is the spice of life,” and the German born Sithon was just what the doctor ordered: A watch that pretends to be nothing more than an elegant timepiece that tells the time that makes up your life.

Elysee Sithon Specs:

• Case Diameter: 42mm
• Case Height: 12mm
• Lug Size: 20mm
• Lug to Lug: 48.40mm
• Strap: High polish mesh (available in leather)
• Movement: Citizen Miyota 821A
• Crystal: Hardened mineral lens with non-reflective coating
• Water Resistance: 30m/100ft
• Retail Price: $385 euros or $429.00 USD (subject to change)

The Sithon’s arrival was nothing less than spectacular, especially for a watch with such an affordable price point. The watch box the Sithon came enveloped in commands your immediate attention, and it’s clear that Elysee, the company, wanted to showcase its commitment to quality and value from the start. The well-constructed inner box is one that I would have come to expect from a timepiece quadrupling the cost of the Sithon. Before setting the outer box aside, make note of the hidden pullout drawer that contains your hand-signed warranty card, instruction manuals and small, but useful, spring bar removal tool.

Elysee produces the Sithon Automatik in two different variants; the stainless steel case and the gold plated stainless steel case. More variants can be achieved by purchasing the timepiece with either a leather strap or a mesh band made to match the case. The variant I received was the stainless steel case with the high-polished mesh.

The Sithon’s dial is off-white, giving it the vintage look I’ve been craving for. Branding on the watch is minimal as to not take away from how striking the dial truly is. The words “Made in Germany” lay adjacent to the 6 o’clock marker, which is a quick quip from the company regarding the Sithon’s provenance. A few years back, their Made in Germany claim was challenged on various watch fora, but Elysee was quick to respond. A spokesperson for Elysee stated that, in years past, Chinese movements had been used in their watches. However, Elysse has since admitted the performance of Chinese movements was not consistent with the company’s ongoing commitment to quality. Since then, Elysee states that it only uses high quality ETA, Valjoux, Unitas, Ronda, Miyota and Seiko movements in their watches, and that every other component is in fact German made. The date window is positioned at the 3 o’clock side of the dial, and its bright white shade is in contrast to rest of the dial. I found the date to be very legible, and throughout every spin of the quick set date wheel, everything lined up nicely.