Gavox Squadron

The Squadron bezel is a 120 click unidirectional design that is fairly firm with just a slight amount of play but nothing substantial. The bezel is easy to grasp with precise clicks and lines up well with the markers on the dial. The insert is marked in 60-minute fashion with no lume whatsoever even at the triangular marker at the top which is where most people expect a lumed pip. The bezel contains a large almost 32mm in diameter sapphire crystal. The size of the crystal will also provide the illusion of a larger than 41mm watch. The sapphire crystal does have an Anti-Reflective (AR) coating, which keeps the glare on the dial to a minimum. The AR coating is decent but I have seen far better, as it doesn’t quite reach the point of clarity at certain angles making the crystal almost invisible, as I have seen on other watches. Still overall, for a watch under $400 USD the AR is quite good. Beneath the sapphire crystal is a matte black dial with white markers. Arabic numerals are positioned at all the primary hour positions, except the 4, and are the perfect font for the space allowed. The sub-dials engulf some of the numerals, which provide an interesting aesthetic appeal at least to me. A date window is located at the 4 rather than the numeral. The date is quite legible but is still a touch on the small side. Even with all of these elements on the dial, overall, the watch is still well balanced yet busy. I would love to see a blue dialed model at some point in the future with the same overall design.

Located between the 2 and 3 is the running second hand which is the most simplest complication of the sub-dials. While many would expect either the hour or minute accumulator of the chronograph to reside at the 6, there is actually an alarm complication on the Squadron. Apparently, based on my research, the alarm complication was requested by the Belgium Air Force, which provides some clarity on the design setup. The crown operates the alarm and the function pushers are actually fairly simple to operate. Gavox provides a nice instruction manual for those that tend to be technically challenged so never fear. The chronograph time accumulations are all contained within the sub-dial between the 9 and 10. If you want to talk about busy, then this sub-dial has to be one of the busiest I have ever seen. Both the hour and minute accumulator are located on this sub-dial with the minute noted by the white hand while a small orange hand underneath notes the hour. The markers and hands on the Squadron are well lumed using what appears to possibly be C1 Superluminova. I was pleased with the overall lume but it does fade out rather quickly and the afterglow is limited to a few hours. Of course this is not a dive watch and lume is more of a novelty than a truly necessary feature.

The case back is screwed down and has a rather unique etching. Besides the typical branding found on a case back, a Fahrenheit/Celsius temperature conversion scale is etched around the perimeter. Beneath the case back is the engine of the Squadron, a Ronda 5130.D quartz chronograph movement. The movement could be either a 6 or 13 jewel with a battery life of around 4 years. The movement has been highly accurate as one would expect for a Ronda quartz. Since I believe everyone probably knows how to use a chronograph, I will not discuss that function as it operates just like any other typical chronograph. However, this particular model, as mentioned previously, is equipped with an alarm function, which was specifically requested by the Belgium Air Force. With the crown engaged in the second position, besides setting the time, the alarm complication can be adjusted using the function pushers. The top function pusher sets the hands of the alarm complication. If the top pusher is depressed and held the hands will cycle through rather quickly, while short presses will move the time slowly until one has reached the desired alarm time. The alarm is turned on and offf simply by depressing the bottom function pusher once the crown is fully secured. This complication is not quite as complicated as I initially thought it might be and I actually find myself utilizing it frequently.

The Squadron comes mounted on a 20mm bracelet with no taper. The bracelet comes with solid end links and as previously mentioned, is secured to the case via screw in lug bars. The bracelet was surprisingly sturdy and the links are connected to each other using a pin and collar system, which in my opinion is the second best option next to screw in links. I have read that the PVD model includes links that have been coated prior to assembly, which will provide a more even finish through each of the links. The bracelet is finished off with a signed diver’s flip lock clasp with safety which includes 3 micro adjustments to aid in obtaining that perfect fit when sizing.

The Squadron model from Gavox Watches overall is a rugged looking military style watch with a ton of great features and functionality. While designed initially for the Belgium Air Force, Gavox also delivered a civilian version with all the same great specifications. I am truly appreciative of the alarm complication as it provides something not found often on many military style chronograph watches. It is also refreshing to find a watch in this price category that utilizes screw in lugs rather than spring bars. With a price point of $396 USD for the stainless steel model, the Squadron is a great value as one will receive a great looking military style watch with quality specifications that will not pinch the wallet like some of the more well known military style watches on the market. If you are looking for a solid quartz military watch, strong consideration should be given to the Squadron from Gavox. I would like to thank Gavox Watches for providing the sample for review and also each of you for reading the review. Please take a moment to view the short video presentation and follow WatchReport.com on YouTube.