Maranez Racha Watch Review

by Michael Wolfe

The case is 316L stainless steel and has a very nice brushed finish throughout. The case measures 44mm in diameter and a robust 48mm including the crown. The lug-to-lug measurement is approximately 53mm and the case measures over 15mm thick. Combining all of these measurements, along with an overall weight of 160 grams, the case will obviously have a bold presence on the wrist. The lug width of the case is 24mm and straps are attached through screw in lug bars. Rather than using double-headed screw bars, the Racha has single sided screw bars. This means the opposite lug is threaded which I see as a fantastic feature. I’m not certain how many others have been frustrated trying to swap out straps with doubled headed screw bars, but I know I have scratched my fair number of cases as a result. The single sided screw bars reduce the number of scratches from strap changes based on my personal experiences. The non-crown side is unremarkable, but shows off the nice brushed finish of the case. I was very pleased that no branding or any other features were present on the non-crown side of the case.

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Since the watch is listed as a 1000m diver, I was stumped that no Helium Release Valve (HEV) was present on the non-crown side; until I realized that the HEV was positioned on the 12 o’clock side of the case. The HEV in this location would obviously be much more protected than in any other location. The signed screw down crown is an impressive 8mm in diameter. The crown has a buttery smooth action when rotating with no grinding whatsoever. There is no play or wiggle when the crown is engaged in the setting position. The crown has a high polished finish coordinating with the high polished finishes on the dial.

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The Racha comes with 2 interchangeable bezels, one with a sapphire inlay and one stainless steel with raised numerals. The stainless steel bezel has high polished accents to coordinate with the other polished areas of the watch. The sapphire bezel is lumed at each marker position. When installed, both bezels are 120 click unidirectional rotating which are extremely easy to grasp as the bezel measures approximately 4.5mm in thickness. The bezel clicks are precise with no play in either direction. The bezels are swapped out by unscrewing 4 flathead screws located around the outer edge of the bezel. I found the swapping to be extremely easy, taking approximately 5 minutes total to complete the process. I like both bezels, but find myself drawn more toward the sapphire, as I believe that option simply adds more flair to the overall appearance of the watch, not to mention the added great lume.

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A double domed sapphire crystal, measuring around 30mm in diameter, rests above the dial. The sapphire crystal has an interior Anti-Reflective coating. This double domed nature causes the watch dial area to become quite reflective, making obtaining a great photograph of the dial somewhat problematic. However, the dial is quite legible through the crystal to the eye in any lighting so no one should be concerned with visibility. The crystal is probably the only aspect of the watch I wish was different, as I would much prefer a flat sapphire over the domed.

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Beneath the dial opening is a stunning glossy ceramic-coated black dial. The dial corresponds well with the sapphire bezel and the high polished features of the watch, adding to the overall flair. I really appreciate the clean, uncluttered appearance of the dial. There is minimal branding, with the Maranez name above center and water resistance noted below center dial. All of the hour markers are applied and have a high polished finish. Each marker contains a significant amount of lume, as discussed later in the review. The handset is high polished coordinating with the dial markers. The hands are also well lumed. Overall, the bezels and dial features are stunning, providing two different looks; one sporty and the other a bit more dressy and flashy. The watch options truly allow the Racha Diver to be quite versatile for almost any occasion.

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The case back is fairly typical, as it is a screw down variety with various specification information engraved surrounding the perimeter. Of course, the diver we have come to know on Maranez watches is engraved at the center. The case back is exactly as it should be for a 1000m dive watch and I wouldn’t change a single thing.

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The standard $549 configuration of the Racha includes two straps, a Black CUDA rubber and a 4mm thick leather strap. The CUDA strap is just as nice as an Isofrane dive strap, so those who enjoy an Isofrane will love the CUDA. The signed buckle is attached using a screw bar. I prefer the CUDA, so I will only mention that the leather strap is extremely soft and I’m certain it will break in well over time, and will provide an extremely comfortable feel on the wrist. A mesh bracelet option, for an additional $50, is available for those that prefer a bracelet to a strap. Overall I’m extremely pleased with the strap options and truly couldn’t wish for more.

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