Titoni Master Series | Hands on Watch Review

Titoni Master Series

I do not wear a dress watch often, but when I do, I like one that is sophisticated looking yet something that could still be worn with a pair of jeans and a button down shirt. Admittedly, I do not currently own a dress watch, as I have a few watches that can play the part when need be, but there is something to be said for an elegant, thin watch that will compliment your outfit instead of stealing the show. The Titoni Master Series is a line of watches with only 2 different options, either a 3 hand with date, like the one I am reviewing here, and a big date with a power reserve sub-dial. I chose the 3 hand version because I tend to gravitate towards more of the classic look, at least with watches such as this.

Titoni Master Series Specifications:

• Size: Gent
• Movement: Automatic ETA 2824-2, Chronometer
• Functions: 3 Hands, Date
• Case: Steel
• Diameter: 41mm
• Thickness: 11mm
• Lug to Lug: 48mm
• Lug Width: 20mm
• Glass: Double Curved Sapphire, Antireflective
• Water resistance: 100 meters
• Dial: Silver, Index
• Bracelet: Leather
• Case back: Transparent

Price $1700 USD

http://www.titoni.ch/en/gents/master-series/detail/83188-s-st-575.html

I find this version of the Titioni Master Series to be one of the most classic, with the silver sun-ray dial, all polished case and the brown crocodile pattern leather strap. It is understated and beautiful, simple and elegant. I will say when it comes to the dial though, one thing that is a little off putting is the amount of text on the dial and the font and size used for said text. I think it is just out of place on a watch such as this. The dial should only read Master Series and in a better font and size and the rest should be left to the case back. That of course is just my opinion, but I have a feeling most will agree with me.

Coming in at 11mm thick, or thin I should say, it is quite the departure from the thick dive watches I am accustom to. It is also a welcome change. The all high polish case is simple but well finished and you will find the same logo on the crown as you do on the dial. Comfort is something that comes from many different aspects of a watch-the size is only one factor. The way the case is finished, curved, the thickness of the case back and of course the strap all come into play. The Titoni Master Series really does have all that covered and my favorite feature is the strap. While the strap itself is just a brown leather with a crocodile pattern and on its own with a standard buckle might not be much to talk about, the buckle is where it is at. Not only is it a custom deplyoyant buckle but it lacks the prong that usually accompanies this style as the strap has no holes in it. It works like what some of the newer belts do these days, and you just slide it on and clamp it down to where you want and that is it. It looks great closed and it will for sure lengthen the life of the strap.

While some may be looking at the Titoni Master Series and questioning its price tag of $1700, lets not forget that it does house an ETA 2824 automatic movement that is COSC certified. That might not mean much to some, but it does cost extra time and of course money to have the movements certified and in this particular example I have been wearing it is coming in at +2 seconds per day. We can go on an on about quartz versus automatic and everyone has different opinions, and yes, generally a quartz is more accurate than a standard automatic movement. It is also possible to get a watch movement that falls in line with these specs that has not been COSC certified. All that said, you have a very good chance that when you buy a COSC watch that it will be more accurate than most.

When it comes to dress watches, lume is generally not something that I look for, but the Titoni Master Series is not horrible in this department and while it is not going to glow all night or anything like that, it should keep a glow on your ride home from the office late at night.

Dress watches usually do not excite me to the point that I want to review them, but when it came to the Titoni Master Series, I really wanted to check it out. I am glad I did. While it is not some masterpiece of horology and does not have a crazy in house movement, it is an elegant looking watch on a very innovative strap/buckle system and it should be very accurate right out of the box due to the COSC testing and certification. The only real gripe I had was the text on the dial, I would rather that on the case back or at the very least a better style font. If the text does not bother you, it could be one to put on your radar next time you are looking for a dress watch or something more classic than that Omega diver that does double duty.