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In this review we are going to talk about new special release from German watchmaker – Alexander Shorokhoff Regulator. Timepiece comes as Limited Series, but I managed to catch one and spend some time with it. Now I am ready to tell more, and it should be an interesting model to talk about thanks to its main feature, which is advertised in the name.
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Of course, I will start with traditional video-review, where you will be able to see the watch even closer.
Dial
I suggest we start with the main showstopper here which is finished in quite special styling. Before that let me remind you that regulator watches are famous for their separation of the hours and minutes indication. Such feature might be handy in practical use, but Alexander Shorokhoff decided to use it also for the creative benefit. As a result we get one main dial scale and two subdials. If you expect that those are classic circular subdials, then it means you haven’t touched any of previous timepieces from the same brand. 🙂
No, here you will find only hours dial in normal circular shape, while another one is finished in more of oval-like style. Color choice is also different – while hours come in gold-green combo, minutes dial features silver-blue shades. Yes, you guessed it right, and large hand/dial is used for seconds. Note that only hours dial features at least some digits for better legibility. Yes, there is “60” for seconds indicator, but that’s pretty much it.
As for the hands, there are also three different styles. The biggest one – for seconds indication, comes in classic white color without any additional elements. Take a look at hours and minutes, and you will understand why I specified that there are no additional things on the biggest indicator here. This design might look a bit crazy, but I think it plays nicely together and makes whole watch a bit more special.
At first such combination feels a bit overwhelming and it takes time to get used to Alexander Shorokhoff Regulator. Nevertheless, once you are familiar with the layout, it is very easy to read time from the first glance. Dial size is 43.5mm, so there is plenty of space here, and design doesn’t feel cluttered and busy. Manufacturer’s logo can be found on the lower section of this watch.
Worth noting that date indicator is also here. It is marked with large green circle, but the window itself is rectangular. In my opinion such minor thing looks a bit off, and who knows, maybe next models will be a bit more matching in this part. Circular shape would look way better to my taste. Note that there is also a magnifying section, what is a good improvement over previous watches from the same brand.
I mentioned legibility of this watch, but it also worth saying that it looks impressive in dark time too. All main elements have luminous coating and don’t take too long to charge. Final effect looks good, and I will also show it in the video-review. Whole dial is covered with sapphire glass. Now let’s talk about where this dial is embedded.
Case
Just like in previous models from this brand, Alexander Shorokhoff Regulator comes with elegant-looking case which doesn’t have any extra things on it. In my opinion it is done intentionally in order to focus your attention on the dial. Moreover, such design will never get old, as it is a classic circular shape with slightly curved lugs. It is not too big, and thickness is mere 12mm, what is suitable for wearing with long sleeve.
Don’t expect different finishes here, as the case comes in classic mirror-polishing only. It looks great in person, but definitely would require some extra care during wear. As you can guess, such thing is very easy to scratch, what is typical for this type of polishing. I won’t consider it as a disadvantage, it is just more of a dress watch due to such choice of finish. Of course, for some people it is still not a problem to wear watch like that everyday.
There is also another “traditional” thing for Alexander Shorokhoff watch – crown design. As some of you might remember, it is a bit difficult to pull out the crown as it sits almost flush, edge-to-edge. Unless you have long nails, it will take some time to adjust the time. In this model such thing is not that problematic due to automatic movement, but still worth to keep in mind.
Rear cover features clear insert through which you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the movement inside. Yes, I had watch number 11 on the review, and in total there are 30 of them. I like the fact that Alexander Shorokhoff decided to go with exact numbers instead of “one of thirty” designation.
Movement
As I wrote above, watch features automatic caliber ETA 2892-A2. It was modified for regulator features and power reserve should be equal to 38 hours. On the picture above it is also possible to notice that parts received special treatment in form of beautiful engraving and different coloring. All this looks quite impressive. In my opinion this movement is quite fine choice for the watch and should be enough for everyday use.
Strap
As for the strap choice, you can pick whatever you would like as long as it is brown leather option. In my opinion it matches overall design and helps not to take away attention from the dial. Strap itself is great in quality, leather is soft and bendy straight out of the box. Buckle features brushed finish as well as Alexander Shorokhoff logo.
In Use
I had a chance to spend several weeks with this watch, so there are some things worth highlighting. First of all the size. As you can notice on the photo above, watch sits nicely on my wrist, and doesn’t look too big. I would not recommend it for very thin wrists, but average-sized hands should be fine. Moreover, it is not too thick or heavy, just right for wearing with long sleeve.
Legibility is not something you would expect here, but I have to say that it is surprisingly easy to “read” the time with such dial. The only condition is that you have to get used to having all indicators enclosed on their “own” dials. Whole composition just works fine, and don’t be afraid of those bold colors. I have to say that such choice looks great in real life and doesn’t look cheap, what is quite important with bold designs like this one.
I am not that sure about date window though. As you can notice on the photos and video, magnifier is not that helpful, so maybe next time it should be even bigger? Luminous layer comes handy in dark conditions, but don’t expect something unusual or diver-like level of shining. As for the polished case, it needs some due care, and it is easy to scratch. This is not different from other polished watches, you just have to keep it in mind, especially if you plan to wear this timepiece everyday.
One interesting thing about this bold design is that it looks equally good with classic suit or with shorts and t-shirt. I think this might be a good selling point if you manage to catch this watch. Here we can move on to our last section of the review.
Alexander Shorokhoff Regulator – Price and Availability
This watch is a true Limited Edition, so there will be only 30 pieces out in a wild. If you want to have one, you should hurry as usually they get sold out quickly and then it is very hard to find one for the collection. Price is surprisingly reasonable for such thing and equals to 2800 EUR. For this amount you can expect quite unusual styling as well as excellent assembly quality and nice packaging. In my opinion this is a great choice for those who would like to have something unusual from all those typical picks.
Yes, the price segment includes a lot of alternatives from other well-known brands, but only few would be able to offer something similar. Regulator feature is still unusual and stretches into more expensive segments, and limited production is also quite rare in combination with the mentioned feature. All this makes today’s watch worth of your attention as bold pick which would look great with any outfit and won’t get old later. 🙂
