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Classic dress watches is something what stays in fashion for years. This review is actually focused on a quite special one – Biatec Heritage, but in Limited Edition which is made specially for Helveti. There will be only five pieces available, does it sound special enough for you? Well, if yes, and you are also fan of such designs, then definitely keep reading on.
Of course, first take a look at the video-review below where you will see this beauty in action.
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Of course, you can buy Biatec Heritage on official Helveti webshop here.
Dial
In my opinion this is where the main specialty of the watch can be found. Size is 38mm, so the dial is not that big, but don’t worry, everything is easy to read and admire. Here I have to note that my version comes in gorgeous burgundy one with gold case, but there is also another one available – with silver case. In my opinion this combo is definitely the best, see it in the video yourself. Now let’s get to more detailed look of what is actually placed on this dial.
First of all, the digits. There are 11 of them here, and the 12′ mark is proudly occupied by Biatec logo. In my opinion it doesn’t look out of place and works surprisingly good with whole design.
All digits (and logo too) are finished in polished gold, and there is no sign of any luminous layer or something else. You want night legibility – grab your flashlight and have a look.
The same approach applies to the handset. There are three parts for hours, minutes and seconds. They come in golden color too, yes. Each one has different design, so it also helps legibility and looks interesting. The thinnest and the longest one is for seconds, but I am not sure if it wasn’t better to have some different end there. Such change would definitely come handy for the additional dial on the watch.
Right, there is a second and third dial which will be handy for the additional functions. First one is for the seconds tracking, classic fine design looks just in place here, and I wouldn’t say it is something extra. Special feature is on the outer dial, so take a careful look. Yes, Biatec Heritage comes with date indicator in dial format, not as window. Current date is shown with help of another hand, and I really like what creators did here. Feature looks different and still easy to read.
Three sticks under “Heritage” writing are special for today’s Limited Edition. It reminds us about story of Svatopluk I and his speech about sticks and unity. Whole dial is covered with antireflex sapphire, but this is not a surprise in such price range. Now it is just right moment to talk about whole case on this watch.
Case
Let me start with thickness of this watch – 9.5mm, combine it with 38mm size and you get truly sleek profile. Lug-to-lug is 46mm, just to give you a better idea of the whole shape here. Case is made out of steel with PVD gold coating. As I said in the beginning, this color is the best choice in my opinion, but be sure to check both in person. Yes, polished finish is tricky, but this is a must-have in dress watch, so okay, no objections from me here. 🙂
Note the lugs design on the photos. This element might look simple, but has perforation which is great idea and doesn’t break the whole design. Shape is nicely curved and sophisticated, what adds to visual interest of this watch from Biatec.
Crown is placed in classic 3′ position, there are no surprises here. Part itself is easy to handle even with my big fingers, and design is quite grippy, even though part is polished. Of course, there is also a Biatec logo on it, which looks nice as there are no letters, only logo. Water protection is 50m, but if you are planning to dive with this beauty, then you should definitely check your sanity.
Another must-have for dress watch is a clear caseback. Here it is used to appreciate the beautiful movement parts. Of course, Biatec also placed the watch number and Helveti name there, so you won’t forget this is a Limited Edition. Yes, back is polished, so be extra-careful in order to avoid unnecessary scratches.
Strap
What kind of strap do you expect with dress watch? Right, leather, maybe even crocodile one. Biatec Heritage comes with brown leather accessory and it looks right in place. I have to say that I am usually not a huge fan of leather options, but here I can’t even imagine the watch with different combo. Well, maybe smooth leather variant might work, but you will have hard time trying to find the option which will work in terms of style and color. Yes, it would be good to see some alternative strap option in the standard package, but here you will have to buy it separately.
Whole texture is not too pronounced, and the strap is quite flexible, easy to fit on the wrist. Separate word should be said about the buckle. This part comes in polished finish too, but look at the shape and design. Biatec decided not to go with some generic design with engraving, no, you get full-fledged manufacturer logo on it. Buckle might look sharp and pointy, but I didn’t have any issues whatsoever.
Movement
Inside you will find automatic Selita SW221-1 in Premium version. Other specs include 26 stones and 38 hours power reserve. In my opinion it is more than enough for such type of the watch. As you remember, you get all necessary features including the date indication. Movement rotor features engraving and manufacturer logo, while whole part is also in gold color. Of course, it can be appreciated through the clear sapphire insert on the back.
In Use
First of all, I have to say that I had to be extremely careful with this watch, but I still managed to spend some time and ready to share my own impression. First of all, this watch is small. Photos don’t do justice, so try it in person, and believe me – even non-limited version should be a good thing to check. Nevertheless, small size is something what suits classic design, and I am glad to see that Biatec decided not to go with some bigger dimensions.
Dial is just a pleasure to look at. There are no weird quirks, and even the date indicator looks like it had to be there. To be honest, I can’t even imagine this style with date window, it would look so lame. Whole composition just works together and I appreciate the color-font-size combination. Yes, it can be tricky for those with bad eyesight, but what else would you expect on small-sized watch?
I have to note polished finish. Such thing will be very tricky to keep in pristine shape, and you will have to live with it. Another option is just to brave up and show all scratches proudly as part of wearing experience. In my opinion this design demanded polished surfaces and Biatec Heritage didn’t have any other choice.
As for the movement and power reserve figure, well, I doubt that there will be any issue. You will have two options to pick – either this is everyday watch, and then you don’t have to wind it up, or this is a dress watch for special occasions and then you will have to wind it up anyway. Of course, it can be also good idea to get auto-winder for displaying this timepiece on the shelf.
Biatec Heritage Limited Edition – Price and Availability
At the time of writing this article watch was priced at 2400 EUR. Keep in mind that this is a Limited Edition of 5 pcs, and first one was sold already. It is nice of Helveti that they actually give you a chance to pick the number during ordering process. I have also to note that price difference with “common” Biatec Heritage version is not that high and it might be worth going straight for more limited option.
In my opinion this watch gives a perfect chance to have something special on your wrist. Yes, price segment is rather over-occupied with offerings from other brands, but do you want to be as others? That’s the main selling point of Biatec Heritage as you will get classic design which is different from typical choices in this price range. I like the finish and attention to details here, so I definitely recommend to check whole series. Yes, I think that even the standard version can be an interesting pick for your collection. Classic design makes it a good candidate both for one-watch-collection or maybe as special pick for dress watch.
As for the Limited Edition it is better to hurry if you want to get one. Of course, I will be happy to hear your opinion and stay tuned for more reviews coming out soon. 🙂
