Circula Heritage Review
The Rebirth of Circula: Exploring the Depths of the Heritage Automatic
Introduction
In the heart of Germany’s Black Forest, a remarkable story unfolds with the Circula Heritage Automatic. This timepiece is not just a watch; it's a legacy reborn. Circula, revived in 2016, traces its roots back to 1926 under the vision of Heinz Huber. Now, led by Cornelius Huber, the brand seamlessly weaves its rich heritage with modern watchmaking finesse.
Design and Aesthetics
The Watch's Appearance
The Heritage Automatic is a spectacle of design, encapsulating elegance in its 41mm 316L stainless steel case. The blue sunburst dial, encased within a polished bezel and brushed sides, exudes a captivating charm. The lumed hour and minute hands, crafted with precision, accentuate the watch's classic yet contemporary essence.
Strap and Comfort
Adorned with a handmade black leather strap featuring Circula-signed hardware, the watch offers a luxurious feel. The addition of quick-release spring bars exemplifies Circula’s commitment to convenience and quality.
Unique Design Features
Each Heritage Automatic is a testament to exclusivity, limited to about 500 pieces due to the unique sourcing of movements. This limited edition nature adds a touch of rarity and collectability.
Build Quality
Materials and Craftsmanship
The watch's case, crafted from robust 316L stainless steel, is a blend of polished and brushed finishes, creating a sophisticated look. The double-domed sapphire crystal adds to the watch's resilience, ensuring excellent scratch resistance.
Water Resistance
With a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, the Heritage Automatic is designed more for everyday elegance than for extreme aquatic adventures.
Movement and Accuracy
The Heart of the Watch
The soul of the Heritage Automatic is its NOS (New Old Stock) P.U.W 1661s movement, a hidden gem from the late 1970s. Each movement, rediscovered and restored, undergoes meticulous cleaning and assembly, offering a unique piece of watchmaking history on your wrist. This movement ticks at 21,600 beats per hour and offers a power reserve of around 40 hours, ensuring reliability and precision.
Accuracy and Functionality
With an accuracy range of -10/+15 seconds a day, the watch strikes a balance between vintage charm and modern timekeeping standards.
Comfort and Wearability
On the Wrist
The 41mm case size, coupled with a 20mm lug width, ensures the watch sits comfortably on various wrist sizes. Its versatility in style makes it suitable for a range of occasions, from formal events to casual outings.
Price and Value
Investment Worthiness
The Heritage Automatic is a unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. Its pricing, reflective of its limited availability and exceptional build, positions it as not just a watch, but a potential investment piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
In-Depth Comparison
In the realm of microbrands, Circula distinguishes itself with a focus on quality and heritage. However, it's essential to delve into specifics:
Movement Heritage: The PUW calibre 1661s, a 50-year-old movement, brings to life a watch faithful to Circula's legacy. This story of revival and meticulous restoration is what sets the Heritage Automatic apart.
Design Philosophy: Circula has struck a fine balance with a classically designed piece that doesn't rely on extravagant stylings common in some microbrands. The focus on hours, minutes, and seconds within a well-proportioned 41mm case is a nod to traditional watch aesthetics.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
The rarity and historical significance of the NOS P.U.W 1661s movement.
High-quality materials, including 316L stainless steel and sapphire crystal.
The limited edition nature, adding to its collectability.
Cons:
5ATM water resistance may limit its use in water-intensive activities.
The watch could benefit from a lumed pip at the 12 o'clock position for enhanced legibility.
Conclusion
The Circula Heritage Automatic is more than a mere timepiece; it's a bridge between the past and present, a celebration of watchmaking tradition infused with contemporary craftsmanship. Its appeal lies not only in its technical prowess but also in its story of revival and dedication to quality. It stands as a remarkable offering in the world of microbrands, setting a high bar for future creations.
You can check out more from Circula watches here
Specifications
Case: 316L Stainless Steel
Movement: NOS rebuilt P.U.W 1661s 40hr power reserve
Crystal: Double domed sapphire with AR coating
Water resistance: 5-ATM
Case size: 41mm
Lug width: 20mm
Lug to Lug: 48.5mm
