Review

Rosewood watchcase

For many people, wither you are a collector or connoisseur, the first good watch will soon get company of the second, then the third and so on. This sure is a pleasant luxury, but it also causes some problems. One of those problems is how to store them. Some people keep them in their original boxes, others simply in a drawer. In this review we look at a more elegant solution.

Overall appearance

The watchcase is certainly an eye-catcher, although in a very subtle way. The elegant lines and warm colors of the rosewood veneer are highlighted by the light rim around the top part of the case. The key with tassel gives it a sense of importance. The size of the case is nice, big enough to store a decent amount of watches, yet still small enough to store easily.

Yes, this is veneer!

The veneer used on this case is of a high quality. You really have to look very closely to realize that it is a veneer. The luxurious look of the veneer is even increased by a nice and shiny coat of polish, giving the box a velvety matt shine.

The key does not have much too it. It is a very simply one, more for show then for practical use. However, it is possible to lock the case and the lock closes the case firmly. This is quite a surprise, and will be enough to prevent most kids to take daddy’s or mommy’s watch for a ride. More serious predators like burglars will find no match in the lock.

Behind lock & key

The hinges are very nicely made and firmly screwed in the case. Although there finish reveals that they are plated, the construction is much better then one would expect with a case at this price level. More important, they work smoothly and look great in combination with the beige interior and the rosewood veneer.

A hinge you can trust

Storage

The watchcase is made to store eight watches, each in an individual compartment with a firm yet soft pillow. The watches have plenty of room, so even larger watches in the 44mm range can be stored easily and safely. Every part of the inside of the case that a watch can even remotely come in contact with is lined with a soft beige lining. The lining in the lid is even filled so that it gently pushes the larger watches on their place without damaging them.

Enough soft space inside

Sizes

• Lenght:                                                 255 mm
• Depth:                                                   210 mm
• Height:                                                   80 mm
• Single compartment length:             51 mm
• Single compartment depth:              83 mm
• Single compartment height:             42 mm

Daily use

In daily use this watchcase really proves its value. Eight watches give a nice selection to match most activities and/or clothes. Also the size proofs to be very practical. It can easily find a place in the bedroom, dressing room, walk-in closet or safe. The lock proved to be too much of a hassle to use, and since the top is heavy enough to ensure a perfect fit when closed, there is not really a need.

Enough to keep the kids out of the box

The rounded corners of the case made it easy to get a comfortable grip on the top, which can literary be opened with one finger. This is also thanks to the anti-slip fabric on the bottom of the case, which keeps it firmly grounded. The hinges where the best surprise of all, when the top is completely opened you have to shake the case really hard before it falls down. Therefore, it is almost impossible for the top to fall and damage one of your watches when you want to take it out.

Quite cushiony; perfect for any watch

The pillows are big enough to keep the watches nicely in place, yet at the same time they are also small enough to allow most metal bracelets to be closed. They do not fill the compartment complete so there is some room for the watch to more. This may sound not ideal, but in practice it works fine especially since everything is lined with a very soft fabric. Big advantage is that there is lots of room in every compartment, so even the big watches can be placed next to each other without a problem.

Even enough room for big ones!

Packaging

How do you pack a box? Exactly, in a larger box. This rosewood watchcase was wrapped in packaging material and came in a nice white cardboard box. A very practical solution and a great way to protect damage during transit, but also to store the watchcase when not in use.

Price

Most impressive part of this watchcase is perhaps its price. For 32.99 Pound Sterling, this might not be the cheapest watchcase, but it will be most certainly a challenge to find this quality and look for that amount.

Competition

Watchcase can be found at many price-levels, from extremely cheap plastic, ones to hand carved specimens made from the finest woods or sometimes even precious metals. The competition is almost endless, with also quite a difference in quality.

Conclusion

This watchcase is a pleasant surprise. Based on its price the expectations are low, but the delivered quality is quite high. It is first and foremost a very practical watchcase, with thought thru details that you will benefit from daily. Apart from that, it is also a very beautiful case, taking the common watchcase to the next level. Sure, it is veneer but of a very high quality and with a great look, and at this price range you will safe enough to already have a nice start for the next watch!

Special thanks for Nick Bradshaw of Watch-Winder.co.uk for providing the case for this review.

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