Reverie Classic — hands-on review

August 22, 2016

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Reverie Classic

As a watch blogger, I get to see many watches, many of them are coming from new microbrands, launching their debut model. What I find really fun is when a young brand keeps me in the loop by sending me their second model, then the third, and so on, giving me the opportunity to see how their products become more and more mature. With Reverie, a microbrand from Singapore it is same. Just a few months ago, I reviewed the Sea-Spirit, their debut model, which was the watch that successfully launched Reverie into the sphere of elegant, well-made timepieces, with sophisticated design and great value. And now, I have the pleasure to take their second model, called the Classic, for a test drive. Will the Classic live up to the high bar set by the Sea-Spirit? Let’s see.

The Classic shares the same packaging as the Sea-Spirit, an elegant black leather box, and just as the last time, there was a hand-written note from Samuel Tay, the founder. It’s a small gesture, but it gave me that nice warm feeling that Reverie, is the kind of micro, boutique brand, that will find a way to offer a personalised experience to its clients. Besides the packaging, the Classic shares many elements with the previous model, it has the same case, the same crown, here too, the straps use the same system of quick release spring bars as before, but similarities stop here. The Classic is powered by a different movement, the automatic Miyota 820A that comes with a day-date complication. The day’s wheel is bilingual, you can set it either in English or Spanish, it’s not too complicated to set, and I find it’s quite a cool feature. I was actually tempted to set it in Spanish, just for the fun.

Reverie Classic

A new complication means a new dial. While the Sea-Spirit had two versions, black or blue, both decorated with a mesmerising guilloche, the Classic is white and guilloche has a different pattern. The printed numerals are replaced by applied stainless steel faceted hour markers that will bring alive the dial, which is already an eye-catcher because of the guilloche. The slender faceted lance hands are blued, reinforcing the dressy aspect of the Classic. The contrast with the dial is fantastic, just a quick glance at your wrist and you know the time, but then… “A quick glance”, it’s easy to say, but in reality, often I would stare at the Classic, moving it around to let the light have fun on all its delicate details.

As I mentioned earlier, the Classic has the same cushion-shaped case as the Sea-Spirit, and I’m glad to find the sunray brushed finish on the top was kept, it focuses the attention to the dial and it highlights the polished surface of the bezel. The crown is shorter, another feature to bring the Classic to the dressy side, but it’s large enough to offer a good grip. Winding the watch and setting the time is a smooth experience.

Reverie Classic

The see-through back reveals the automatic Japanese movement, with a skeletonized rotor. The engraving on the back of the watch is well balanced and the Latin motto of Soli Deo Gloria — glory to the only God, is a reference to the values of the founder of Reverie.

The Classic comes with a black leather strap with branded butterfly clasp and there is also a brown leather strap with buckle to match your eye colour. The quick release spring bars make the swapping straps game absolutely painless and you don’t risk of scratching the case with a spring bar tool.

Reverie Classic

Having the two watches side-by-side, they are like two brothers that look similar but once you know them, you discover that they have completely different personalities. Of course, they are quite versatile, you can throw many different scenarios at them and they will handle it without difficulty, but the Classic is the one you would like to wear for an elegant dinner with your lady, while the Sea-Spirit is the watch for your weekend, be that on a boat or with friends at a BBQ.

Reverie Classic

As I’m writing this review, there are a few days left to preorder the Classic on Indigogo. It’s $350 US, or $360 US with an additional NATO strap, which is absolutely decent for a watch like this and the best perk is that there will be no waiting time for production. The Classic will be ready to be shipped out 5-15 business days after the campaign ends. By the way, did I mentioned that international shipping is included?

On Indigogo Samuel Tay talks about the Japanese principle of shibui, a balance of simplicity and complexity, and I have to agree with him, the Reverie Classic nailed it nicely. It is a watch the might look uncomplicated, but then you take a closer look and suddenly you are taken by surprise by an unexpected detail. It’s a fun watch to wear!

Indigogo: https://igg.me/at/reverieclassic/x
Reverie: www.reveriewatches.com