Watch Collection:
| Crossing the Start/Finish Line at Monaco. |
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| Written by G. Worthington | |
| Wednesday, 16 July 2008 | |
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My Debaufre Ocean 1 Classic
Before I start I'd like to thank Jon at Debaufre for all his help and rapid responses to my emails and questions. Also I'd like to point out that all the opinions expressed in this article are my own, I am not on Debaufre's payroll, just another happy customer. 
Well, where to begin? I stumbled across the Debaufre watch company at the end of 2007 when I was looking for watches in the style of IWC pilots on the internet. Of course, I was immediately struck by the comments left by the many happy customers everywhere - superb customer service, value for money and high quality seemed to be the theme on everyone's lips. As a big fan of high-end mechanical watches I was left very curious - could the hype be too good to be true? On the run-up to this summer I was ending a four year degree course in Engineering. I wanted to reward myself with something memorable, long-lasting and something I felt I had earned. A watch seemed fitting so, again, I began the search to see what was available. An Omega Seamaster was very tempting. I tried several on. What was it about it that appealed? Well it was a high quality automatic watch that would withstand all aspects of daily life - at work, at play, at formal occasions. I wanted a watch that could live with me. But, the Omega certainly was challenging financially - was it really worth the money? 
Once again I came back to the Debaufre watch site. Could these Debaufre watches really be of the same standard as an Omega or Rolex but with a realistic price tag? Would they last as long a 'named brand'? Certainly lots of people seemed to think so. On the Debaufre website I spotted the Ocean 1 Classic and immediately made my mind up. The classic submariner looks with a dial reminiscent of previous generations of dive watches was exactly the style I was looking for. But would it be capable of living with me every day? In the end I bit the bullet and contacted Jon at Debaufre. As reported, the customer service was exceptional. He responded almost immediately and addressed all my questions via email. Due to the limited run of watches being made in this style I didn't want to miss out so I actually placed the order some time prior to the complete of my degree. As it was my gift to myself for completing the work I asked my brother to keep it stored and looked after, until the day came for my last exam. In the end I had decided that even if the watch didn't meet the mark the price would hardly break the bank. 
Well. I was wrong. And how! As soon as I lifted the lid on the leather presentation box I knew I had made the correct decision. The watch's construction was exceptional. The components and materials are evidently of a quality comparable to those used in every other high-end watch I have worn or held. The sweep on the second hand - as smooth as that on a Rolex. The time-keeping - well I have now had it running for 5 weeks non-stop and it still reads exactly the same time as the clock-machine in company I work for. The strap feels solid - is heavy and equal in construction to those on any other I have seen (and better than several 'expensive' offerings too!). Yes, everything you read about these watches is true. And so the first day I could wear the watch came, and as luck would have it, that day also happened to be the day I setting of for Monaco to watch the Formula 1 Grand Prix. This would prove to be a perfect week for 'road testing' my latest purchase. My Ocean 1 Classic In the Grandstands on Practice Day: 
The Rolex submariner appeared to be the watch of choice for all of the discerning rich people out and about in Monaco. The Debaufre certainly didn't seem out of place; in fact I can honestly say I wouldn't have chosen anything else to wear. The sun, sand, suntan lotion and swimming (and even some rain!) gave the Debaufre plenty of opportunities to prove itself, and that it certainly did. The pictures throughout this article show the watch over the course of the race weekend. A Debaufre watch and a weekend of glamour, cutting edge technology and performance; well surely they were made for each other! So, to conclude, if you like watches, and not brands, then this is the watch for you. If you like quality and performance, then this is the watch for you. If you want a Rolex or an Omega, then go for it, but I can promise you this, you won't be getting any more of a watch. Go on, place that order today - you won't regret it! - G. Worthington, July 2008 |
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