The Straton watch company are a Swiss-based microbrand. They specialize in making retro-themed racing-style watches, which are built to a high standard.
Whilst other brands also attempt this style of watchmaking, for the most part, they use Chinese cases and Japanese quartz movements. On the other hand, the Straton budget range begins here, but some high-quality automatic Swiss movements can be found in their higher-end pieces such as the reviewed Speciale.
Not only this but Straton watches (even at the lower end) are finished to a much higher degree of quality than basic fashion watches. Sapphire crystal with AR coating is standard, as are lumed hands and dials.
This review showcases the Straton Speciale which is available in both meca-quartz and automatic formats (with the former obviously being less expensive).
Table of Contents
Case
As you will notice, the case of the Straton Speciale is not a wallflower. It is oversized measuring 42mm and is just under 16mm thick. Whilst you may think 42mm is not THAT big compared to some modern watches, remember that this is a square dial so wears a little bigger than it looks. For reference, the Tag Heuer Monaco is 39mm, which is already considered quite a big watch.
Besides the size, the case has its own unique shape which cannot really be put into words. Obviously, it is square, but has nice rounded edges which are thicker towards the bottom and thinner towards the top of the dial.
The case is made of standard 316L stainless steel, although is stated to have a DLC coating for extra protection. I bought this watch pre-owned from eBay and it is not scratched at all. So it makes sense that this coating is pretty good in stopping scratches – especially as steel is usually fairly easy to mark.
Dial
The dial has 3 subdials and a day date function (day date is not on the meca quartz version). As you may have already guessed without reading below – this layout is a function of its movement – the Valjoux 7750.
Straton have chosen to use the classic squared subdial format which is synonymous with retro racing watches and different from the modern circular subdials we find on dress and dive watches.
The orange hands and hour indicators really contrast quite well with the green dial. A black date wheel is used, which usually I wouldn’t be a fan of, but it is actually extremely easy to read against this dial color. Having a quick look at the website, the Speciale is also available in yellow, purple, blue, and brown. These are certainly not standard watch dial colors, but they do go extremely well with the design.
Straton use a domed sapphire crystal which really adds to the overall case shape and feel of the watch. As you would expect, the hands and indicators are coated with super luminova. Whilst this is of no use to me, I know many watch collectors greatly value lume strength.
Crown & Pushers
Probably the most standard part of the watch are the crown and pushers. There are no crown guards on this watch since that would ruin the overall design, but it is large and wide enough to withstand minor knocks by itself anyway. A knurled pattern is etched onto the steel crown, which is always a positive since it makes it a lot easier to grip and turn.
The chronograph pushers are well-sized and not obnoxiously large. They match the style and finish of the stainless steel case well and do not get in the way.
Movement
As the price of the Straton Speciale is significantly higher than their entry-level models, you would expect a much better movement.
This is delivered by the Valjoux 7750 – which is a personal favorite of mine. I have owned many automatic chronograph watches, all of which have used this Swiss-made movement. Simply put, you can’t really go wrong. It is a workhorse, accurate, and also relatively inexpensive to service compared with other automatic chronograph movements. Given the price of the watch, this movement is a really solid choice if you are the buyer.
Caseback
Worth mentioning is the original design on the caseback. This, like everything else, fits well with the theme of the watch. I do like exhibition casebacks, but that would have probably been a bit over the top on a watch like this.
Instead, Straton have used a speedometer design around the screwed caseback. This is quite a nice feature and sets the watch apart from the other lower budget watches that they sell.
Leather Band
Whilst it may not be to everyone’s taste, Straton have chosen to use a leather holed band. This is very consistent with the overall theme of the watch and is a classic for a retro racing watch. Once again, this kind of style is seen on the Tag Heuer Monaco, and at the budget end of watches in Pulsar chronographs.
If you wanted a more modern look,, this could be switched out for a silicon strap. But in all honesty, this would probably look a bit weird since you’d be mixing a 1960s look with a 2020 style.
Where To Buy
The Straton Speciale is available to buy online in the official Straton web shop. If you want a bargain like I did, you can wait for an eBay auction, although given that Straton is a relatively uncommon brand, you may be waiting a while.
In terms of value for money, the Speciale is really quite solid and I have no complaints at all. You get a retro-themed racing watch with an automatic chronograph movement for a good price. The specifications of the watch such as the domed sapphire crystal and scratch-resistant steel case are also good selling points and add to the value you’re getting.
