Parnis GMT Detailed Watch Review
When it comes to most watch brands, it’s rare to come across a timepiece priced below $100 that includes a sapphire crystal and ceramic bezel. In fact, these high-quality features are typically reserved for watches costing upwards of $400. However, Parnis breaks the mold. While numerous watch brands and crowdfunding campaigns boast about eliminating intermediaries, it’s no secret that many companies produce their watch components, if not all, in China. Although the Parnis GMT showcases impressive specifications, it’s important to note some significant drawbacks. In this Parnis review, let’s delve into what you can expect – and what you won’t – from this watch priced around $80.
Classic Watch Dimensions with a Sapphire Crystal
When it comes to watch design, it’s difficult to stray from excellence, especially when drawing inspiration from iconic timepieces like the Rolex GMT Master II. With a 40mm case and a 48mm lug to lug size, this watch fits comfortably on most wrists. Although it measures slightly thicker at 13mm compared to its muse, it avoids the bulkiness often associated with taller watches.
The Parnis GMT showcases a polished finish on its sides and a brushed top, devoid of any bevels or transitions similar to the Rolex. While it retains its functional essence, the design ensures a remarkably comfortable wearing experience.
Its sapphire crystal, equipped with a cyclops, is a feature that tends to evoke diverse opinions. Although some may find the magnification of the date to be unattractive, I personally appreciate its overall utility. The Parnis GMT has a minor issue that is worth discussing – the cyclops attracts dust and smudges quite easily. Unfortunately, we come across the first major trade-off with this watch as its water resistance rating is limited to only 30m. Therefore, if you desire a watch that can withstand water exposure without concern, this particular model may not meet your requirements.
Applied indices and a Ceramic Bezel
The dial of this timepiece boasts a sleek black finish adorned with carefully applied indices. The unidirectional 120 click bezel offers a satisfying click when turned, although it does exhibit a noticeable amount of backplay. It’s worth noting that even watches priced at $1,000 and above often employ this same shortcut of a unidirectional GMT bezel, despite the technical expectation for a bi-directional one.
While the alignment between the bezel and dial is generally close, it falls short of perfection. However, the Parnis GMT ceramic bezel insert is skillfully crafted, with the numbers etched into the bezel standing out prominently. The only peculiar aspect is that the blue section appears to extend insufficiently into the six o’clock position.
The hands and applied indices on this watch are surprisingly well-polished, adding to its overall appeal. Yet, we must address the second significant compromise of the Parnis GMT: its lume. Regrettably, the luminosity of this watch is lackluster, and its longevity leaves much to be desired. If lume performance is an essential factor for you, the execution on this particular timepiece is likely to be underwhelming.
Bracelet
The bracelet offers a potential compromise, depending on individual preferences. It boasts a meticulously crafted clasp and sturdy end links, although the two middle jubilee sections of the end links lack articulation. As a result, the lug to lug measurement of the watch increases by approximately 4mm, reaching around 52mm.
Personal taste plays a crucial role in assessing this aspect, but in my opinion, the lug to lug length becomes slightly excessive. Additionally, the clasp poses some difficulty in closure initially, but it is likely to become easier with time as it breaks in. The bracelet utilizes screwed links for adjustment, simplifying the sizing process with the aid of a small screwdriver, around 1mm in size. All in all, I find the bracelet to be acceptable as long as one is comfortable with the limitation in articulation mentioned earlier.
The Movement
Parnis GMT is equipped with the DG 3804 movement, which is a reliable alternative to the ETA 2893. This marks my initial encounter with this particular mechanism. The watch demonstrates commendable timekeeping accuracy, with a negligible daily loss of approximately 10 seconds. Additionally, the date change-over process is impressively swift. However, there are a couple of minor observations I’ve made regarding the movement. Firstly, the overall operation of the watch via the crown seems slightly unpolished. The handwinding function exhibits a gritty sensation, and the time setting and hacking lack the smoothness found in other movements. Secondly, on occasion, the rotor of the movement produces an audible free-spinning sound.
Final Thoughts
One can surely appreciate this timepiece’s remarkable features, particularly when taking into account its price. The bezel insert, dial, and hands are impeccably crafted, resulting in a visually striking watch that adds a touch of sophistication to one’s wrist. I must confess, I didn’t anticipate deriving as much pleasure from this watch as I do now. It has seamlessly integrated itself into my regular rotation, becoming a beloved part of my collection. Moreover, considering its affordable price, it undeniably delivers an immense sense of fulfillment.
