Straton Legera Bullhead - Swiss Valjoux 7750 (Grey)

The bullhead design of this particular chronograph, (with the crown and pushers on the top of the watch, instead of on the side,) an option that's rarely seen in modern chronographs, should excite many watch collectors. It's also a firm shout-out to the 1970s vintage theme of this timepiece. Brands such as Omega first introduced this layout in their Seamaster collection in 1970.

Straton are a Swiss microbrand rightly famous for their 1970s vintage automotive racing themed chronographs, and in our opinion have produced some of the very best offerings in this genre. The Straton Legera raises the bar to even higher standards, and the color scheme here, with the carefully coordinated vintage-style rally straps and playful outer track design, is nothing short of exquisite. Look closely though and you'll see a great attention to detail too. While admiring the curves on the case you might pick up on the subtle mirror polished bevel that helps contrast the edge with the finely brushed finish on the rest of the case. Or, perhaps you're admiring the subtle dish shape of the dial and how Straton have carefully married traditional chronograph functions such as a tachometer (found inside the chapter ring) with a 12 hour rotating bezel featuring a second time zone without any sign of clutter. Lots to see here.

A rare vintage bullhead design, exceptional styling, and a highly desirable Swiss automatic chronograph movement that should be in everyone's collection make the Straton Legera punch far above it's price point, and really helps showcase why good quality microbrands can offer exceptional value vs. a number of more mainstream offerings. The Straton Legera not only easily shows a number of other Swiss brands the door, but slams it on them too.

Good looks and styling aside, the Straton Legera is not just a chronograph but can also double or triple as a dive watch or robust travel watch or field watch, with it's 100 meter water rating, Swiss Super-Luminova lume, 120 click unidirectional sapphire bezel with second time zone and domed sapphire glass. This is truly one hell of a versatile timepiece, and looks particularly good on Straton's optional oyster bracelet.