Straton Speciale - VK67 Mecha-Quartz (Stealth Black)

The 42mm Straton Speciale is probably the most famous watch Straton have produced to date. Straton, a Swiss microbrand, raised over a quarter of a million dollars in their Kickstarter campaign for this watch in 2017, the original production run quickly sold out, and the iconic Speciale has been in high demand ever since.

With both a highly desirable Swiss ETA (Valjoux) 7750 automatic version and an economical VK67 mecha-quartz version, the Straton Speciale comes in a variety of colors and finishes. An optional Straton solid link bracelet is also recommended.

Why We Love This Watch

Simply put, this watch screams 1970s automotive racing more than any other modern chronograph we know of, with it's deep curved rounded oblong cushion case, subtle sunburst effect, and matching square sub-dials with rounded corners. The colors, such as the orange highlights on the custom hands and indices, perfectly match the period in what is a very unique design that somehow feels like it's been around for quite a while. This watch tends to get noticed and a lot of complements. It's loud yet tasteful, different yet familiar, and one of a kind. Instantly recognizable by avid microbrand watch collectors, the Straton Speciale epitomizes Straton as a brand.

The specifications on this watch also make it a surprisingly robust timepiece, more so than it's 1970s counterparts, with a reliable movement, scratch resistant sapphire glass, scratch resistant DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating on the case - virtually as hard as a diamond - and a 100 meter water rating you can comfortably go swimming with. As well as coming on a carefully color-matched vintage-style leather rally strap, each Speciale is also provided with a NATO strap for those who have a more adventurous lifestyle, as well as a convenient travel case.

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Specifications

• Type: Microbrand watch.
• Reference: Straton Speciale VK67 Type B (All Black) with matte case finish.
• Complications: Chronograph/stopwatch sub-dials for elapsed minutes and hours, main second hand for chronograph elapsed seconds with current time in seconds on sub-dial.
• Color Scheme: Black with orange accents, with a matte black case.
• Water Resistance: 10 ATM / 100 meters / 330 feet.
• Diameter: 42mm.
• Lug-to-Lug Length: 41mm.
• Lug Width: 22mm.
• Height: 13mm.
• Case: 316L marine grade stainless steel with matte black colored scratch resistant DLC (diamond-like carbon) finish. Sloped vintage cushion case design.
• Crown: Signed gnurled crown with pushers either side.
• Case Back: Solid screw down case case back with deep illustration of a vintage speedometer.
• Dial Type: Multi-layered complex sunburst dial with sloped chapter ring and square sub-dials and applied indices.
• Dial Glass: Scratch resistant domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.
• Bezel: Fixed bezel. Sloped chapter ring below has traditional tachometer chronograph markings.
• Lume: Swiss Super-Luminova.
• Straps Included: 1x pair of 22mm vintage rally-style black leather straps with matching orange stitching. 1x complementary color coordinated striped NATO.
• Movement: Seiko VK67 mecha-quartz hybrid chronograph movement with 60 minutes and 12 hours sub-dials and instant mechanical reset.
• Tick Rate: 5 ticks per second main chronograph second hand instead of the more typical 1 tick per second found on most quartz.
• Hacks: Yes.
• Power Reserve: Up to 3 years battery life with normal operation.
• Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 years.