Credits: Article and images by Tim Mosso @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/01/16/schwarz-etienne-roma-synergy-by-kari-voutilainen-for-oster-jewelers-beauty-without-brand-baggage/
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From a technical standpoint, the ASE 200 movement is impressive. The 30.4mm size means that it was designed from the outset to fill the casebacks of contemporary watches.
Launched in 2013, the micro-rotor automatic ASE 200 includes obligatory modern features like hacking seconds, an extended power reserve of 86 hours, and bridges designed with equal attention to architectural appeal and function.
While the 3Hz beat rate is anachronistic, it does help to extend the power reserve, and a high-inertia balance wheel is employed to offset the potential timing compromises of a low rate. Impressively, SE goes a step beyond most integrated movement manufactures in its production of the escapement, balance, and hairspring hardware. SE division E2O is one of the smallest outfits in Switzerland that can produce hairsprings as well as full escapements.
While not a feature of the movement, the Roma’s water resistance qualifies as a technical curiosity. Although the 50-meter water resistance is only 20-meters beyond the industry standard for dress watches, its unexpected combination with a screw-down crown opens the door to surface swimming if equipped with a different strap than the calf leather factory spec.
The Oster-specific strap combines brown leather with a subtle and complementary green contrasting stitch. And befitting of a watch that retailed for over thirty grand, a double-deployant clasp with trigger release prevents inadvertent skydiving during your morning trip to the dresser.
Retailer editions are great solutions for the value-conscious and dubious propositions for the status-conscious. The relative obscurity and rarity of these models mean that few onlookers will ask to Instagram your wrist, but the payoff is a watch that often trades at reasonable preowned prices relative to its quality.
In a world where the $39,800 F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu becomes a $90,000 commodity the moment it hits chrono24, it’s a relief to know that the manifold qualities of the MSRP $36,800 Oster-ized Roma can be had for around $26,000 used — on the rare occasion that one of the 16 surfaces.
Long on quality, value, and its marathon name, the Schwarz-Etienne Roma Synergy by Kari Voutilainen for Oster Jewelers is an indie brand option for enthusiasts who favor beauty without brand baggage.
For more information, please visit www.osterjewelers.com/products/schwarz-etienne-x-oster-roma-synergy-evergreen-dial-by-kari-voutilainen
Quick Facts: Schwarz-Etienne Roma Synergy by Kari Voutilainen for Oster Jewelers
Reference Number: WROVMA07SS02CUBC
Case: Stainless Steel 42mm (39mm optional), 50-meter water resistance
Dial: green sterling silver with hand guilloche by Comblemine Cadrans
Movement: ASE 200, automatic, 86-hour power reserve, hacking, 3Hz, decoration by Voutilainen, 30.4mm diameter
Retail Price: $36,800
Preowned Market Value: Approximately $26,000
* Tim Mosso is the media director and watch specialist at Watchbox. You can check out his very comprehensive YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@WatchBoxStudios/videos
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Credits: Article and images by Tim Mosso @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/01/16/schwarz-etienne-roma-synergy-by-kari-voutilainen-for-oster-jewelers-beauty-without-brand-baggage/