Armani Exchange Men’s 44mm Chronograph Watch (AX1725)

The dial is the reason to look twice at this one. A pale, washed aqua sits under the crystal, ringed by a black minute track, and it reads far cooler than the usual black or blue chronograph face. The 44mm case is black with a polished steel mid-ring running around it, so the watch reads dark from a distance and picks up light at the edges when you turn your wrist. \n\n Case and Wrist Presence \n At 44mm across, this is a full-sized watch. It suits a wrist of roughly 18cm and up without looking borrowed; on a slimmer wrist the lugs will sit close to the edge. The case is round with faceted flanks rather than a plain drum, and the steel ring between the bezel and the caseback breaks up the black so the watch does not read as one solid slab. Two chronograph pushers flank the crown on the right. \n\n Dial and Legibility \n Applied stick markers in black sit on the aqua field, with the Armani Exchange wordmark and the A|X logo above centre. Three sub-registers are set at nine, twelve and six, each on a slightly recessed, circular-brushed disc. A date window sits between four and five o’clock. Contrast is moderate rather than stark — black hands on a light dial — so it is easy to read in daylight and less so in a dim room. \n\n Movement and Functions \n Quartz. That means you set it and leave it: no winding, no losing time over a weekend in a drawer, and a battery that will need replacing every couple of years. The chronograph runs through the two pushers and times an interval on the sub-dials. The date changes at midnight and will need a nudge after any month shorter than 31 days. \n\n Strap, Clasp and Fit \n A green leather strap ships on the watch, stitched along both edges in a matching thread and tapering towards the buckle. Green leather is an unusual choice and it works here because the dial is not competing with it. Leather softens with wear — it takes the shape of your wrist over the first few weeks and darkens where it creases. Keep it out of the shower and it will last. \n\n Who This Watch Suits \n Someone who wants a chronograph but is tired of black-on-black. The aqua dial and green strap put it firmly in the smart-casual bracket: fine with denim, chinos and an open collar, less at home under a formal suit cuff. \n\n Care and Maintenance \n Wipe the case with a soft dry cloth. Do not swim or shower in it. Leather and water do not mix, so take it off before washing up. When the second hand starts stuttering in two-second jumps, the battery is telling you it is nearly done. \n\n Buying With Confidence \n Covered by a 24-month international manufacturer warranty on the movement, excluding battery and normal wear. Ships new and unworn in its original box with the manufacturer’s paperwork. Nationwide delivery with tracking, and your Consumer Protection Act right of return applies to an unworn watch in its original packaging. \n\n Technical Specifications \n \n Brand Armani Exchange \n Reference AX1725 \n Case diameter 44mm \n Case shape Round \n Case colour Black with steel mid-ring \n Dial colour Pale aqua \n Markers Applied sticks \n Movement Quartz \n Functions Chronograph, date \n Strap Green leather \n