Armani Exchange Men’s 44mm Chronograph Watch (AX1739)

Bronze-tone metal is an unusual choice at this end of the market, and it is what makes this chronograph worth a look. The case and bracelet are a warm, slightly muted gold — closer to old brass than to yellow gold — and the champagne dial sits inside them with three near-black sub-registers cut into it. The colour contrast is the whole design. \n\n Case and Wrist Presence \n The case is 44mm and round, with a faceted bezel carrying a printed minute scale in black. Bronze tone reads warmer and quieter than a bright gold plating, so a case this size does not come across as flashy. Chronograph pushers sit at two and four, either side of a knurled crown. \n\n Dial and Legibility \n A champagne field with applied stick markers in the same warm metal. Three sub-registers — at nine, twelve and six — are finished dark, which is what stops the dial disappearing into itself; against a champagne background they read almost black. The date window sits at four-thirty. Sharp in daylight; the metal-on-cream markers lose some contrast indoors. \n\n Movement and Functions \n Quartz. Set the time once, and short of a battery change every year or two there is nothing to do. The chronograph is worked with the two pushers, timing an interval on the sub-dials. The date rolls over at midnight and needs correcting by hand after any month shorter than 31 days. \n\n Strap, Clasp and Fit \n A matching bronze-tone bracelet, three-link, with a mix of brushed and polished surfaces. It should be sized so the case stays centred on top of the wrist rather than rolling to one side. Coloured plating on a bracelet takes its wear at the clasp and at the edges of the links, where the metal rubs against itself and against desks. \n\n Who This Watch Suits \n Someone who has a steel watch already and wants something with a different temperature to it. Bronze tone works well against tan and olive clothing and against brown leather; it looks out of place beside a lot of silver jewellery. \n\n Care and Maintenance \n Wipe the bracelet down every so often — sweat sits in the link gaps and dulls the finish. Use a soft dry cloth, never a metal polish, which will cut straight through a plated surface. Keep it away from chlorine, which attacks the coating. \n\n Buying With Confidence \n A 24-month international manufacturer warranty covers the movement, excluding battery and normal wear. Ships new and unworn in its original box with the manufacturer’s paperwork. Nationwide delivery with tracking; unworn watches may be returned in their original packaging under the Consumer Protection Act. \n\n Technical Specifications \n \n Brand Armani Exchange \n Reference AX1739 \n Case diameter 44mm \n Case shape Round \n Case colour Bronze tone \n Dial colour Champagne \n Markers Applied sticks \n Movement Quartz \n Functions Chronograph, date \n Bracelet Bronze-tone metal \n