Emporio Armani Men’s 42mm Chronograph Watch (AR2453)

All black, from the bezel to the clasp, with cream-gold markers as the only relief. The 42mm case and its matching bracelet are finished in a dark tone throughout, and the dial is black on black – registers, minute track and all. \n Case and Wrist Presence \n Forty-two millimetres, round, with a flat bezel, two rectangular pushers and a fluted crown. A dark case reads slightly smaller than a bright one of the same size, so this wears a touch more contained than the number suggests – but it is still a substantial watch, and the matching bracelet gives it weight. It suits a wrist of about 18cm upward. \n Dial and Legibility \n Black, with a subtly textured centre and a raised ring inside the markers. The hour batons are applied in a warm cream-gold that lifts clearly off the dark ground, and the hands match them. Three registers sit at nine, three and six – elapsed minutes, a 24-hour scale, and running seconds – printed in white on black, which keeps them readable where a tonal treatment would have lost them entirely. The date sits between four and five in a white window. Small blue accents mark the minute track. \n Movement and Functions \n Quartz chronograph: top pusher to start and stop, bottom pusher to reset to zero. Hours, minutes, small seconds and the date. \n Bracelet and Fit \n A three-row bracelet in the same dark finish as the case, brushed on the outer rows and polished down the centre. Dark coatings sit on the surface of the steel, so knocks and scrapes show as bright metal underneath – this is a watch to keep off brick walls and gym equipment. Sizing is by removing links. The all-dark finish means it does not flash light the way a steel bracelet does, which is a large part of the appeal. \n Who This Watch Suits \n Someone who wants a large, dark, low-shine chronograph. It is more assertive than the steel version and works better with black and charcoal than with brown. \n Care and Maintenance \n Wipe the case and bracelet with a soft dry cloth – abrasive pastes will cut the dark finish. Keep the pushers dry. Zero the chronograph before setting the time. \n Technical Specifications \n Brand Emporio Armani Reference AR2453 Case diameter 42mm Case finish Black tone Dial Black, applied cream-gold batons Movement Quartz Functions Chronograph, date Bracelet Black-toned stainless steel \n Buying With Confidence \n Ships new and unworn in its original box with the manufacturer’s paperwork, covered by a 24-month international manufacturer warranty on the movement, excluding battery and normal wear. Nationwide delivery with tracking, and an unworn watch in its original packaging can be returned under the Consumer Protection Act. Look closely at the minute track – a few of the markings are picked out in blue, and they are the only cool colour on the whole watch.