Emporio Armani Men’s 43mm Chronograph Watch (AR1635)

Navy under steel. The dial is a deep blue with a fine linen-like texture, ringed by white Roman numerals, and the whole watch runs on a polished steel bracelet. Blue is the colour that makes this case shape look less formal without making it look casual. Case and Wrist Presence Forty-three millimetres, polished steel, with the wide flared lugs that hold the bracelet in tight against the wrist. Because the bracelet is the same bright steel as the case, the watch reads as one continuous object and the blue dial becomes the only break in it. The combination of a full steel bracelet and a 43mm case gives this real weight, which some people want from a chronograph and some do not. Dial and Legibility Painted white Roman numerals run the outer ring with a chapter track inside them. Three recessed registers sit in the middle third: elapsed minutes to 30 on the left, a 24-hour scale on the right, running seconds at the bottom, all printed in white. A framed date window opens between four and five. The hands are faceted white with polished edges. White on navy is nearly as legible as white on black and considerably less flat, because the blue keeps some depth under light. Movement and Functions Quartz. The pushers above and below the crown start, stop and reset the chronograph, and the counters return to zero cleanly. The 24-hour register indicates day or night rather than a second zone. The date steps at midnight and wants correcting after a 30-day month. The dial prints no water rating, so keep it to rain and hand washing rather than swimming. Bracelet, Clasp and Fit A three-link polished steel bracelet with a fold-over clasp, sized by removing links. Get the fit right: a steel bracelet that is a link too long will rotate on the wrist and put the crown against the back of your hand. Polished links will pick up fine scratches within weeks, which is normal and part of how a steel bracelet ages; they can be polished back at a service. Who This Watch Suits Someone who wants one chronograph that covers office and weekend. Navy and steel is the least demanding colour pairing there is, and the bracelet means there is no strap to replace in two years. Care and Maintenance Rinse the bracelet with fresh water if it has been near the sea and dry between the links. A soft brush and warm soapy water clears the residue that builds up on the underside of the clasp. Wipe the case with a microfibre cloth. Have the battery changed by a watchmaker who will fit a new gasket. About the Brand Emporio Armani’s Roman-numeral chronograph has run for years in black, champagne, brown and blue. The blue on steel is the version that ages best in photographs and on the wrist. Technical Specifications Attribute Specification Brand Emporio Armani Reference AR1635 Case diameter 43mm Case shape Round Case Polished stainless steel Dial Blue Markers White Roman numerals Movement Quartz Functions Chronograph, date Bracelet Stainless steel Warranty 24 months Buying With Confidence The watch carries a 24-month international manufacturer warranty on the movement; the battery and normal wear fall outside it. It ships new and unworn in its original box with the manufacturer’s paperwork, travels on a tracked nationwide courier, and the Consumer Protection Act gives you the right to return an unworn watch in its original packaging.