Emporio Armani Men’s 43mm Watch (AR1999)

Cream dials are rare on a men’s watch this size, and that is most of the appeal here. A 43mm steel case, a pale engine-turned face with rose gold batons, day and date at three, and a thick brown grained leather strap that stops the whole thing looking too polite. \n Case and Wrist Presence \n Steel, polished, 43mm wide with a fairly tall bezel and lugs that drop away sharply from the case. The stepped bezel gives it more depth at the edge than the flat-dial Armani models, and the pale dial pushes the size forward, so it wears every bit of its diameter. The crown is large and knurled, easy to grip. \n Dial and Legibility \n The cream surface is engine-turned in a fine radial pattern that runs from the centre out to a raised inner ring, catching light in fine lines. Rose gold batons mark the hours and the hands match. The day and date sit together at three in a double window, printed dark on white so they read easily – a useful contrast against the low-contrast main dial. Cream and rose gold is a warm, soft face; it is easy to look at and slower to read than black on white, particularly in dull light. No lume. \n Movement and Functions \n Quartz, driving hours, minutes, seconds, the day and the date. One crown handles all of it: first click for the day and date, second for the time. A battery keeps it running for a few years at a stretch. \n Strap and Fit \n Brown leather with a heavy pebbled grain and steel keepers – a substantial strap, chosen to match the case rather than disappear under it. Grained leather like this softens without going floppy and hides scratches better than smooth calf. It will darken with wear at the point where it folds. Leave it out of the rain and off in the shower, and it will outlast several battery changes. \n Who This Watch Suits \n Someone who wants a large watch with a day and date but does not want another black or silver dial. The cream face is unusual enough to be noticed without being loud about it. \n Care and Maintenance \n Avoid setting the day or date between about 9pm and 3am, when the change mechanism is engaged. Keep the strap dry and wipe the case with a soft cloth. \n Technical Specifications \n Brand Emporio Armani Reference AR1999 Case diameter 43mm Case material Stainless steel Dial Cream, engine-turned, rose gold-tone batons Movement Quartz Functions Day, date Strap Brown grained leather \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 the Consumer Protection Act right of return applies to an unworn watch in its original packaging. Look at where the engine-turning stops – there is a raised ring just inside the markers, and it is what gives the dial its dish shape.