While I think that the dial and bezel design of the Ancon X-35 Concept works well, I do find the dial text a bit goofy, speaking specifically to the superfluous “Rotor Self-Winding 200M.” Beyond this, the main complaint I would level at the Ancon X-35 Concept is not in the dial text or even the originality of the dial design, it’s the lack of legibility promoted by the time display. In photos (aided by a polarizing filter) or cad drawings, the X-35 looks perfectly crisp, and indeed in well lit and direct-viewing conditions, it is. But in real day-to-day wear, I found it difficult to read.

The complex nature of the dial design and the use of a grey minute hand on a near-black dial makes the Ancon X-35 Concept is very difficult to read in low-light or high glare conditions. The design doesn’t allow for any sort of luminous treatment, so you are left with an incomplete hour scale and a low contrast minute hand. As much as I do like the design, I find it tough to read at a glance or in low-light conditions. Perhaps I’m spoiled by my dive watches.

The Ancon X-35 Concept is powered by the Miyota 82S7, an automatic movement with a 40+ hour power reserve, 21 jewels and a rate of 21,600 vph. Miyota lists the accuracy of the 82S7 at -20 to +40 seconds a day (a full minute), but this is likely not of huge concern for this specific movement, as it lacks a hacking seconds feature. Without hacking seconds, it is very difficult to synchronize the seconds display on the Ancon X-35 Concept. In addition to this, the seconds display on the Ancon X-35 Concept is incomplete, using a half scale with a double-sided seconds hand to basically show two looping 30 second scales.

Compared to what I normally wear, the Ancon X-35 Concept is quite large and the combination of its black case, wide lugs and black rubber strap give it a very casual wrist presence. I found the Ancon X-35 Concept to be comfortable, but not especially compatible with sleeves and cuffs, thanks not only to its 16 mm thickness, but also the inclusion of a large PVD steel buckle for the rather thick rubber strap. Crown action is pretty good, thanks to a large crown flanked by crown guards that do their job without getting in the way. With 200M water resistance, the Ancon X-35 Concept is weekend ready and certainly feels tough enough to handle most day to day abuse.

The Ancon X-35 Concept is available online and in stores through a number of Ancon retailers for $699 USD. That price point places the Ancon X-35 Concept at nearly 30% less money than an entry level P1 from SevenFriday. Additionally, the Ancon X-35 Concept offers a traditional round case and more water resistance that the P1. Ultimately, the choice is yours alone and both the Ancon X-35 Concept and the P1 are a bit big for my tastes. The Ancon X-35 Concept, while not without its flaws, is a cool and interesting watch with little direct competition at its price point. anconwatches.com

Necessary Data
>Brand: Ancon
>Model: X-35 Concept
>Price: $699 USD
>Size: 45 x 16 mm
>Would reviewer personally wear it: No
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Someone with a collection that covers all the basics and was looking for something a big more wild without breaking the bank.
>Best characteristic of watch: Eccentric  and detailed dial design
>Worst characteristic of watch: Poor legibility of the time display and very large case size.