Bulbul Pebble 04 and box

Elegance and design don’t have to be expensive. This is the Pebble reference P04, from new Danish brand Bulbul. Founder Jacob Juul worked with KiBiSi and Mega Design to produce a finely made quartz watch that was inspired by the shapes of pebbles on a beach.  The design is two years’ work, which Jacob started after visiting Baselworld in 2011. He calls the Pebble “…classic Scandinavian design with a little twist.”

If you’re me, the next thing you ask about is the company name. A bulbul is a small, mohawk-wearing bird.

Bulbul Pebble 04, dial view

In checking out the Pebble, it’s very obvious that this is a fine watch. It’s not just a fashion quartz by any means. Bulbul bought the best and sweated the details.

Bulbul Pebble 04

It’s got a bead-blasted stainless steel case, clearly custom, with hidden lugs, matching buckle and a knurled crown set jauntily at 1:30. The Italian leather strap is well finished – notice for example how the end of the strap is rounded and folded for a neater appearance.

Bulbul Pebble 04, caseback

The movement is good stuff, a gold-plated Rhonda 762 with a ten-year battery lifespan. Four jewels, too.

Rhonda 762

The crystal is sapphire, and from what I know that unusual shape was not cheap.

Bulbul Pebble 04, dial angle

Dimensions are a slender 7.8mm thick, 36.8mm wide (max) by 40mm lug to lug. It’s not small but can do dress or unisex. My wife is already angling to borrow it. Weight is a barely-there 47 grams. more »