In case the name of this latest Raidillon release left you in any doubt, this watch has three hands. It also has a date. In addition to those basic, but much appreciated, functions (H. Moser I’m looking at you), the Raidillon Automatic 3 Hands watch has an unorthodox patterned dial, the brand’s signature “55” secondary logo at 11 o’clock, the recognizable Mayan numbering system around the rehaut ring, and that oh-so-sweet “designed in Belgium” stamp at 12 o’clock, all in lower-case. Beyond the watch head itself, my favorite element of this watch is the python skin strap. As simple as the overall package is, the colors and the patterns on the dial and strap make for an interesting, incredibly wearable beater.

Before I dig into the specifications of this watch, I’ve got to mention the date window. I understand when certain brands, in trying to keep a project on budget, reject springing for a color-matched date wheel when it would require a custom Pantone or font, but why, why, why do brands habitually ignore the opportunity to color-match the window to a black dial?

This watch is pretty straightforward and has heaps of competition in this price bracket, but I still really like it and would happily wear it regularly, but for that date window. Yes, perhaps a white background improves legibility, but when surrounded by the otherwise dark color scheme, the date on this watch is more legible than the time, because that tiny floating white circle is the first thing your eye is drawn to when you check your wrist.

Still, date wheel gripes aside, this is a very nice looking watch. I’ve had a couple of Raidillons in for review in the past, and I was always more than satisfied with the build quality. The cases are generally very solid, neatly machined, and well-finished. The Raidillon Automatic 3 Hands watch (reference 42-A10-175) is 42mm-wide and has been created exclusively for the Maya Rally in Mexico.

Legibility is not a problem, thanks to a sapphire glass with a double anti-reflective coating and rose-gold polished and faceted hour and minute hands, which are filled with luminescent material so the time can be read in low light conditions. The simple display is powered by the automatic Swiss caliber ETA 2824-2, which offers a 42-hour power reserve.

As with all Raidillon timepieces, the Raidillon Automatic 3 Hands watch is limited to 55 pieces, and comes with a 5-year warranty. The serial number is engraved on the side of the case, which is water-resistant to 100 meters. The Raidillon Automatic 3 Hands watch is presented on the tan python leather strap, which is fastened with a folding clasp that boasts a comfort extension link and the Raidillon logo. This watch will be priced at €1,800. Learn more about the brand and the Maya Rally in Mexico at raidillon-watches.com.