Then, with a less common case color, the question becomes what other colors get paired with it? Here, Magrette went with a flat black ceramic insert in the uni-directional bezel, and a swath of cool grey for the dial (the black PVD model features a black dial). On the dial itself you have a subtle mix of black and white, as well as some warmer tones in the orange model name and red seconds hand. In short, tastefully done, and it’s a nice combination that you don’t see frequently.
The rose gold finish then carries over to the lume filled hands (as well as the buckle on the leather strap, and deployant clasp on the polyurethane strap), lending for a feeling of the watch being a whole, rather than bits and pieces tacked together. It all has a nice premium feel to it as well, further reinforced by the knowledge you’ve got a double-domed sapphire crystal up top, and an automatic HEV valve helping with the 500m WR rating.
Yes, that’s right – the ever present (and not going to be used by 95% of us) helium escape valve. And that’s why I say this watch (on the poly strap) could be used as a true diver. With it being rated for 500 meters, you can take this into as deep of water as you could survive, and be just fine. If you’re like me, though, the deepest water you’ll see is the local pool.
Which means this watch is destined for desk duty. And, on the black leather strap (sadly, the signature red lining isn’t making an appearance here) this puts forth a polished image without being too showy. I think you could also pair this quite nicely with some sort of a grey strap (perhaps suede?) to great effect.
Whatever the strap you have on there (or where you wear the watch), one thing that hasn’t changed is the value Magrette offers you for your money. Even though we’ve got some upscale looks and finishes (and a nice bump in movement), pricing comes in at $575 for the black PVD, or $595 for rose gold. That’s a surprising price, especially since these are limited-edition pieces (500 of the rose gold, 750 of the black).
I’ve never hesitated to recommend a Magrette piece previously, and the Moana Pacific Professional is no exception. While I realize divers aren’t for everyone, I think this is a great option for someone who wants a watch for the office that breaks a bit from the diver norms (in style, not form). magrette.com
Necessary Data
>Brand: Magrette
>Model: Moana Pacific Professional
>Price: $595
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Indubitably
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Someone looking for the diver style that’s headed to the office
>Best characteristic of watch: The lovely hue of the rose gold finish
>Worst characteristic of watch: The red-backed leather strap (a Magrette signature) is AWOL!
