Following on from the release of the Legera Standard & Legera Bullhead watches in early 2019, Straton returns with a new model that comes in over 90 combinations of dial/functions/movement/strap. The Straton Tourer series brings something new to the catalog while remaining true to the brand’s roots. Taking heavy inspiration from the styles of the 1970s has always been Straton’s modus operandi, and here it continues with a range of era-appropriate dial colors to whet the appetite.
A transparent and communicative brand, Straton prefers to listen to and engage with its audience. Sometimes, the feedback received can influence the brand’s direction or at least the options offered in each release. The Tourer is a perfect example of this process in action, as it is being released in six variations, with each one available in multiple colors.
Take a deep breath. The six models in the new collection are the Straton Tourer GMT Automatic 43mm, the Straton Tourer GMT Quartz in either 40mm or 43mm, the Straton Tourer Triple Calendar Automatic 43mm, and the Straton Tourer Three-hand Automatic, which comes in both 40mm and 43mm. The three-handed models both arose from customer demand for a 40mm automatic, which couldn’t be satisfied by either the Tourer GMT or Tourer Triple Calendar automatics because both movements were simply too big to fit inside the 40mm case in conjunction with the internal bezel mechanism. Not wanting to ignore the call for a smaller automatic, Straton decided to release the three-handed option, which, thanks to its external 12-hour bezel, is also capable of tracking a second timezone.
In addition to the external rotating bezels seen on all models, these new pieces from Straton also feature internal rotating bezels. This is a practical solution to a creative problem, born of Straton’s desire to use the Miyota 9122 to power the Triple Calendar model. The 9122 caliber has a 3 o’clock crown position and a pusher (for adjusting the month) at 2 o’clock. This look, however, was not to the brand’s liking, and so it was decided that a second pusher should be added to balance the dial. The result is easy on the eye because it looks so much like a standard chronograph (with the pointer date sub-dials) feeding this perception also.
In reality, however, the second “pusher” at 4 o’clock is a screw-down crown used for operating the internal bezel, adding functionality to every reference. For the Straton Tourer GMT Automatic or Quartz models, an internal 60-minute bezel joins the party. The Straton Tourer Triple Calendar Automatic 43mm, which employs an external dive bezel, has an internal 12-hour GMT ring, enabling a second timezone to be followed. For the Straton Tourer Three-hand Automatic, however, the 12-hour bezel is on the outside, while the dive bezel sits within the case.
And what would be the point of having diving bezels without a healthy degree of water resistance? Straton has ensured that all watches are water-resistant to 200 meters (as well as being covered by an international 24-month warranty should any component fail of its own accord).
With four distinct movement options available in one release, it is important to break down the differences and the reasons behind each movement’s selection. The simple three-hander is powered by a Japanese Miyota 9015 automatic, a popular and frequently called-upon industry staple.
The Tourer GMT Automatic, however, uses the Swiss-made Swisstech S24-45 GMT. Not to be confused with STP, Swisstech conducts its business in both Hong Kong/China and Switzerland, and its Swiss-made movements conform to the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) rules.
The most complicated movement on offer is the Miyota 9122 high-beat Automatic used inside the triple calendar. Another strong offering from the Japanese powerhouse, the Miyota 9122 offers excellent functionality for a reasonable price. All movements take care of business behind a closed caseback featuring the Straton “globe” motif.
So, once you’ve chosen your watch head, you can move on to selecting what kind of strap or bracelet you want to wear it with. Customers can choose to take the watches on either the leather or the custom stainless steel Jubilee/Engineer-style bracelet, or plump for both. The leather straps are available in colors that match the dials of the watches, which themselves come in black, blue, green, and two brown (one with a gold/white bezel combination, the other with brown/brown). All dials feature a deeply recessed pattern that adds a bit of character to the watch face.
The Tourer GMT Automatic 43mm will be priced at $499 on the strap, $519 on the bracelet or $539 with both the leather strap and bracelet included. The Tourer GMT Quartz 40mm and 43mm will be priced at $299/$319/$339.For the Straton Tourer Triple C Automatic watch, expect to pay $449/$469/$489. And for the Tourer three-hand Automatic in either 40 or 43mm, the prices will be $399/$419/$439. Prices include global shipping. Each watch (not each color) is limited to a first production run of 300 pieces. That means there will be just 1,200 watches in total (GMT automatic/GMT quartz/Triple Calendar/Three-hander). Pre-order prices are around 30% lower than full retail and increase by $50 per month in the run-up to the launch. To learn more, check the current pre-order prices, and reserve your Straton Tourer GMT now, head over to stratonwc.com.
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