You're a monarch in 11th century England, what watch would you wear? Camy “Battle of Hastings” review

A small watch is king for me. I will never admit it, but I can go head-over-heels for a 31mm vintage watch. I say vintage because modern watches are usually of such a different aesthetic to vintage watches that they don't always look good when downsized. A 38mm watch is big for me. A 33mm - 36mm watch is golden. Below that, it starts to crumble slightly. I could probably rock a modern Rolex Air King 34mm. I won't be able to go smaller. In fact, the only reason that the Air King would fit me is because it is vintage-inspired. So, while I will gladly take a 31mm vintage watch any day of the week, don't expect me to wear a brand new Datejust 31, if that makes any sense.

This brings me on to my Camy. I have given it the nickname “Battle of Hastings” because the model number on the caseback is 1066, which, for those who don't know, is the year that the battle took place. The watch measures 40mm by 20mm by 9mm. The watch is comparable to the original JLC Reverso in size, being 2mm longer, 4mm narrower and 3mm thicker. It's definitely got a thin rectangular shape to it, compared to the more square Reverso. Its size and shape is perhaps closest to a modern Cartier Tank Américaine, being right between the small and medium sizes.

I see this watch as being unisex in every sense of the word. It would look just at home on my wrist as it would my English teacher’s, for example. It'll be a little smaller than many men are comfortable with, but my name isn't, and never has been, “many men.” A small watch gives me confidence. To me, it exudes class and vintage charm, something that a lot of people want in a person, although few mention it. This extends beyond romantic relationships and making good impressions from across the dinner table; a dress watch in the office or at a meeting shows respect for the formality and occasion, even if we have become more casual and less strict on dress codes as a society. This is why my GADA watch is a dress watch. My idea of “go anywhere” means going from school or work directly to the pub or (maybe) home. My idea of “do anything” means looking good in a golf shirt and in a blazer. Bonus points are awarded if it goes with tweed.

The gold-plated case is stunning. The plating doesn't have a single scratch in it. Hell, the watch shows very little sign of wear. The only indication that this was a used product is a scar on the caseback from someone trying to open it. Press casebacks usually end up looking slightly pitiful after many years of opening and shutting anyways, so I'd be bothered more if it wasn't permanently facing my sweaty wrist. The original strap is likely in watch part Heaven, with my ETA 2830 escape wheel and Tissot 2031 stepper motor. The seller put an 18mm strap in 16,5mm lugs. South Africans have a tendency to force things to work, and this is reflected here. I know people that forced their marriage to work for twenty-five years before calling it quits. The acrylic crystal is fine. It's chamfered and thick, but seems to have some play in it. I'll speak to my watchmaker and see what he thinks. Maybe the crystal was meant to be glued to the case or maybe a gasket comes in somewhere, although I doubt it. It's not a lot of play, but I don't want it to take any paint from the dial, which harbours perfection and cleanliness levels rivalled only by the fantasyland that racist people live in. (Note: after writing, I got the crystal glued in place.) The dial has an inner ring with painted Breguet numerals. The ring isn't applied, it's likely that the whole dial is this brushed brass colour and the white details were painted in. There's no minute track or seconds hand, which means it receives my chronometer certification. The movement is a humble and common FHF 69-21. Apart from making me giggle at the first two numbers, this movement is a semi-fast movement commonly used in ladies watches of the era. I will die on the hill claiming that this watch is unisex. It could even come with pink glitter, acrylic nails and an ample helping of “I’m not hungry” (yet stealing food from my plate!), but my stance wouldn't change.

The wearing experience, apart from the amazing size, is as good as I expected. A slight curve in the case helps it sit on the wrist better, but isn't steep enough to hurt my flat wrists. The small size keeps it out of harm's way. The thinness really helps avoid door frames and the lightness makes me forget that it's there sometimes. The loud ticking counteracts this and will reverberate on my wooden desk and keep me awake. At least I know the movement is running strong then. The inner ring of the dial is eye-catching. It's a small watch with a tiny movement which would normally mean a dial that can only be seen with a magnifying glass. The addition of all of that white space around the ring really breaks the dial up and makes it feel larger.

This is a watch fit for a king... or queen. It's versatile and stunning. Need I say more?