Sofia II from Axia Time
Recently received this watch from Axia Time, a microbrand headquartered in the US that specializes in Ivy League collegiate branded quality automatic watches built in Switzerland. The Sofia II, its newest model, has a number of features unusual on a watch with a relatively low price. (Price at the end.)
I haven't owned it long enough to provide an in depth review but I'm so impressed with its features and looks that I've included some individual notes.
() 40.5 mm diameter. 47.8 mm lug to lug. Lug width 22mm. Height 10.8 mm. A screw down crown.
() A brushed and polished Grade 5 titanium case, extremely light with better scratch and dent resistance than stainless steel.
() A very high quality genuine alligator quick release strap made in the US available in a variety of colors.
() A Swiss Sellita SW360 movement that supports a separate seconds dial and hacking, not always available in watches with a separate seconds dial. A 4 hz movement with a +15/-15 seconds per day tolerance. My experience is that the range is about +5/-5 seconds per day.
() A 42 hour power reserve.
() A choice of black or navy blue face with cream color Art Deco numerals and hands.
() A small seconds dial above the "6" marker.
() A sapphire dial crystal with 16 coats of AR coating and an exhibition caseback with a sapphire crystal and AR coating, as well.
() Super Luminova with the brightest and longest lasting lume I've ever seen on any watch. It literally lasts for hours.
() A small color matched date window just above the "6" marker large enough to be read and small enough to be ignored if desired. (I ignore it and literally don't see it.)
() Optional free 50 character engraved message on the caseback.
() A three year movement guarantee. A year longer than the industry standard.
The Sofia II is currently priced at $795 direct from Axia Time. I was fortunate to order one before the first of the year at a $200 discount. But at less than $800 I think it's a tremendous value.
P.S. There are several reviews of the watch on YouTube. That was where I first became aware of it. Easily located with a search.
Originally from Oklahoma. Left for college and never returned. A teaching career took me to several universities. Eventually moved to the Bay Area and then to the Pacific Northwest where I've been for...
It's a handsome watch and the stepped dial is very nicely done.
If I were to quibble with it, I do think the 22mm lug width (compared to the 40-41mm gives it a bit of a wider stance than I strictly prefer from a dress watch.