The creativity of the watch industry never ceases to amaze me. Just when you think you’ve seen the best microbrand iterations of a square or rectangular watch, something new comes along and takes first place. That’s why I’m calling this new and limited release from Benjamin James a “four point winner” – it’s executing on four of the most important points enthusiasts tend to focus on; proportions, dial material, quality bracelet integration, as well as mechanical movement choice.
Of course there’s always more to the design and implemantion of a watch than those four points, but these are certainly some of the most important and decisive features of a watch. In the case of the Scarifour we have on hand here, it’s sporting a classy and perfectly proportioned square case shape that flows seamlessly into an integrated bracelet, it’s using a green jade natural stone as its dial material, and to top it off it’s also using a hand-wound Sellita SW210-1 b movement. For collectors and connoisseurs, this is a very sweet package for its asking price of 790 GBP.
Experience on Wrist
I’d like to start off our discovery of this watch with my favorite aspect, and that’s simply how it sits on wrist. It’s difficult to make the general public, with varying wrist sizes, happy with the size of a square watch if it’s only ever produced in one size. Many square watches can be too long, too wide, or too thick – a balancing act that is just a tad easier to manage on your typical round cased watch. I think Benjamin James has done an excellent job here at managing the aspect ratios on their latest model.
This is a square watch that does not feel dainty on wrist, nor does it feel cumbersome and large. It seem to retain an easy medium of classy and sporty. This feels like a watch that can be worn daily, but also to a special event with a suit if needed. The overall heft of the watch provides a nice sense of quality when on wrist or inspecting in hand, it’s not large by any means but carries with it a nice heft. The length and width of the watch is perfection on my 6.5 inch wrist, and the overall wearability experience is augmented by its surprisingly thin 8.3mm case. Many quartz watches can perhaps get away with a thin case like this, but don’t forget we have a Selitta packed into this slender case, it’s an impressive package to me. Each time I pop the Scarfour onto my wrist it reminds me just by its fit and finish, that this is indeed a special watch.
Materials and Technical Design
Both the case and bracelet of the Scarfour are made from 316L stainless steel. An ordinary but adequate choice, although the finishing seems to exceed the price point of the watch. The case has alternating finishes, with the sides being very finely brushed and edges finished in a mirror polish. The bezel, which is quite skinny, and is laid directly on top of the case in a stepping stair format is entirely mirror polished. The bezel also appears to have an almost “faux” screw type of design, but looking closer reveals drilled holes that go entirely through the bezel to reveal the brushed case underneath – a small but peculiar detail.
This watch has a lot going for it, most of which are successfully implemented small details such as its overall proportions and design flair. There’s two major standout features beyond that, which happen to be its natural Jade stone dial, the one we have here being the green variant – and also the back of the watch which is fitted with a K1 hardened display mineral crystal. The crystal on the back has a flush fit against the case with zero protrusion, definitely a big factor in the wearability comfort of this watch, but it also provides an elegant and flat visual of the hand-wound movement. The display back window is generous in size with no distracting etchings (as often found on some budget watches) to take away from your enjoyment of gazing at the movement. The Sellita SW210-1 b is not the most intricate movement in horology, but it provides some pleasurable views of the cog wheels in motion.
I like the dial more than I thought I would. Stone dials can be hit or miss, and this green Jade dial carries with it significant depth and detail due to its natural marbling and infusion of what looks like dark blue. The light reflection off the dial is certainly “stone like”, in a way that makes it matte but textured in appearance. It’s a very neat choice that seems to compliment the ultra thin style of the watch.
The elongated diamond cut baton indices are very dressy in appearance, and are also applied. Looking at the indices under macro zoom, I don’t love their placement, with some of them not centered perfectly. There’s a slight lack of precision here and gives me the sense that perhaps they were applied and adjusted hastily. I also would have preferred perhaps a different choice in marker shape, maybe something that leaned slightly more sporty than dressy.
Movement and Final Thoughts
The Sellita SW210-1 b movement used in this watch is actually quite impressive. I think it was an excellent choice for this type of watch due to its size a wafer thin 3.35mm. It uses a Nivaflex hairspring and has about 42 hours of power reserve after fully hand winding. There is actually some light artristry on it as well, with the Geneva striped bridges and main plate with circular graining. For the price, and its use case I’m really taking a liking to this affordable movement.
The Benjamin James Scarfour is an excellent addition to the world of microbrand square watches. It’s a great example of what some of the larger brand names in the industry should be doing, but it takes a smaller more daring brand to lead the way sometimes. While the watch may not be the most perfect example of watch assembly, it’s other aspects make up for it, and the affordable price tag is commendable.
For more information on the Scarifour visit the official Benjamin James website here.
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