The latest release from Jubileon’s chest of watches is something quite different from other watches in terms of character and design. The Jubileon Superellipse Chrono has gone through lots of pre-production phases before the final version was released.
Case Design
Jubileon has done something different with the case design when compared with other microbrand watches. The watch features a 42mm diameter 316L stainless steel case and a lug-to-lug length of 51mm. Its square-ish case exaggerates the size of the watch making it look larger than it actually is. Despite what its look suggests, it fits well on the wrist because of the slightly curved short lugs.
The case is available in three options, the polished silver, IP vintage gunmetal, and the vintage rose gold models. All the options show areas of visual interest depending on personal preferences. The case is water resistant up to 100 meters.
A prominent feature found on the case is its twin crowns aside from the usual controls for activating the chronograph and setting the time. The second crown in the 9 o’clock position screws like the normal one and can be used to rotate the inner rotating bezel which allows you to track a second time zone.
Asides from its function, it also serves an aesthetic purpose by adding symmetry to the case. However, the crown can be tricky to operate and if one is not careful, can be knocked off easily.
Dial and Hands
There’s a lot going on in the dial, from the angled rotating inner bezel, the lume-painted cut-off wedges hour markers, to the date complication. This does not affect the watch’s legibility, thanks to the well-illuminated hands.
Over the dial is a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating to make the dial visible even on a sunny day or when there’s extreme white everywhere in winter.
The dial also features a 60second sub-dial at the 9 o’clock position, a 12hour Chrono sub-dial at the 6 o’clock position and a 30minute Chrono sub-dial at the 12 o’clock position. The seconds sub-dial looks a little cluttered due to the number of digits present on it.
The printed Jubileon logo is placed in a position that’s difficult to notice; the date window also lacks contrast from the other parts of the dial, so it’s difficult to read especially in low-light conditions.
In general, the dial looks balanced and is legible enough to be worn frequently.
ETA Swiss Movement
Powering the Jubileon Superellipse Chrono is the ETA 7750 Valjoux movement which is arguably the most common automatic chronograph movement used by microbrands. It features 25 jewels and runs at 28,800vph, with a power reserve of 48 hours.
The case back of the Superellipse Chrono is well expected in a watch at this price point. The exhibition case back shows off the inner workings of the movement and the branded rotor. It is held to the watch by a few attractive screws.
The 7750 can be wound in one direction and is hackable. It’s quite robust but very reliable and keeps great time.
Straps and Wearability
The Jubileon Superellipse Chrono comes with a very nice quality denim or calfskin leather strap. Despite what the strap thickness suggests, the watch still sits comfortably on the wrist.
The straps are fastened by a bi, Panerai style buckle with a fat tang that matches the metal used In the case. I think the strap is a good starter for this watch, something of more character would further improve the watch’s aesthetical attributes.
Final Thoughts
I am impressed with the total package and the attention to detail, usually found on high-end brands, which obviously sells at a much higher price than the Superellipse Chrono.
Style wise, the Jubileon Superellipse Chrono does a great job. It has dress elements, a little of sport elements, and signifies elegance and a touch of boldness, coming together to form a versatile everyday watch.
The only potential issue is the operation of the left-hand crown; one has to go through the stress of removing the watch and unscrewing it before changing the time zone.
Overall, the Jubileon Superellipse Chrono is different in many ways. It has an attractive case design and has an elegant touch not normally found at this price point. If you’re looking for an everyday watch that’s more dressy than sporty, the Jubileon Superellipse Chrono is worth considering.
The watch is limited to 50 units per colorway. Every watch has a unique number engraved on its case back.
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