Today we are focusing on the third in a family of three in the ROUE CHR 3. The ROUE watches aim to bring retro in and combine it with the modern design world. This particular piece takes us back to the unforgettable racing heydays of the bashful James Hunt and the technically gifted Nikki Lauda. This was an era that set the trend for modern vehicles and just so the watchmakers at ROUE aim to do the same while paying tribute to an exciting era.
> > > Click here to see ratings, reviews, specifications and prices on Amazon < < <
Blasted Stainless Steel Case
The case of the ROUE 3 is made from blasted stainless steel which gives it quite a concrete look. It is set in a barril shape and its lugs don’t protrude but rather take form naturally from the shape. At 41.5mm this piece doesn’t sit too big on the wrist and can be comfortably worn for long periods of time whether that be for daily use or for sporting activities. There are two easily interchangeable straps that support the different uses you may have for it. The silicone for more active days and the leather strap for office days.
The buttons for the chronograph are at the places where they typically were found with the old classics at about 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock just above and below the crown. The chronograph was used in those good old days to actually time laps and while that might not seem completely necessary in the world of technology we live in now it is these retro features that make the watch what it is and these little quirks that peak my interest. Taking in to consideration the retro design of the watch the crown is spectacularly plain. It is a screw crown with no fancy engravings or special shape. At the back of the case there is a chequered flag as a tribute to the racing theme that inspired this design. The case has a 5 bar water resistance rating so it is suitable for everyday water contact such as showering or gym.
CHR Three Dial
The dial on the ROUE CHR Three also has a blasted look in keeping with the case. This is where the dial and the case similarities end however. There is a yellow gasket on the outer edges of the dial which bring your focus in to the dial. The black edging around the dial really accentuates the separation of the dial from the case and gives it that racing feel of ‘hard on the outside’ but actually sophisticated when you look closer. There are two sub-dials in black and the date is at 3 o’clock. It might be a bit of a bother that the indexes aren’t clearly marked but if you have been reading analog time for a while then you shouldn’t struggle too much. Also the 12 o’clock sub-dial might confuse you at first but it works on the timing of 1/20 second so that we are able to read the second timer for the chronograph out of 10. This may not seem important now but it was quite a necessary feature for timing the cars all those years back.
> > > Click here to see ratings, reviews, specifications and prices on Amazon < < <
The hour and minute hands are also in yellow with the chronograph second hand in white like the other hands on the sub-dials for the chronograph. Sometimes these special little things from the design team go unnoticed and they just make the timepiece so much more functional.
This view is presented to us through a ultra-scratch resistant sapphire crystal that makes sure the clearest view is always made available to the wearer and to anybody else who’s eye might wonder upon it.
Miyota Quartz
The workhorse behind this smart outfit is a high precision Japanese Miyota Quartz. This quartz movement has a lifespan of about 4 years and you can bet on it making sure that your time isn’t lost. Even though the Miyota movement is of a high standard it is still known to be more cost effective and helps keep the cost of this piece down.
Final Thoughts
I was quite impressed by the road that Alex took to bring the ROUE watches to us and even though they don’t necessarily have the years that others do in the market they have taken us back to a great time in history and have learned from the other watchmakers out there to deliver a quality product.
It is always a pleasure to wear a watch that you know was made for a purpose and see that purpose turn to function. This Roue CHR Three is affordable, functional and looks super smart on the arm which makes it a big favourite in my books. If you have an appreciation for the ways time and speed was recorded manually then this watch will certainly impress you.
> > > Click here to see ratings, reviews, specifications and prices on Amazon < < <
Leave a Reply