The Japanese watch brand TACS has succeeded in merging the two worlds seamlessly with its new Automatic Vintage Lens II which is just spectacular. It has been described as a watch that ‘speaks’ to photographers and videographers. It stems out from an earlier produced AVL Lens I, with modernized and restructured features such as rings and layers that give it a new camera lens look, improved caseback, indicators that give the look of a focus ring, and an open-heart movement found at the center of this timepiece.
Comes with genuine leather dial cap and wooden box
It was designed to look like a vintage camera, with lots of design features and cues that accrue to form a unique timepiece. This not the kind of watch you see every day on the street; TACS has tried to represent the lifestyles of their customers with this timepiece. I’m certain photography lovers will surely have a great time with this watch. What happens when Photography world and the Watch world collide? You’re about to find out.
TACS Striking Design
The TACS AVL II is a distinctive camera-inspired watch, that perfectly combines the recognizable attributes of a camera with the necessities of a typical timepiece to form a watch that looks exceptional. Most photographers and videographers will definitely be interested in getting one.
The watch face design is layered to achieve the same depth effect found in a camera’s lens. The aesthetic qualities of this watch are further enhanced by showing off its inner workings, the fascinating movement located right at the center of the watch can be viewed on the dial.
It features an etched rotating bezel strongly related to the feeling of turning the aperture of a traditional camera.
Case and Dial
The AVLII is no small watch, it comes in dimensions of 47mm diameter and 16mm thickness. The 316 Stainless steel case is water resistant up to 100meters. Sapphire Crystal is used on both the dial and the caseback of the watch to protect the watch’s delicate gears needed for proper functioning.
The several layers of crystal are coated with an anti-reflective layer that gives an impression of a wide-angle camera, it also provides just the right view even under the bright sun. Elements like the screw-down diamond-cut crown, popular focal length minute indicator and in general, the shape and the material used further strengthens the perception of the watch as a camera.
Readability of the watch is compromised in low-light conditions because of similar contrasting colors of silver and black used in the dial design, and lack of lume on any of the watch’s elements.
Miyota 82S0 Movement
At the center of the dial is the skeletonized Miyota 82S0 Automatic Movement of dimensions 26mm wide and 5.67mm high, has a power reserve of about 42 hours and have proven to be a reliable mainstay for many years.
It beats at 21,600 bph and comprises of 21jewels protected by a “parashock” Anti-Shock System. The movement does not hack and winds in a counterclockwise swing. Its accuracy is acclaimed to be within -20 to +40 seconds. It’s measured within 10-60 minutes from a full wind by turning the crown up to 40 times. The Miyota 82S0’s layout includes a Central seconds hand and Open balance (skeletonized) at 7 o’clock.
Leather Strap
The 24mm thick strap is made with premium HORWEEN calf leather and ensures high levels of comfort as the thick leather adapts quickly to one’s wrist with the aid of a branded buckle and a brushed stainless keeper, engraved with the strap’s dimensions. Changing straps just got easier with the quick release mechanism.
Final Thoughts
The watch comes in such a wonderful laser engraved wooden box package, with the watch itself covered by a protective leather lens cap. These tasteful touches on the package make you want to hastily open the box to see the excitement that follows.
What’s the essence of a watch if you can’t read time with ease, the only major problem found in the AVL II is poor legibility. TACS has slightly compromised the practicality and functionality of a good watch for aesthetical features.
However, the AVL II certainly turns heads anywhere it is found, the design and crafting of this watch are not what you see every day.
The TACS Automatic Vintage Lens II can be pre-ordered before October 13, 2018, at a price tag of $440, after which it will be sold at a price of $550. Overall, the TACS has done a good job of replicating the look of a vintage lens reflex camera even better than the first version of the AVL but has sacrificed some practical wristwatch functions in the process. For just $19 dollars, you can personalize your timepiece by engraving up to 10 characters of your choice on the case of the watch.
How big is the case is it 38 to 40 mm anything bigger would not fit him