Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Wrapping up the ITAnano Phantom 49mm Carbon Quartz

So more than 7 days have passed, so apologies for the delay!  It's time to wrap up my review of the ITAnano Phantom.

The particular model that I have been waring is the Phantom 49 mm Carbon Quartz -


So to be clear, this is a big watch!  But the folks at ITAnano have used modern materials to ensure that the weight of the watch is minimal, and the shape is comfortable and very, very wearable.
So to cut to the details first, because I think they lend a lot of background to what the watch was as comfortable as it was.

This particular model is the PHANTOM Carbon 49 Quartz – PH4900-C PH01G

Case Size : 49mm
Case color: Black
Case Material : Carbon Monocoque
Case Back : Stainless Steel 316
Dial : Carbon Fibre
Hands : Luminous
Water Resistance : 7 ATM
Crown : Aluminum
Lug Screws : Aluminum
Glass : K1 Mineral
Movement : Ronda 505 (Swiss)
Watch Band : Black Silicone - Hypoallergenic
Buckle : Stainless Steel
Weight : 86 Grams

So let's start with the case - I will not lie, I was a bit dubious when I read the spec sheet - 49 mm is a big watch.  But with the ITAnano watch a few key elements combined to make it both a very pleasant watch to wear in terms of comfort, but helped the watch from appearing overwhelming on my wrist.

The key to the weight is the case which is "carbon monocoque".  This is the fist carbon cased watch that I have reviewed (if memory serves me), and again I was uncertain what this experience would be like.


And to be completely honest?  It was GREAT!  The watch is so light that on more than one occasion during the review period I thought that I had forgotten to put the watch on!  Yes, it is that light and that comfortable.

As I said, there were  a few factors that contribute to this - notice the bend of the lug?  This helps the watch case to wrap around the wrist.  Notice that groovy lug connector in green?  That is aluminum pals and gals, and it is a really fun touch that helps spice up the carbon case, and being aluminum helps keep the weight of the watch down.


Being that the case's carbon body is very smooth, a few extra touches were added to lend a more tactile look and feel to the watch.  The grooves next to the crown, and more specifically the crown.  It is a good size and very, very "grippy".  Like the lug screws, the crown is aluminum.


The case back is stainless steel - a nice choice as it ensures a smooth (and for nearly everyone) hypoallergenic surface for the wearer's wrist.  The screw down case back which ITAnano warrants to be water resistant to 7 atmospheres.


The dial is (as you might have surmised) carbon fiber and the hands glow thanks to the luminous material that they are coated with.  The "green theme" is carried front he lug screws to the second hand and the "60 minute" chapter ring, as well as the symbol at 12 o'clock and the indices at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 o'clock.  It is actually a very fun look and does a lot to brighten up the dial.  And although the crystal is mineral, not sapphire, it was clear and bright with no harsh glare or dull luster.


Getting back to comfort - the strap goes a very long way to contributing to this.  It is black silicone, but has the look and feel of a soft and pliable rubber - comfy!  The underside of the strap is textured but "sectioned" to allow a little bit of grip, but a bit of breathable space.


The buckle is steel, I am presuming pvd.  Large, but balanced.  Smooth and functional.  A perfect pairing.


And although it is an "integral" style of strap, it does not give the "gull wing" effect with the strap wowing upwards.  Nice on a classic Mercedes, a monumental pain in the ass on a watch ; )

The fit is smooth, comfortable and enjoyable.

The movement is quartz, and it kept time as  you would expect - perfectly.

The price of the watch is another nice surprise - 205 Euros available direct.

I know that there are a lot of exciting, and dare I say it - perhaps over priced high end watches out there.  But it is nice to see that for not too much "pocket money" you can have a fun, functional, and attractive carbon watch without taking out a third mortgage ; )

Well done ITAnano - looking forward to more great things to come!

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