When we talk about Made in Germany watches, the first thing that comes to mind is, of course, the Saxon city of Glashütte, one of the capitals of not only German, but also world watchmaking art. However, we should not forget about another small town: it is called Ruhla, located in the land of Thuringia (this is also the territory of the former GDR) and is, perhaps, the second most important center of the German watch industry.
After the reunification of Germany, the plant ceased to exist, but a number of more modern watch enterprises arose in Rul. And some moved here from the western part of the country, attracted by a partially preserved technological base and a skilled (and relatively inexpensive) workforce. Among these companies was the then young firm POINTtec, founded in 1987 by ambitious entrepreneur Willie Burke. One of the brands in POINTtec was Iron Annie, which we are talking about today.
Passion for the sky and not only
One of the main features of POINTtec was originally a love for aviation, including its historical past. Back in 1996, the company received an order for a chronograph dedicated to the 100th anniversary of such a giant as Bosch-Junkers. Then it was decided to release not just certain collections of watches, but to separate them into separate brands, accountable to the parent POINTtec. Junkers was the first such brand. Several more followed, including Zeppelin. And in 2017, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of POINTtec, it was Iron Annie's turn.
This name goes back to the famous Junkers Ju 52 all-metal aircraft, which first flew in 1930, was built until 1952 and was affectionately nicknamed by American pilots for its unprecedented reliability. At the same time, the Iron Annie watch family includes the Bauhaus series, which pays tribute to the outstanding German direction of building and industrial design, as well as to the fact that the production of Iron Annie is now located in the historic building of the Bauhaus school in Rula.
Everything is so closely intertwined - both in the past and in the present of the watch brand, and in the specific model that we are considering this time: the Iron Annie Bauhaus Solar Chronograph.
First impression
There were no major surprises here. Everything is German soundly and even meticulously. And at the same time, not without chips: the outer surface of the bottom of the black box is suede, and a silver shield with an embossed Iron Annie logo (stylized wings) and the corresponding brand name is embedded in the lid. And when we open the box, we find that the pillow with the clock is built into a convex surface, also silvery and (forgive the involuntary rhyme) ribbed - a la the surface of structural elements of aircraft of the past.
General view of the model
Again, everything is worth it. The main thing is that it is not possible to identify any annoying flaws, even turning on pickiness to the maximum: everything is extremely neat. And despite the fact that the watch is functionally quite complex (more on that below), it does not look overloaded. And this is because - Bauhaus! And not only from the front side, but also when viewed from behind. Well, in profile too...
Functional
The watch is powered by the Japanese movement Seiko VR42A. This is solar-powered quartz, which is “hidden” directly under the dial and converts any light into electrical energy, supplying it with the so-called secondary battery. Naturally, the watch does not require any winding and no battery changes. This is wonderful.
The diameter of the caliber is 30,6 mm, the thickness is 4,52 mm, after being fully charged from the light, it walks in complete darkness for 4 whole months. In terms of functions, the VR42A supports three central hands (current time), three small hands (chronograph), date (aperture at 4.30) and remaining power reserve (at 7 o'clock).
Clock face
In this model, it is black, and the silver color of most of the arrows, numbers, marks makes the readability of the readings absolutely trouble-free. Note, by the way, that the black color of the background is in no way an obstacle to the operation of the solar battery.
When we mentioned most of the silver elements, we were referring to the three red accents on the dial: the power reserve indicator, the small second hand, and the “core” of the logo located at 12 o'clock.
Note that despite the aviation "pedigree" of Iron Annie watches, the style of the dial is by no means "pilot": there is no massive hands and Arabic numerals characteristic of the latter. But belonging to the "Bauhaus" is undeniable!
And one more feature worth paying attention to: the chronograph counters include a 24-hour drive (3 o'clock position), a 30-minute one (9 o'clock position) and - attention! – 60-second (“6 hours”). The central second hand refers to the continuous reading of the current time.
Chassis
All is well here. Steel, diameter 41 mm, thickness 11 mm - quite comfortable and versatile. Slim polished bezel, neat lugs, comfortable mushroom-shaped chronograph pushers and knurled crown. Once again, we note that the head is not as large as is customary in "pilot's" watches - it is unlikely to be able to operate with thick gloves. But this is not required; fingers - no problem.
A pleasant impression is left by the back cover with all the necessary markings and with an eye-pleasing image of that very iconic Ju 52 aircraft. And in front there is a convex mineral glass, tempered according to K1 class. Not a sapphire, but also quite acceptable.
The water resistance of the case is 50 m, which allows you to even swim in such a watch (you should not dive anymore).
Strap
An honest classic: calf leather without any alligator styling. Handmade, about which there is a corresponding indication on the lining. Exceptionally accurate firmware. Classic steel clasp.
Wearing is more than comfortable. At the same time, there is no feeling of weightlessness on the hand (actually unnecessary), as well as no excessive heaviness: everything is exactly to the extent that is needed. However, weighing showed 46 g, and speculatively it seems even a little small - it would be nice and a little heavier. But let's not quibble. In the end, there is no problem to replace the strap with a steel bracelet, and it will immediately become more weighty ...
Conclusion
Due to the technical features of the model, we could not check the true accuracy of its movement (quartz is not mechanics), as well as the true power reserve (the solar battery would make us wait 4 months, but we do not have them). But we managed to make sure of the truth of what is characteristic of the Made in Germany marking. Everything is very neat, very thoughtful and, importantly, not without style. Even more than that: the beloved by many Bauhaus is here. Good versatile watch for every day.
