The name “Santa Barbara” probably evokes in you associations with the series: the melody of the main theme, the names of the characters and shots of the beautiful life of a rich family on the southern coast of the United States. But the generation of the 2000s has completely different associations.
Elite club... for everyone
The Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club wristwatch bears the name of the oldest polo club in the United States. It was founded in California in 1911 and for more than 100 years its stands have been filled with representatives of high society dressed in the latest fashion. Today, prestigious tournaments are held here, including with the participation of members of the English royal family.
The club's name has become a well-known brand, one of the top 10 best-selling brands in the United States. Initially, SBPR Club branded clothing was intended only for members of the elite club. Now any connoisseur of elegance can join their ranks by purchasing stylish accessories with the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club logo.
Unusual packaging
The Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club SB.1.10256-4 watch from the Unique line is packaged in a tin box (reminiscent of tea packaging). I haven't seen this before from other brands. Inside there is a foam cradle, a 2 cm thick pad and a square liner (5 mm). The packaging is secure, although it doesn't feel premium. But we don’t overpay for that part of the watch purchase that is not used afterwards.
Case: familiar octagon
The watch is pleasantly heavy - you immediately feel that it is reliable. The first thing that catches your attention is the shape of the watch: a circle inscribed in an octagon - a compromise between a round and square dial. Created for connoisseurs of classics with unexpected innovative details.
And in this silhouette of the case and the fluted crown, you can easily guess the BLVGARI Octo Finissimo. But, of course, our hero is made of a more modest material - steel with partial IP coating in rose gold. The material is corrosion-resistant, durable and in this model is satin-finished so that it feels like titanium.
The case is stamped, the edges are very smooth, which makes the watch a little easier. However, if you don’t look at them with a magnifying glass, it doesn’t hurt your eyes - everything is done well. The elegant dimensions are pleasing: diameter 30,8 mm, thickness 6 mm. It doesn't get in the way under the cuff of the blouse.
Many SBPR Club models have unusual dials: embossed in the form of a three-dimensional flower, a graphic pattern and intricate guilloche, covered with mother-of-pearl or glitter. But this model is an example of brevity.
The silver dial is made using Sunray technology. Neat applied markers in the form of large strokes, and only the 12-hour mark is written in Roman numerals. If you have a trained eye, the time can be read easily. But this is a matter of experience. Pointed rectangular gold-tone hands with luminescent coating.
Tested: glow in the dark after a short charge in sunlight. There is no such effect from an electric lamp. Yes, the lume here is modest, especially in comparison with diver models. And yet it’s nice that it exists. Lume is rarely found in dress watches, but it improves the readability of the time at dusk.
The glass is mineral but scratch resistant. The bracelet is steel, 2 cm wide, with a folding clasp with press studs. Individual links in the middle of the bracelet with pink IP coating.
Japanese-Taiwanese "heart"
Model SB.1.10256-4 with quartz movement. The description on the website says that the Seiko TMI VX51E1S is working here. This is a Japanese brand caliber that is produced in Taiwan for third-party watch companies. The mechanism is simple and cheap. And therefore not accurate - all three hands do not hit the marks on half the dial. Deviations in precision can be up to 20 seconds per month. But the battery will last about 3 years. Well, in the event of a breakdown, repairing the mechanism will be inexpensive. This watch has 50WR water resistance - you can wash your hands, but it’s better not to shower or swim in it. Our review hero is an exclusively office dweller who avoids sports.
American-Turkish-Chinese brand
It honestly says on the watch case that Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club was made in PRC (that is, in China). The tag indicates that this trademark is registered in the United States and is used by the watch manufacturer under license.
And the offices of the manufacturer (Daniel Klein Group) are located in Istanbul and Hong Kong. The company has been specializing in watchmaking for more than half a century, and its products are offered by distributors in 80 countries under the brands Sergio Tacchini, Freelook and Bigotti. Every year, the Daniel Klein Group produces more than four million watches.
The SBPR Club brand was first presented at a watch exhibition in 2013. And today there are already five collections in the line, each of which has its own concept: Noble, Unique, Legend, Luxury, Prive. The Unique collection, from which our review hero comes, was inspired by Hollywood and designed specifically for women.
Suitable for whom and with what?
If you are an inexperienced watch lover and want to be fashionable, but don’t have an extra million to spend on expensive brands yet, then Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club Unique is an excellent choice. They have their own philosophy and a remarkable body. This watch shows that its owner has excellent taste. And the logo of an elite sports club will make you feel like you belong to high society.
Model SB.1.10256-4 goes well with business style. The color scheme of this watch fits perfectly into a basic wardrobe. Despite the noticeable weight, the dial size is elegant and suitable even for narrow wrists. There is a men's pair model SB.1.10274-4 with larger dimensions.
