Today we will look at a nice wristwatch Rodania R 16016 in the color of autumn clouds with glimpses of blue azure.
We get used to living and using the familiar, and are in no hurry to consider other options. For some, the usual zone in matters of watches is in the area of famous brands, exclusively Swiss products, or, for example, only mechanical watches. And if it weren’t for the change in conditions, we would not have left this zone.
But conditions change and I discover that there are many other alternative possibilities that give no less emotions. At various times, this is how I discovered Japanese watches, products from micro brands, and watches with classic hand-wound calibers. In general, you can discover a lot of interesting things if you are ready for something new and look around.
Rodania, originally founded in Switzerland in the 1930s, is now based in Braine-l'Alleude (Belgium) and focuses on the budget segment using exclusively Swiss movements. Perhaps this is what you need when famous brands are too expensive, but you don’t want to switch to Chinese watches. Or, on the contrary, you are bored with Japanese watches and want to try products from a European manufacturer.
The design of the Rodania R16016 model is rooted not even in Swiss watchmaking, but in Germany. This is a variation on the Nomos Club Sport Neomatik theme from enthusiasts from the German Glashutte. An unusual and fresh source of inspiration and a good example to follow. So, if strong design is a value for you, then this model is worth paying attention to.
Case and bracelet made of 316L steel with a combined finish. The universal diameter of 40 mm (due to the thin bezel, the watch does not look small at all), small thickness and the presence of a bracelet make the watch practical and convenient for everyday use. They fit easily under the cuffs, which is important for autumn-winter use.
Among the minuses of the case and bracelet, I can only note a simple stamped clasp and an inexpressive back cover. However, these details will only be visible to the owner when the watch is removed.
The metallic Sunray dial with pencil hands does not shine with contrast, but I wouldn’t call it “blind” either. The different finishes of the elements highlight in the light either the hands, the indices, or the dial field. The small second (a feature and hallmark of NOMOS design) is unusual for quartz, but without it the dial would lose all its charm. And the discrete movement of the second hand attracts less attention. Even numbers are highlighted in fresh blue. And under the six we can see important information - the absence of the Swiss made mark.
No, this does not mean that there is a Chinese mechanism inside, mineral glass is installed, there is no water protection, and the case is made of who knows what. With this, everything is just fine. Rodania fundamentally uses only reliable Swiss calibers, uses only sapphire crystals, uses 316L steel for cases and provides all watches with water resistance of at least 50 m.
It is likely that the company carries out the final assembly of watches outside the borders of Switzerland or uses less than 50% of the parts manufactured there. But as a result, it is able to keep prices at an acceptable level.
The hour-long journey is not only a journey up the price or technology ladder, but also a journey through hills and valleys with a keen eye and openness to new things. These are difficult times financially and it's time to put aside the unimportant to focus on what matters. The joy of a watch is not always associated with its price and prestigious brand, but it is always associated with the meaningful choices and values of its owner.
Stylish design, readability, ease of use, reliability and unpretentiousness of the mechanism - which of these are important to you? Or maybe a certain color, the shape of the hands, or the thickness of the case? Look around and think about it! Perhaps there is a watch very close by that is perfect for you and does not have an exorbitant price tag.
