“I've been wanting a mechanical movement chrono for years now. Naturally price is a factor, and these Chinese/swiss ST movements are about the only affordable option out there. Finding something with a sapphire crystal, showcase back, non-tachymeter scale (who on earth actually uses the tachymeter scale anyway?) and a ceramic bezel is nearly impossible, but this Hemmel checks all the boxes and I jumped when I saw it.
The main and only niggle I have is the Crown/Stem. I had a feeling this was going to be the case, but I waited until it arrived to make final judgement. Here's my issue. Hemel did a GREAT job building a case around this ST-19 movement and they gave me so much quality and value for my money I feel almost bad complaining. Here's the thing. This is a mechanical watch. It's not Automatic. So, you need to wind it...and you need to wind it OFTEN. This is fine. I didn't want automatic anyway because the rotor covers up the movement, and adds even more thickness to an already thick watch. However, a non-automatic watch needs to have a ergonomic crown! Thick or thin, heavy knurls, light knurls. However it's achieved, mechanical wind watches need a good crown that gives tactile and solid feel as you wind it. This crown is too hard to work. I have to squeeze way too hard and offers too little grip.
I'm trying to find a watchmaker now that can upgrade my stem/crown. So far, my local watch guy won't touch it, but I wouldn't think it should be too hard since these ST-19 movements have been in production for 60 years and used by many.
Back to all the positives. The watch arrived exactly as I expected and is everything I could have asked for. Anyone know where I can get a better crown?”
“Pros
Time percisoion excellent. Chrono works perfectly. The band is high quality (wish I could order a backup). Great power reserve. Fit and finish is at or above the price point.
Negatives
The bezel is incredibly hard to turn. The crown is so small hand winding is difficult.”
