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Those who appreciate the advantages of pilot watches and chronographs do not necessarily have to commit. The Davosa Newton Pilot Moonphase Chronograph combines both types of watches. Davosa packages the limited edition model in a chic blue design. Add to that a moon phase complication. Too good to be true?
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Good pilot chronographs are rare – aren’t they?
There are watches that a manufacturer is particularly proud of. You combine your most beautiful design in them, equip them with all conceivable technical refinements and limit them to make their status clear. Such flagships have to embody the spirit of the brand and still make loyal fans sit up and take notice when the name is mentioned decades from now.
In the house of Davosa, there is currently a wristwatch to which something like this could apply. The Swiss traditional manufacturer has an interesting model in its lineup, which they proudly call the “flagship of the series”. The Newton Pilot Moonphase Chronograph combines – as the name suggests – pilot’s watch and chronograph. Of course, the idea is not new, but it is timeless. Still, I think it’s much harder to find good pilot chronographs than other hybrids, for example. Offhand, I personally can think of significantly more GMT diver watches that I think are good. So it’s all the more pleasing when you do discover a successful pilot chronograph.
The Davosa Newton Pilot Moonphase Chronograph belongs to the shortlist simply because of its striking design, which Davosa offers in three different color variants. What sets the potential Daily Rocker apart from comparable wristwatches is its moonphase, which is rather less common. In this watch review, I want to test Davosa’s flagship for its various talents. Everyday usability, design and functionality are, of course, among them. And quality is something we need to talk about. Davosa has a reputation in the industry for offering high-quality watchmaking at a fair price. Will that also be the case here?
Of the total of 300 watches, the majority have already been sold. So what’s the story behind the Swiss flagship?
Unboxing
In the large watch box with logo, there are two booklets that illuminate the watch itself and the movement in more detail and are worth reading. I find the background information on the mathematician Isaac Newton very interesting. He made time measurement more accurate and after him Davosa has also named this chronograph. By the way, I am allowed to test the version with blue dial and blue leather strap (reference number 161.586.45). Alternatively, you can buy the watch in black (ref. 161.586.55) and gray (ref. 161.586.15). As always, I’ll link you to the watches mentioned below this blog post.
The Davosa Newton Pilot Moonphase Chronograph on the wrist
Visually, the Newton Pilot Moonphase Chronograph meets all the requirements one would expect from a good pilot chronograph. Yes, this watch looks exactly like you would expect it to. However, that is not a bad thing, quite the contrary. The elements on which the design is based have stood the test of time. Large, easy-to-read numerals, a sleek, functional case, and a classic silhouette are immediately appreciated.
Accordingly, the Newton Pilot Moonphase Chronograph is also perfect to wear on your wrist every day. Not only in terms of chronograph functions, this watch is a perfect all-rounder. Visually, it combines functionality with timeless elegance. The blue timepiece looks down-to-earth, but still classy enough to wear it on festive occasions. Jacket, shirt, sweater, polo. Any combinations are imaginable. This is especially true for someone like me who likes to wear blue tones. This should be known from the videos by now.
The Davosa Newton Pilot Moonphase Chronograph does not follow the countertrend of the last time to introduce more compact cases again. Here, the diameter is still dimensioned at 44 millimeters. On the wrist, the watch definitely catches the eye, but does not stand out negatively. In height, the watch also remains quite flat at 14 millimeters, although it is powered by an automatic movement. The sporty dimensions are also matched by the weight of just 96 grams. This watch fits very comfortably on the wrist, so you can hardly feel it in everyday life.
The case of the Davosa Newton Pilot Moonphase Chronograph in detail
This case itself doesn’t necessarily stand out with any surprises, but it delivers solid performance in every aspect. And to be honest, that’s what makes a good pilot chronograph. Davosa manufactures it from proven stainless steel, which is robust and protects against corrosion. The surfaces have not been polished for the most part but have been given a satin finish. Only the crown and pushers as well as lateral surfaces are shiny. Historic pilot watches should always remain functional. Due to the matte treated surfaces, scratches do not stand out so quickly. In combination with the good workmanship, this guarantees you longevity. Personally, I pay a lot of attention to these details when I buy a watch to wear every day.
The watch crystal also borrows from the design of classic pilot watches of the early 20th century. I particularly like its slight curvature. According to Davosa, the polished stainless steel bezel echoes this curvature. As you might expect in the low, four-digit price range, Davosa has opted for sapphire crystal, which is also highly scratch-resistant. Thanks to the anti-reflective coating, the dial is particularly easy to read.
Davosa specifies a water resistance of 5 bar. Thus, the Newton Pilot Moonphase Chronograph is at least splash-proof. Successful details such as the Davosa star on the top of the crown, which is familiar from the logo, round off the excellent overall impression.
DAV 3051 aka Valjoux 7751 – a movement that speaks volumes
As befits such a watch, a Swiss automatic movement works inside the case. Officially, it bears the name DAV 3051, but for those who know the Davosa brand, the typical renaming is nothing new. A Valjoux 7751 from ETA serves as the base. This classic is one of the best and most reliable chronograph movements for premium segment watches! Davosa even gets the top version from ETA, which allows a very precise accuracy. Once wound, it convinces with a power reserve of maximum 48 hours. Meanwhile, the glass viewing window in the case back is part of the watch. A highlight is the skeletonized rotor with incorporated Davosa star.
Dial and bracelet
The automatic caliber drives not only the hour, minute and seconds, but also the stop function, 24-hour time and the eponymous moon phase display. But that’s not all. You can read the date via the weekday and month window under 12 o’clock as well as a separate date hand. The latter is particularly striking due to its red coloring. In general, we have to praise the fact that the dial doesn’t look cluttered despite the abundant displays. The easily readable indices are satin-finished. In the dark, numerals and hour and minute hands glow thanks to Swiss Super-LumiNova BGW9. The main dial and subdials also stand out with different finishes.
The strap color a Davosa Newton Pilot Moonphase Chronograph comes with depends on the dial color. So, to match the rich blue tone of my watch, I wear a blue cowhide leather strap. It gets a texture from the white contrast stitching. On the outside, the leather strap feels very smooth and robust. On the inside, it is particularly soft and pleasant to the skin.
My conclusion about the Davosa Newton Pilot Moonphase Chronograph
My test impressions are pretty much the same as what I said about the Davosa Ternos Ceramic GMT, which I had the pleasure of testing a few weeks ago. Like the GMT diver, this pilot chronograph is a watch that simply belongs in every collection and that everyone can wear. If you choose the Newton Pilot Moonphase Chronograph, you may not necessarily be going edgy or daring. This watch serves other functions. It does not go out of fashion. It doesn’t matter if you wear it in summer or winter, 2022 or 2032, at 25 or 52. It adapts to any occasion without being boring. A consistent timepiece that exudes calm, continuity and timelessness no matter what. For that, you just have to like this classic pilot chronograph.
Then there is the quality aspect, which is why I can absolutely recommend the Newton Pilot Moonphase Chronograph. High-quality materials, a good workmanship and of course the built-in automatic caliber from ETA. All-rounder qualities, wherever you look.
For whom is the chronograph with aviator optics now suitable? In my eyes, for those who are looking for a first-class watch for daily use. At 2,398.00 euros, you have to spend a lot of money here as well, but the price doesn’t feel overpriced at all.
As always, you’ll find all the important and related links below.
More about Davosa and the Newton Pilot Moonphase Chronograph
Here you can find the watch in the store
More Davosa watch reviews in my blog
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