Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Bravur Grand Tour “La Vuelta” Chronograph
A watch inspired by one of the most famous cycling races.
Not all watches come from Switzerland, Germany or Japan. Thankfully, some brands have decided to produce watches outside of these countries and, coincidentally, to infuse some of their origins into a distinct design. Today, we’ll talk about Sweden watchmaking… clearly not the most expected location to produce watches, but Bravur tries to make most of the parts (movement apart) there. And that is quite brave. Today, the brand launches its latest creation, a cool-looking chronograph watch that completes a trilogy inspired by Europe’s great cycling races. Meet the Bravur Grand Tour “La Vuelta” Chronograph.
This new model follows the “La Corsa Rosa” and “La Grande Boucle” to complete the brand’s Grand Tour trilogy of cycling-inspired watches – all 3-counter, rather compact and attractive chronographs with character. Why such an inspiration? Pretty simple, since cycling is one of the passions of the brand’s owners, Johan and Magnus. Each of the models comes with its own details and design cues and the last of the series, which is inspired by La Vuelta (a three-week cycling race taking place in Spain), is yet another cool, fresh and well-priced watch.
A good point, these watches are all quite compact, without being vintage-looking either – see, it is possible to make smaller contemporary models. The case indeed measures 38.2mm in diameter, which is clearly on the small side for an automatic chronograph. The design of the case is sporty and modern, with nice details all around, such as a combination of brushed surfaces and polished accents – on each side of the lugs – squared chronograph pushers and even a race-flag inspired pattern around the caseback.
Besides these nice touches, the watch is also fully equipped with an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, a sapphire caseback and a 100m water-resistance. Unique to this La Vuelta Chronograph, the watch is framed by a red aluminium bezel, with one detail that will talk to fans of the sport, the “race number” 13 turned upside down. This is a long time tradition within cycling, with the rider wearing number 13 in a race trying to avoid any bad luck associated with the number by turning it upside down. The watch is worn on a perforated black leather strap to complete the racing look.
The dial, here presented in silvery-white with bi-colour recessed sub-counters, has a nice tarmac pattern in the centre. The whole watch is dominated by red accents, also found on the dial, as a reference to the leader’s jersey in the Vuelta a España. The design is clean and contemporary, with the graphic-looking Arabic numerals used for the hours. The display consists of 3 sub-counters, including a rather surprising 15-minute counter for the chronograph.
Inside the case of the Bravur Grand Tour La Vuelta Chronograph is a well-known, tried-and-tested movement, the Sellita SW511b (an upgraded clone of the 7750). This automatic cam-operated chronograph is here presented with a checkered pattern. It beats at 4hz and boasts 62 hours of power reserve.
Availability & Price
The Bravur Grand Tour “La Vuelta” Chronograph will be produced in only 50 pieces, individually numbered and watches will be shipped end of September 2021. It is now available for orders at bravurwatches.se, at a price of SEK 24,500, or about EUR 2,388 before taxes.
