Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Quantum Barracuda BAR1208B Could Be This Year’s Performance Bargain (Incl. Video)
Excellent specs for a more than excellent price.
The name Quantum might not be familiar to you, and nor was it to us before we discovered the Barracuda. Quantum is a watchmaking company that has been around for more than thirty years, operating in more than 35 countries and through more than 1,000 points of sale. And it’s not some humdrum microbrand coming from a small ‘atelier’ somewhere in Asia, as they produce about 150,000 watches per year. Named after the Barracuda species of fish, a ferocious ocean predator capable of speeds of over 40 kilometres per hour, Quantum’s Barracuda poses no risk to the wearer. What it does do, though, is put familiar dive watch traits to one’s wrist at a bargain price. We’ll go into detail, of course, but know that what you’re looking at here retails for just USD 299. And given the specs of it, that’s a pretty solid deal!
As mentioned, it’s not the most original design. You can see similarities with several of the most popular dive watches out there. But that’s the case with many dive watches, as it’s a rather narrowly defined genre of watches. The case of the Barracuda measures a modern 41mm across, with a height of 13mm top to bottom. So on that front, nothing ground-breaking but also nothing to complain about. The case, and the unidirectional rotating bezel on top with ceramic insert for that matter, are nicely finished and feel very solid. The finishing is pleasant, with contrasting brushed and polished surfaces, and no sharp edges anywhere. On top there’s a sapphire crystal, with a see-through crystal around the back. And best of all, it’s 200 meters water-resistant, so it’s more than capable of going down to meet an actual Barracuda.
Quantum launched the Barracuda with six different dial colours, of which we have the gradient green-to-black variation, with a sunburst finish. The only other gradient dial goes from green to blue, and has a blue ceramic insert on the bezel, not something often found at this price level. The others come with solid black, grey, salmon or mint green dials. The large applied markers and hands are very legible and finished with luminous inserts. On the right, there’s a framed date window with a white disc underneath.
Powering the Quantum Barracuda is the automatic Miyota 8215 movement, which runs at a rate of 21,600vph and has a power reserve of 42 hours. Again, nothing earth-shattering in specs, but it is one of the prime reasons for the Barracuda’s affordability. It’s a simpler version of the Miyota 9015 I pulled apart not too long ago. Although basic in execution and finishing, the Miyota 8000-series movement has proven to be a very reliable one, often running well within the specified -20/+40 seconds of deviation per day.
Quantum puts the Barracuda BR1208B on a stainless steel three-link bracelet with a fully brushed finish. The folding clasp lacks any type of adjustability, which isn’t the end of the world, but it would be even better if it came with some form of extension. Considering the USD 299 price tag, the Quantum Barracuda is really a performance bargain as I stated before. Sure, it will raise a few eyebrows with its design, but remember that not everyone has the means for a high-end dive watch from a Swiss manufacturer. And with some fresh colours on offer and seriously good specs for the money, the Barracuda will not disappoint.
For more information, please visit QuantumWatches.com.
