The Retter 22 Automatic

It’s no secret that integrated steel sports watches are trending these days, especially the affordable ones. Models like the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 are wildly popular, while lesser-known microbrands have admirable offerings like the Dumoreau DM01 Automatic. New York-based Retter Watches is introducing an integrated piece of its own with the Retter 22, which also happens to be the new microbrand’s first model. It’s a stylish Swiss-made watch with an affordable price and classic design, and it’s an impressive debut in a crowded field.

Retter was founded two years ago by Deep Ghosh, a longtime watch enthusiast that wanted to design a luxury Swiss piece with a sub-$1,000 USD price tag. With a design studio in New York and production facilities in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, Ghosh has certainly met this goal with the Retter 22 integrated sports watch. The stainless steel case is 41mm in diameter and 12mm in height (46mm lug-to-lug), and was inspired by Gerald Genta’s distinctive design elements. A brushed fixed bezel with 14 polished facets has a classic sporty vibe, while two fixed end links flow into a brushed and tapered integrated bracelet. It’s 21mm at the case and features a custom butterfly deployant clasp, and inspiration came from Jörg Hysek and the iconic Vacheron Constantin 222 (precursor to the Overseas model). A sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating protects the dial, while the case back is solid. Water resistance is an impressive 200 meters, so the watch has some outdoor street cred to go with the good looks.

The dial comes in two colours, Lapis Blue or Frost White, and has a large date window at 3 o’clock (though not a big date complication). Applied silver indices and diamond cut hour and minute hands have lume inserts, and a simple yet stylish minute track circles the perimeter. The blue variant has a sunray finish, while the white is matte. The overall design is classic and dare I say timeless, and works well with the sports watch theme.

Powering the Retter 22 is a Sellita SW400 automatic, which is basically an enlarged SW200 that accommodates a wider date wheel. It was designed for cases above 40mm and the larger date window helps balance the dial. The SW200 itself is an established and very reliable alternative to ETA’s 2824. It has 26 jewels and beats at 28,800vph (4Hz) with a 40-hour power reserve. Retter regulates the movement within its Swiss atelier to four positions for greater accuracy.

Following some field tests and feedback from early reviewers, Retter decided to make some improvements to the final production models. These include a more flexible bracelet, refined finishing, better lume performance and the inclusion of a half link. A custom rubber strap was also developed and matches the dial colours – Lapis Blue or Frost White. This will be included at no charge for the first 250 preorders. All watches will come with a two-year warranty and a two-week return window.

Preorders start on August 1st at 12am EST (4 am GMT) with a discounted price of USD 895. The final retail price will be announced at a later date. Preorders will run for two weeks or until a minimum order quantity is reached. Shipping from the US will happen in late 2022/early 2023.

For more information and to place a preorder, please visit RetterWatches.com.