The Serica Ref. 6190 TDM, a Thai Twist on the California Dial

Let’s be a bit of nerds for a minute… You probably have heard the concept of JDM (in cars and watches), the contraction for Japanese Domestic Market, objects created exclusively for Japan and, in principle, not accessible outside of the Island. Which makes them cool. Next, the so-called California dial, a design that dates back to the 1930s, meant to enhance legibility by combining Roman numerals on the top half and Arabic numerals on the bottom half. Again, something rather cool. Apart from a handful of exceptions (such as a recent Panerai with Chinese numerals instead of Arabic ones), the format is pretty fixed. Well, not for Serica, which has decided today to add layers of cool to its Ref. 6190 Field Chronometer, making it the TDM, with something Thai-inspired. 

The Serica Ref. 6190 TDM is all about Thailand. First, it’s been created exclusively for the Thai Domestic Market – got the reference here… Next, using the California dial concept found in the classic collection, the brand has transformed it into one of the most original takes we’ve seen recently, by using Thai numerals – clearly not something you see every day, right?

What we’re looking at is an evolution of the classic Ref. 6190, Serica’s vision of a field chronometer. Sleek, robust and precise, but also compact and nicely executed, this watch is housed in a 37.7mm case, measuring 10.4mm in total despite a thick sapphire crystal and a solid 200m water-resistance. The case is beautifully shaped, with a flat stepped bezel and twisted lugs, with alternating polished and brushed surfaces. A large 8mm crown on the side makes it easy to operate, too.

The dial of this Ref. 6190 TDM is what gives the watch most of its singularity. The dial, black and polished with an enamel-like surface, retains most of the classic layout of a California dial, with a clear railroad minute track, a triangle at 12 o’clock, baton markers at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock and Roman numerals on the top half. The lower half is far more original, though, as it replaces classic Arabic numerals with Thai numerals, a script known for its elegance and curves, and one that we hardly see in watchmaking. All of these elements are made from highly domed SLN, and the broad arrow hands are also lumed generously.

Under the screwed back is the automatic SoProd M100, an alternative to the ETA 2824 and Sellita SW200, running at 4Hz and boasting 42h of power reserve. Interestingly, the watch is chronometer-certified by COSC. The watch comes on a 20mm Bonklip steel bracelet with a signed clasp.

Priced at EUR 1,190 (incl. taxes), the Serica Ref. 6190 TDM Field Chronometer is limited to 100 pieces exclusively for the Thai domestic market. Pretty cool, nicely priced. For more details, please visit serica-watches.com.