[2023 Edition] Mechanical Watches "Top 5 Recommended 'Bar Index' Models"

Today we will be sending you the 2023 edition of our "Top 5 recommended 'bar index' mechanical wristwatch models" .

The "dial" can be said to be the face of a watch. The "indexes" placed on it not only serve as a scale for reading the time, but are also an important factor in determining the expression of the watch, and are one of the major factors that determine whether or not to purchase it. So, over a total of four articles, I would like to introduce models that feature "diamond indexes," "Roman indexes," "Arabic numeral indexes," and "bar indexes."

This is the fourth and final installment in our series, and we would like to introduce five carefully selected models that feature bar indexes, so please enjoy until the end.

*This price is based on our store's selling prices as of June 2023.

① [Rolex] "Datejust" "Ref. 16018"

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/datejust/date-just-316789/

The Datejust "Ref. 16018" was manufactured from around 1977 to around 1988 and features a navy "Stella dial" that was mainly produced for the Middle East.

This navy Stella dial was used on the Day-Date and Datejust for a few years in the early 1970s, and is a rare dial with a beautiful glossy finish that looks like it has been enamel coated. It is also available in a wide range of other colors, such as red and green, and its popularity among vintage Rolexes is increasing year by year. It is said that the color varies slightly depending on the individual watch, and depending on the amount of light, it can show different expressions such as "dark navy" or "lustrous, vibrant blue". This is a watch that you should definitely get your hands on.

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/blog/rolex/blog-1380/

Estimated budget: around 3,000,000 yen

② [A. Lange & Söhne] "Saxonia" "Ref. 219.032"

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/a-lange_and_sohne/saxonia-316502/

The Ref. 219.032, released in 2015, is a model named after Saxony, the hometown of founder Adolf Lange and known in Germany as a pioneer of technological development.

The combination of 18KPG (pink gold) case and silver dial gives this watch an elegant impression. The case diameter has been reduced from 37mm in the previous model to 35mm, and the case thickness is an astonishing 7.3mm. This not only makes it more comfortable on the wrist, but also gives it a smarter impression. The see-through back allows you to see the beautifully engraved design of the hand-wound movement "Cal.L 941.1 " and how it works. This is a recommended watch with a beautiful "simple yet detailed design" that is a characteristic of the "SAXONIA".

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/a-lange_and_sohne/saxonia-316502/

Estimated budget: around 2,300,000 yen

3. [Patek Philippe] "Calatrava" "Ref. 5196G-001"

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/patek_philippe/calatrava/calatrava-315950/

The Calatrava "Ref. 5196G-001" was born in 2004 as the successor to the "Ref. 3796".

The Calatrava is said to be "the most complete design in the history of wristwatches," and many models with a simple and elegant impression have been produced. Among them, the model we are introducing this time is one that inherits the tradition of the so-called "Kunroku" with the number "96" in the reference (model number). In particular, the beauty of the lug finish and the shape of the case side are one of a kind. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in 2022, but if you are looking for a dress watch, this is a recommended model that you should definitely add to your options.

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/patek_philippe/calatrava/calatrava-251054/

● Estimated budget: around 3,000,000 yen

④ [Audemars Piguet] "Royal Oak Chronograph" "Ref. 26240ST.OO.1320ST.03"

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/audemars_piguet/royal-oak/royal-oak-313541/

From Audemars Piguet's iconic watch, the Royal Oak, comes the Ref. 26240ST.OO.1320ST.03, which was released in 2022 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the brand.

The sub-dials have been changed from the panda design of the previous model "Ref. 26331ST" to the same color, and this model has a calm design. It is equipped with the in-house developed movement "Cal. 4401" with a flyback chronograph, and the rotor part is a special "50th anniversary" specification. This specification will only be adopted for units manufactured in 2022, and it is a specification that is promising for the future in the long run. The market seems to have calmed down compared to the period when it was soaring, so if you have been aiming for it, now may be your chance.

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/audemars_piguet/royal-oak/royal-oak-307857/

● Estimated budget: around 7,700,000 yen

⑤ [Audemars Piguet] "CODE 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Chronograph" "Ref. 26393OR.OO.A028CR.01"

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/audemars_piguet/code-11-59/code-11-59-256194/

Finally, we would like to introduce the "CODE 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Chronograph" "Ref. 26393OR.OO.A028CR.01", released in 2020, which features a beautiful blue gradation.

This watch not only has an elegant 18KPG (pink gold) case and a smoked blue lacquer dial with a sunburst pattern, but also has a dome-shaped inner windshield (the side facing the dial) that allows the dial to change appearance depending on how the light hits it. Another point is that you can enjoy changing the strap to a rubber-finished textile motif in the summer and an alligator strap in the winter. The genuine straps are available in a wide range of colors, so why not visit the "strap salon" located inside the Audemars Piguet customer service center (Ginza), which opened in March 2021.

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/audemars_piguet/code-11-59/code-11-59-256194/

● Estimated budget: around 5,500,000 yen

summary

What did you think.

Due to its simplicity, bar indexes are a standard index used in many watches, regardless of whether they are sports models or dress models, and because they are understated, they bring out the inherent beauty and charm of the watch. If you don't have a model with bar indexes yet, why not take this opportunity to find your favorite one?

If you're unsure of which model to choose, or are having a hard time deciding, please feel free to contact us at our store, where we have knowledgeable staff on-site who will give you accurate advice based on design, functionality, budget, etc.

Once again, we hope this article will help you find your favorite one.

see you!