A practical introduction to the colorful Batabi Marina Chronograph Collection

It’s the summer in the Northern Hemisphere, so it’s time to throw away colorful watches. If you don’t have the colorful options in your watchbox yet, check out the new Marina Chronograaf collection by Batavi. As always, the Dutch brand offers amazing color combinations, and the understated pricing transforms these models into the perfect “bonus” watch. Of course, if you’ve just become a hobby, one of these pieces could also serve as the first mechanical watch at a vibrant and affordable price.

I’ve already handled quite a few Batavi clocks. It is often an original take on a watch with classic complications and specific design features. First came the Cosmo Poliette GMT and then the architect who had an integrated bracelet. Finally, I checked out Geograaf in both GMT and WorldTimer formats. What all of those watches have in common is their Dutch name and, importantly, their colorful accents. In that respect, the new Batabi Marina chronograph is also not disappointing. Let’s take a look.

Batabi Marina Chronograph

The new Batavi Marina Chronograaf comes with a 38mm stainless steel case with a mix of polished and brushed finishes. The lug ranges from tip to tip to tip, and the case is 13.5mm thick, with dome-shaped sapphire crystal. The stainless steel quick release three row bracelet mimics sharp lines and angular lines to make it a great match. It also features fine adjustments on the clasp, so after removing any extra links, you can get a perfect fit with just the push of a button.

To the right of the case is a pusher and a push-pull crown. The latter allows you to operate the manual winding Segal ST1901 chronograph movement. This is displayed through the sapphire window in the caseback. This caliber operates at a frequency of 21,600VPH, features 21 gems and holds a power reserve of 45 or 50 hours. This depends on whether you use chronograph functions frequently or not. The steel frame on the caseback also shows that the Marina chronograph is 50 meters resistant.

Transparent sandwich dial

Batabi offers four colorways for the Marina Chronograph. The first one has a pink and turquoise gradient dial. It is called the sunrise and is characterized by eastern Arabic numerals. The next one is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. It is called a mist. This has a snow-like dial, a light blue room in an hour and minute hands, and a light blue accent on the 30-minute counter. The sand options feature a beige dial with orange, brown and blue accents. Finally, there is the night version, mainly black, but with pink, green and purple accents.

All dials have a transparent upper layer with a coloured underlayer sandwich structure and two concentric subdial openings. Time markers, Minute Tracks, Logo and Marina Chronograph names are printed on top of a transparent layer. This creates a deeper sense of feeling and makes the subdial stand out. Which version is your favorite? I think I’ll go for the classic sand options.

On the wrist

Batabi Marina Chronograph is very compact for mechanical chronographs and is often worn on wrists of many sizes. I like the different color accents of the dials can inspire my interest, but the diagonal cases and bracelets also glow beautifully in the light. On the other hand, the links are well clear and it’s easy to find the right fit for Toolless Micro-Adjuster.

Available now

It’s cool how Batavi watches always find fresh and fun. The new Marina Chronograph model certainly placed a smile on our faces when we first unpacked it in our office. They may not be Swiss made watches and the specifications are very basic, but at a retail price of €699 (or €649 during the introduction period), these chronographs are a great catch.

What do you think about the new Batabi Marina Chronograph Collection? Which version do you choose? Please let me know in the comments below.

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