Excelsior Park re-entered the market in 2021 with a boom. The brand released many models and created limited editions and one-of-a-kind pieces, but then withdrew until this year. This summer, after a multi-year hiatus, EP returns with a limited edition model, the 884-SI. The watch received positive reviews for its appearance and competitive price. Excelsior Park is on a roll right now and is surprising us with yet another new model line. The Bi Compax Dual chronograph, which is the subject of this article, is currently on the market.
After the time-only 884-SI, Excelsior Park returned to the chronograph that was once the brand’s mainstay. Bi Compax Dual comes in two versions: Bi Compax Reverse Panda and Bi Compax Black. I received the latter for an actual review.
Excelsior Park
Excelsior Park’s history, like many brands that fell victim to the quartz crisis, is full of sad endings. Before that, EP had some of the most amazing watches that are still collected, loved and studied by collectors of vintage chronographs. The company’s movement and dial designs are iconic. Fratello also features this brand frequently and intensively. We created a whole podcast episode about it.
The modern EP may resemble its vintage predecessor, but this is not the same company that wowed the watch world in the ’60s. This is not a criticism. We live in a different world now. Although one key element, the legendary in-house movement, is not included in the new EP lineup, it’s still nice to see a brand like EP back on the map. We are confident that through the latest edition, the focus will eventually shift to vintage models and the love for the brand will spread throughout the world.
bicompax dual
So much for remembering Excelsior Park’s past. Let’s take a look at its current status. The EP95 collection consists of the first chronograph models released, while the 884-SI line includes limited-time items. The Bi Compax Dual line, which is the subject of this article, is the third line in Excelsior Park’s collection. Currently, this includes the Black and Reverse Panda variants. As the name suggests, they come in different colorways. The Reverse Panda features a black dial with cream/off-white subdials, while the black version features an all-black dial. Both models are available with a leather strap or bead of rice bracelet if you want to wear them securely on your wrist. For both dial types, the leather strap costs $1,750 and the bracelet costs $1,950.
bicompax black
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a closer look at watches. Aside from the dial, everything I mentioned about the black model refers to the reverse panda. Let’s start with size. Vintage EPs were known for their considerable size, at least for the time, often with 37-38mm steel cases. The new Bi Compax is only a hair larger than its vintage predecessor. The diameter is 38.9mm, the lug-to-lug width is 47.5mm, and the thickness is 13.9mm. The 316L steel case takes inspiration from vintage models and features a tall pump pusher and a sapphire-set caseback, displaying the Landeron 70 hand-wound movement inside. It’s sized to fit your wrist, but it’s not as slim as the vintage model, so it may feel a little big.
This is especially true if you choose a steel bracelet. However, changing straps and bracelets is not a problem thanks to the drilled lug holes, another vintage feature. I got the watch with a bracelet and it looks classy and has a micro-adjustable clasp with a safety push button. If you have a smaller wrist or are not a fan of steel bracelets, we recommend purchasing the new Bi Compax Black or the Reverse Panda with a leather strap. The watch looks great and wears well. Furthermore, thanks to the 20mm strap width, you can easily combine the Bi Compax Dual model with straps from the current collection.
balance
Regarding the dial itself, the most important issue is legibility. Despite its overall black color, the Bi Compax Black is very easy to read thanks to its large syringe steel hands and Super-LumiNova coated indexes. As for the design, there is very little text other than number 12, which says “Excelsior Park.” Vintage EPs were known for their curved 4s and hooked 7s, and I’d love to see them on these reissues. What I find very exciting is that in addition to the 60 minute scale you see on most watches, there are two more scales on the dial. The telemeter is for measuring distance (full instructions here), and the “Base 1000” tachymeter scale is for measuring speed. I like it because it adds a vintage feel to the watch, but I would like something bigger and more visually significant. There’s plenty of space on the dial for that.
Landeron 70 inside
The new Excelsior Park watch was initially equipped with a Sellita movement, while the new Bi Compax Dual model is equipped with a Landeron 70 caliber. It is powered by a hand-wound mechanical movement with a frequency of 28,800vph (4Hz) and 32 jewels. Power reserve is approximately 46 hours. Thanks to the display case back, you can flip the watch over and see the caliber in action. Thanks to the push-pull crown and pump pushers, this watch is water resistant up to 50 meters. Again, this is a reissue of a vintage chronograph, not a diver, so the depth rating is appropriate.
Overall, the new Excelsior Park by Compax Dual is a great new line of watches, especially considering the price. It’s a little different than the brand’s previous Kronos, but this isn’t a negative criticism. I can’t wait to see what this brand comes up with next. Feel free to share your thoughts on the future of this watch and the brand in the comments section below.
