by Michael Satterfield - 06/22/2021
This week I have been wearing the Roland Sands Signature 2253 Chronograph, the watch is part of the latest Icon Signature Series by Szanto Time. The Icon series inspired by and designed in conjunction with famous individuals like racer Danny Sullivan, professional surfer Shane Dorian, and legendary motorcycle designer Roland Sands.
The Roland Sands Signature Chronograph is offered in four colorways and uses the same Miyota 6S21
Chronograph & Date Movement that is the Desert Sands Chronograph 4553 I reviewed late last year. The Miyota 6S21 (Citizen) is one of the best quartz movements on the market with three-year battery life and rugged construction it should stand up to almost everything you can throw at it. In addition to the date complication, the watch features a 60-minute and a 60-second dial.
The stainless steel case is water-resistant to 100 meters and the watch features a hardened mineral crystal. The Lume on the numerals and hour/minute hands is very bright and glows a bright blue making this watch very easy to read at night. The Horween Leather Strap with easy change spring bar and signature buckle. The Horween leather is very special and is sourced from the Horween Leather Company out of Chicago, which has been making some of the world's best leather since 1905. This is a very high-end strap to have on a watch of this price point, however, if you do plan on testing out that 100-meter water resistance, perhaps swap over to a rubber or nylon strap.
The watch is offered in four colorways, the most dynamic of the four is the 2253 with its blue sunburst dial and tan leather strap. For a more steampunk look the 2254 features a brass finish, and the two black options feature a stainless steel finish or black finish with red accents. My personal favorite and the one I am adding to my collection is the 2252 all black with the red contrast stitching on the strap.
As with previous watches I have reviewed made by Szanto the Roland Sands Signature Chronograph punches well above its weight in terms of quality and attention to detail. I have had a fair number of $800+ watches come across my desk many are not as well made or feel as good on the wrist as this Chronograph which is currently listed for just $350 on RolandSands.com. Much of that incredible feel has to do with the high-end Horween leather strap, but the watch also has a nice weight to it for everyday use. The attention to detail is also apparent when you look at the finished work on the buckle, crown, and caseback all of which feature the Roland Sands Design logos.
The watch has a more casual look and is best paired with your favorite jeans and a leather jacket since it is 12mm thick it wouldn't be ideal for hiding under the cuff of a dress shirt, but it would be great for casual Friday. If you are looking for a more formal watch Szanto offers the Officer Coin Cushion which is perfect if you need to dress up.
Specifications:
- 43mm 316L Brushed Stainless Steel Case
- Swiss SuperLuminova Lume (Blue) on Hands and Dial Numbers to ensure bright and long-lasting visibility
- Japan Quartz 2 Eye Chronograph (Miyota/Citizen 6S21) & Date Movement
- Push Crown
- Screw Case Back
- Hardened Mineral Crystal
- Genuine Horween Leather Strap with Signature Buckle
- 100 Meters Water Resistant
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