Meet Reservoir: A Fresh Face in Watchmaking

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Let's kick things off by getting to know Reservoir, a brand that’s making waves in the watch world. Launched by François Moreau in 2015, Reservoir isn't just another watch brand. It's a breath of fresh air in a market filled with tradition. Moreau, who had a lengthy career in banking before diving into watchmaking, was always fascinated by vintage measuring tools. He brought this passion into Reservoir, blending old-school charm with modern watch tech.

At its heart, Reservoir is all about capturing the spirit of classic gauges you’d find in cars, planes, and boats, and turning them into cool wristwatches. They’ve got collections that shout out to car buffs, aviation geeks, and sea adventurers, each watch telling its own story with style.

The Battlefield D-Day Watch: More Than Just a Tribute

Now, onto the star of the show – the Reservoir Battlefield D-Day watch. This isn’t just any watch; it's a salute to a turning point in history – the D-Day landings of WWII. Drawing its design cues from the tough-as-nails military vehicles of the time, it embodies the spirit and grit of the era.

Design and Aesthetics: Where Old-School Meets New School

The first thing that hits you about this watch is its rugged, military look. The 43mm gunmetal PVD and steel case scream durability, while the khaki dial with the iconic white star is a nod to the Army’s gear. It’s a perfect blend of old-world military vibes with a dash of modern flair.

When I first laid eyes on it, the gunmetal finish stood out to me – it’s spot-on for a watch with this kind of vibe. It’s tough yet classy, making it versatile for various occasions. And though it's on the larger side, it’s surprisingly comfy on the wrist. I reckon it’d look even slicker if it was a tad smaller, but hey, that's just me!

Complications: Cool Features Galore

Reservoir has really done something special by incorporating a jump hour and retrograde minute display. It's not something you see every day, and honestly, it's a game-changer in how you tell time. It took me a minute to get used to it, but once I did, I found it super intuitive and, dare I say, fun!

The power reserve indicator is another neat touch. It's not just there for show; it gives you a real sense of the watch's heartbeat, which I found pretty cool. You don’t often get to see this kind of mechanical storytelling on your wrist.

Jump Hour and Retrograde Minutes: The Heartbeat of Innovation

Jumping into the Future: The Jump Hour Mechanism

The jump hour feature in the Reservoir Battlefield D-Day watch is a neat twist on traditional time-telling. Instead of the usual hour hand sweeping across the dial, the hour is shown in a digital format through an aperture. This creates a unique visual appeal, as every hour, the number jumps forward crisply, much like flipping a page. It’s a nifty nod to vintage digital displays, but with a modern mechanical twist.

Setting the jump hour is straightforward. When you pull the crown out to the correct position, you can adjust the hour by rotating it. This adjustment is typically smooth, aligning precisely as the hour changes.

A Minute’s Retrograde Journey

Now, the retrograde minute complication is where things get really interesting. Unlike a traditional minute hand that continuously circles the dial, the retrograde minute hand of this watch travels along an arc and then snaps back to the beginning once it completes its cycle.

Here’s how it works: the minute hand starts its journey at zero and sweeps across the dial. When it reaches the 60-minute mark, it instantly springs back to zero, ready to start its journey again. It’s not just functional; it's a visual spectacle on your wrist.

The retrograde mechanism is ingeniously designed to ensure this swift return is both accurate and safe for the watch's movement. Adjusting the retrograde minutes is similar to adjusting regular minutes; the crown, when pulled to a certain position, allows you to set the minutes.

A Symphony of Mechanics

Together, the jump hour and retrograde minute complications create a unique harmony of mechanical innovation. They offer a fresh and engaging way to read time – a conversation starter and a testament to Reservoir’s commitment to horological creativity.

Setting and watching these complications in action is an experience that goes beyond mere timekeeping. It's about appreciating a different pace of life, where every hour jumps into a new possibility, and every minute counts in its own special arc.

Performance and Functionality: Built to Last

The heart of this watch is all about precision and reliability, thanks to its self-winding ETA movement. Known for its steadfast performance, it keeps things ticking smoothly. And with a 37-hour power reserve, it's ready to go when you are. It's water-resistant too, which means it can handle a splash or two without skipping a beat.

Historical Significance: A Nod to the Brave

Wearing the Battlefield D-Day is like strapping a piece of history to your wrist. It's a wearable homage to the bravery of D-Day soldiers. Every design element, from the dial to the materials, echoes the story of that fateful day. It's not just a watch; it's a conversation starter and a history lesson all rolled into one.

Wearability and Strap Options

Now, let’s talk about how it feels on the wrist. Despite its 43mm case, it’s pretty comfortable, even if, personally, I’d lean towards a slightly smaller size. The strap is rugged yet comfy – exactly what you’d expect from a watch with military roots. It also comes with a NATO-style strap, giving you some cool options to switch up the look.

The Unboxing Experience: Pure Joy

Unboxing this watch is an experience in itself. The ammunition-style case is a unique touch, and finding the watch, extra strap, and a jerry can-styled hip flask inside is just delightful. It's these little things that make unboxing a new watch so exciting.

Final Thoughts: A Watch with Character

The Reservoir Battlefield D-Day watch is a standout piece for anyone who digs military-inspired design and unique watch complications. It’s got a look that turns heads and a backstory that sparks conversations. While it might not fit everyone’s style to a tee, it’s definitely made me keen to explore more of what Reservoir has to offer. It’s watches like these that keep the passion for horology alive and kicking – always something new and exciting around the corner.

Specifications:

• Case Size: 43mm

• Material: Gunmetal PVD and 316L steel

• Movement: Self-winding mechanical, ETA 2824-2 caliber

• Complications: Retrograde minutes, jumping hour, power reserve

• Power Reserve: 37 hours

• Water Resistance: 5 ATM

• Dial: Sand-khaki, with U.S. Army white star emblem

• Crystal: Anti-reflective sapphire

• Strap: Khaki leather with butterfly clasp, additional NATO strap

• Special Features: Unique military-inspired design, limited edition, historical significance

• Price: $3,980 

There you have it – the Reservoir Battlefield D-Day watch in all its glory. A timepiece that's not just about telling time, but about telling a story. If you're into watches that pack a punch both in style and history, this one's definitely worth checking out here at reservoir-watch.com