The video review

• Dimensions: 39mm diameter x 11.5mm height x 48mm lug to lug
• Weight: 82g
• Water resistance rating: 5ATM / 50m
• Movement: Seiko VK64
• Lug width: 20mm
• Warranty: 1 year
• Price: €385 / ~£320 / ~$430
• Available from: https://cornichewatches.com/shop/chronograph/?chronograph_stainless_steel
• Bracelet price: €60 / ~£50 / ~$67
• Buy the bracelet here: https://cornichewatches.com/shop/bracelets/?steel

The bracelet

It’s worth noting that Corniche has also released a collection of bracelets, and I’ve been able to check out the steel option. It’s a splendidly simple, yet elegant design, which is well manufactured. It has a polished outer face, with a brushed top and bottom. The Corniche logo is accurately engraved on the centre, which works well in a classy, yet simple manner. It’s also easy to adjust: as it’s made of a solid block of steel, you can simply gently prise it open or push it closed. This ensures that it can be a suitable size for both sexes.

The case

39mm is a great size for a smart and classy watch. It’s super easy to wear due to the size and fits perfectly on my 7.25” wrist.

It’s a standard barrel shape, but at least it has a split of finishing to keep things interesting – a polished bezel, tips of lugs, and caseback; flanking a brushed centrepiece. The finishing is spotless, especially the mirror-like polished elements.

The push-pull crown has the Corniche “C” logo embossed on the end and is a sensible size with decent grip. The pushers are a square shape – something you don’t see too often but is more than welcome. There’s a small amount of wiggle where the space in the case is larger than the pusher itself – but it’s not particularly noticeable during wear.

The lugs take a dramatic downturn, ensuring a close hug to the wrist. From the top, they’re rather slender and suit the case well.

The caseback is secured by 6 screws and features a picturesque illustration of 3 trees on some rolling hills.

The dial

The dial features a ceramic base; reflectively creating a classy, elegant backdrop. The black base with crisp, white text is simply striking.

On top of the reflective ceramic base, the hour markers and hands are all highly polished too, which light up at the right angles. The hour, minute and subdial hands are all a sophisticated lance shape, which is also pitched. The hour markers are a 3D pitched baton, and again, these extra angles provide a variety of reflections.

The subdials are at a lower level, creating a gentle sense of depth. There’s the 60-minute chronograph located on the left and a 24-hour indicator on right. I like bi-complex layouts (with only two subdials, both in a row), and it works especially well here to keep the watch looking smart with the omission of any date window. Some may be concerned that there’s no running second hand, but personally, I can take it or leave it as I’m not the kind to set a watch to the exact second.

Around the outer edge is a subtle and finely printed combined tachymeter and minute track.

Personally, I believe they’ve done a fantastic job on the dial; they’ve created something truly gorgeous in my eyes that receive a lot of admiration.

The strap

The jet black leather complements the reflective dial. I prefer a matte finish like this one to a patent leather – it lets the watch itself do the talking, and looks a lot classier.

I usually find a deployant clasp more comfortable than a butterfly clasp, this one is fully polished and easy to use. The logo looks great, which is deeply engraved on the top bar. However, be careful of scratches as it’ll pick them up very easily.

I always find quick release pins to be a great addition to any strap, and I’m happy to find them here too. The lug width of 20mm may seem a little wide for a 39mm case, but I think it suits it very well, providing a modern twist to an otherwise classic timepiece.

The movement

The movement is one that I’ve seen used a fair amount for chronographs: the Seiko VK64. If you’re not going for a mechanical chronograph, then this mecha-quartz is the next best thing. It’s still battery powered but has a mechanical module powering the chronograph, providing a 5 ticks per second sweep and also a snapback reset. Reliability shouldn’t be an issue as it’s a very sturdy movement, nor should the ability to repair or replace it on the off chance that it does go wrong.

Final comments

Along with the Dan Henry 1964, this is probably one of the smartest mecha-quartz chronograph watches I’ve seen in a very long time. The dial is simply irresistible and is made to a stunning standard; the design is crisp, classy and eye-catching.

The general build quality is spotless too: and whilst the €385 price tag may put some off; what you’re getting is a stunning timepiece that, I feel, is worth it.

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Let’s take a closer look to see how it stacks up.

The specs

Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter x 9mm height x 43.5mm lug to lug
Weight: 54g
Water resistance rating: 3ATM / 30m
Movement: Miyota 9015
Accuracy: +8.9 sec/day
Lug width: 18mm
Warranty: 1 year
Price: €450 / £400
Available from: https://cornichewatches.com/shop/historique/?historique_automatic

The case

The case is a simple barrel shape, and is rather dainty with a 37.5mm diameter. It has brushed sides; and polished bezel, top of lugs and bottom. This smaller size is one of the key features of a vintage timepiece.

This smaller size also means that it is a very unisex timepiece; it’ll fit well on both men and women.

Another is a traditional material for the crystal: Corniche are using hesalite glass. It provides a really lovely soft glow to the eye. Yes it’ll likely scratch (although it’s been surprisingly hard wearing for me so far), but it’s easy to polish up back to perfection. Another point that they are serious that this is a true vintage homage.

The caseback has a plain circular brushed center with a polished rim around it, with various specs engraved within.

The push-pull crown is easy to use, with good grip and the C logo embossed on the end.

The fit and finishing of the case is good; nothing out of this work like on a Seiko for example, but perfectly fine for the price.

The dial

The dial is constructed from ceramic, with an elegant “eggshell” white central disc. It has a brushed steel effect surround, with applied hour markers situated within. Around this steel disc is a printed minute track.

There’s a minimal amount of printing on the dial – really there’s just the logo and model name within the top half and the outer minute track.

The delicate pitched alpha hands for hour and minutes are fully polished; the seconds hand is a straight point with a slight bulge as a counterweight. They work really well in the ultimate ethos of the timepiece.

The applied hour markers are also very well constructed and are a dainty affair. There’s also a splendid applied date window border, which is polished and very deep. These polished elements all work really well together to create a lovely variety of reflections when the light hits the dial just right.

The date wheel looks to be the stock Miyota wheel – the font seems to be the same.

The strap

The strap is a sparcely-seen taupe colour: in-between brown and grey. With the light orange coloured stitching, it has a very vintage feel.

It’s made with deliciously soft leather, so supple and malleable. It’s also loaded with quick release straps, which make changing it simple and quick.

The tang buckle is fully polished with a pleasant curved top, with the logo reasonably deeply engraved on the top bar.

It’s a rather thin 18mm wide at the lugs, reducing down to a very tiny (almost surprising) 12mm. When I asked them about why they went this thin, they said that this is a homage to watches from the mid 20th century and when they studied examples from that period they noticed that a lot of the straps tapered down a a lot more than watches from today. Fair enough that they wanted to go this far in mimicking classic timepieces, but I can’t help but feel that it’s a little too much of a taper for a modern watch.

The movement

The Miyota 9015 is a movement that we see over and over again. It’s dependable, hard working and affordable. It’s pretty plain and ugly, but that’s not really a problem as you can’t see it anyway. It’s also easy to regulate, and this clearly has been: when I test it on my Lepsi Watch Scope, it’s coming in at a pretty great +8.9 sec/day.

One thing I’ve noticed with this movement in particular, is that it’s rather noisy when the rotor is free spinning. Be prepared to hear it on the wrist.

Final comments

Simply put, this is a watch that is most definitely for those who are after a true, vintage homage – as the watches were in the 40s, 50s and 60s (ok, apart from the quick release pins). Corniche have taken this extremely seriously, and fair play to them too – not many manufacturers will actually go all out in this same way.

The Corniche Historique is sophisticated and elegant. Some may feel it’s a little too simple, but for me it’s pure and refined. The hesalite crystal is out of the ordinary, but it’s rather charming – the tall boxing of it creates an impression.

However, the RRP is probably too much for me personally; I wouldn’t spend £400 on a non-Swiss automatic. For a little more you can get something like a Christopher Ward, Erroyl or Brathwait (which are all Swiss autos).

That’s not to say it’s not a beautiful timepiece – I just wish it was a bit more competitively priced. Of course, that’s just my opinion; if you were to buy it you’d still be getting a splendid watch.

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The Corniche Heritage 40 will cost you £230, and I’m pleased to say that I was right in the eye for detail front. Hailing from Sweden, they have a really nice site (always a good start) and it’s obvious to see that their main focus it on materials and details.

Let’s take a closer look to see why this is the case, and if it’s a good buy at this price. 

The presentation box

First off, the whole opening experience is a real joy. It’s easy to say that I’ve never received a box and extras like this on a watch of a similar price. It comes in a delightful piano lacquered wooden box, with chrome hinges and release button. This is within a pleasant cardboard box and wrapped in a velvet cloth. The box is pleasantly large too, and will happily look the part sitting on the side in your bedroom.

There are also two booklets; the certificate of authenticity, and the instruction manual. Both are very well designed and give the feeling and look of a more luxurious and expensive brand.

An excellent start for the Swedes.

The case

The caw measures 40mm in diameter, with a slender height of 7mm. Just the right size to me – small enough to look right in all situations, and large enough to provide a good measure of wrist presence.

The case is well machined, and is finished nicely too. The top and bottom are polished, whilst the sides are brushed, which breaks up the case pleasantly and makes it attractive and interesting.

The Corniche Heritage 40 houses a sapphire crystal. Obviously it’s something that’s expected on a watch of this price so I’m happy with that. I have found, though, that it’s easy to get finger prints and smudges on, more so than other crystals. I’m not sure what it is about it, but it is worth mentioning. There doesn’t seem to be a layer of anti-reflective coating, so it’s quite reflective too.

The shape of the case is simple enough, being a classic barrel with shapely, curvaceous lugs. The lugs are curved a decent amount, resulting in the watch hugging the wrist, delivering a comfortable wear.

The crown is small and simple, with gentle grip. The end is polished, with the Corniche “C” embossed on it. Whilst it’s lovely to look at and pleasingly compact, it can be a little tricky to pull out – for the most part it’s sunken into the side of the case. The only way to extract it is by getting your nail under the thin gap on the underside.

The caseback is rather charming; featuring a Mediterranean pine tree – the view of which, sort of personifies Corniche and what they’re aiming for. The caseback is secured in place with 6 polished screws, and a couple of pieces of information can be found above and below the motif. The finishing of the caseback is good and a little tricky to get right too – all the markings are raised and polished, based upon a matt finish. Not always easy to get right, but they have.

The case has a 50m water resistance, which means it’s suitable to go shallow swimming in.

The case in essence is simple, but has a few little aspects that are thoughtful, keeping it interesting. On the whole, it’s very well machined and finished – so there’s really nothing to complain about whatsoever. In fact, I’m pretty impressed by it.

The dial

The dial is available in black or white, and a rather impressive key feature is that it’s made of ceramic (like a tile). This provides a lovely reflective surface that still has depth and colour.

The applied hour markers are done so by hand, and sit happily in position, with a light reflection surrounding them due to the surface. These batons are all pitched and made with striking accuracy – they’re cut extremely straight and all angles are definite. The gold plating is polished, which reflects the light pleasantly, and it matches the case and hands well.

The printing on the dial is very fine and precise, and actually offer surprising readability considering the reflective nature of the dial itself. The print has been kept simple and to a minimal; with only a rail track style minute track around the outside, the logo in the top half, and Heritage 40 in the bottom half.

The dauphine hands are pitched, and you’ll only find two of them – there’s no second hand in sight. Either blued on the white dial, or gold on the black dial; in my eyes they are the perfect length: hour hand to the base of the hour markers, and the hour hand stretching right out to the edge of the dial. They’re also the correct thickness, good legibility mixed with elegance.

Looking at it from afar, the dial is a rather simple design, but it is made very well for the price of the watch – it is spotlessly executed. The gold on black also delivers very well on the legibility front. 

The strap

The strap measures 22mm at the lugs, reducing to 20mm at the clasp.

The leather is a matt, soft and gentle black, which offsets well against the rose gold case. All stitching is black to match the top, and is neat and solid. A soft, tan underside with matching creamy stitching means it’s comfortable on the wrist, and looks smart too. The strap features the words “Corniche” and “Heritage 40” stamped on the two sides. Whilst the leather quality is excellent, the strap is the source of my only complaint with the Heritage 40. On the bottom lug, the width is not quite 22mm – it’s more like 21mm, so there’s a slight gap between the edge of the strap and the lug. I’m sure it’s a one-off and I’m also certain that this would be rectified quickly and easily, but it was also worth a mention.

The rose gold butterfly clasp is splendid in its appearance and build quality, which is as well finished as the case. It’s all polished bar the very inner section which has some pearlage which is a nice touch. The top bar is not a flat straight shape, but rather has a gentle sweeping top to it. The Corniche logo is deeply engraved on it – much better than the laser etching you’d likely see on other watches. Because it’s exposed, this bar picks up hairline / desk roving scratches easily so just be aware of that.

The strap is just another surprisingly impressive aspect of this watch that I’m really starting to like a lot. 

The movement

Powering the Corniche is the Miyota 2025 quartz movement. They’ve made a nice decision to omit the second hand, so no one will ever know if it’s Quartz or mechanical unless they find out by asking or viewing the site.

The 2025 is a pretty standard, uninspiring movement – its specs include 0 jewels, 3 year battery life, and +/- 20 seconds per month accuracy. Let’s be honest, all Quartz movements are solid enough nowadays, and although they aren’t particularly inspirational, they all do a great job at what they’re made for – keeping good time. Miyota are especially good at this, having a reputation of making reliable, affordable movements. 

The competition

One competitor that springs to my mind is the Christopher Ward C5 Slimline. With classic looks, slim case and dauphine hands it’s very similar in appearance. It’ll cost you almost double the Corniche at £400, but it is Swiss Made, and has a beautiful ETA 2801-2 hand wind  mechanical movement. So you’re still getting a lot for your money.

Final comments

For £230, I must say, the entire package is very impressive. From the moment you open up the cardboard box, you realise this is quite the watch for the money. From the certificate of authenticity booklet, the velvet cover, and the piano wood finish box with chrome hinges and button, to the watch itself – it’s all the same kind of excellent quality you’d expect from a luxury brand. And that’s no joke. With the leather strap lug width to one side (a very minor negative), I’m extremely impressed by Corniche, and I feel that if they released a mechanical timepiece then it would be simply exceptional and a massive hit. Of course, with the omission of the seconds hand, this could be a mechanical watch at a glance – you’d never really know, so that’s quite cunning of them. 

So would I recommend it? Completely. This is a purchase that will not disappoint one bit.

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