With the release of the Ref. 7505, Serica’s distinct function-forward design is only reduced in size, not in purpose.
‘Anachronistic’ is a term often used to describe the state of the watch industry. With the ever-forward progression of modern technology, the purpose of the mechanical wristwatch is often lost. While many brands were able to survive by pivoting from purpose to luxury and status symbolism, there are still timepieces out there that present themselves as stalwart, practical tools.
In the microbrand space, Serica is perhaps one of the biggest success stories in that regard. Hailing from Paris, the enigmatic brand was founded on the principle of ‘storytelling’ watches. Defined by shared experience more than historical value, Serica builds robust, contemporary pieces that serve the wearer, not the other way around.
Though the Serica catalogue remains adaptable and universally appealing, the brand has still decided to further branch out to smaller-wristed audiences. Thus, they’ve elected to debut three watches in the new Ref. 7505 collection, shrinking down their unique designs into a more compact frame.
I’m Seeing A Shrink (In Watch Size)
Encased in stainless steel, the three new Ref. 7505 watches measure 35mm in case diameter. Compounded by a 41.5mm lug-to-lug and 9.6mm thickness, these watches are the smallest and thinnest Serica models to date. Despite the smaller case size, they are by no means lesser in practicality.
As Serica states, the Ref. 7505 can still compete with the flagship Ref. 6190 on equal grounds. Despite its smaller size, the Ref. 7505 is equipped with the same robust 200m water-resistant properties as the Ref. 6190, bringing professional-grade specifications to smaller wrists.
As if a shrunken Serica wasn’t enough, that’s not the only thing new on the menu. With the introduction of the Ref. 7505, the brand has also introduced a fully redesigned version of their Bonklip bracelet. For those unfamiliar, the Bonklip was a cost-effective, mass-produced bracelet invented in the early 20th century, but it soon became more renowned for its wearability and ease of use.
Using a ladder-style design that allowed for infinite, tool-less micro-adjustment, Serica has refined the heritage design with its new Safe-Lock clasp. When I visited the Serica boutique last Eurosummer, the Bonklip bracelet scared the absolute fear of God into me; I had never seen anything like it before or since. However, the addition of the Safe-Lock clasp should remedy the fears of those like myself, providing a more intuitive and secure design.
Time Is Critical
While Serica draws upon a myriad of time periods within its design language, the end product has always been distinctly theirs. The Ref. 7505 is no exception, offered in two dial layouts that prioritise legibility just as much as style.
One of the three watches should already be recognisable to Serica fans: a tuxedo dial variant of the Ref. 7505. Making its debut in the Ref. 6190, the high-contrast dial layout proved wildly popular with the watch community, eventually making its way to the smaller-sized release.
The other two models in the Ref. 7505 collection introduce a completely new dial configuration, which Serica calls the ‘Minute Critical’ dial. The enamel dial is complete with an enlarged minute track, accompanied by surrounding numerals, quarter-hour markers and prominent hands. Finished with Serica’s large lumed arrow hands, the Minute Critical dial ensures that time can be consistently and accurately tracked at a glance.
Soprod Supreme
Speaking of accuracy, within the new watches lies the Soprod Cal. M100 movement. A staple of the Serica line, it beats at the luxury-standard 4Hz/28,800vph atop a reliable 42-hour power reserve. Furthermore, the automatic movement has been Chronometer-certified by the COSC, ensuring a stable accuracy threshold of -4/+6 seconds per day.
The only sad part is that, despite being decorated with Côtes de Genève (Geneva Stripes), you won’t be able to see it in action from the closed steel caseback. But I suppose that’s more appropriate for a field-oriented watch like the Ref. 7505.
Initial Thoughts
Of all the unique microbrands within the admittedly crowded space, Serica has managed to stand tall amongst its peers. On paper, it’s remarkable they are able to do so, as their approach is rather straightforward. All their designs, save perhaps for the Ref. 1174 dress watch, are form-forward with minimal flash. However, the execution is something that has resonated with watch lovers everywhere, and brought them an unprecedented amount of success.
With a penchant for slow, methodical innovation, Serica had the opportunity to simply make these new watches shrunken twins of the Ref. 6190. However, they still chose to create two entirely new designs for the Ref. 7505. All the while, they continue to give their community what they want with the return of the fan-favourite tuxedo dial.
So while the new Ref. 7505s are ostensibly smaller versions of the Serica formula, it’s hardly a bad thing to supply bite-sized servings of a winning recipe. Thus, the new models not only expand the brand’s market reach, but also broaden their appeal to both heritage-style field watch lovers and smaller-wristed enthusiasts alike.
References & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| References | 7505-01/-02 (Minute Critical) OR 7505-TXD (Tuxedo) |
| Dimensions | 35mm case diameter x 41.5mm lug-to-lug x 9.6mm thickness |
| Case | Stainless steel |
| Dial | ‘Minute Critical’ dial in enamel black / green OR ‘Tuxedo’ dial in black & beige |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Caseback | Closed |
| Movement | Automatic Soprod Cal. M100 with COSC Chronometer certification |
| Power Reserve | 42h |
| Beat Rate | 4Hz / 28,800VpH |
| Water Resistance | 200m / 20bar |
| Strap/Bracelet | Steel Bonklip® Bracelet (short/medium/long) with Safe-Lock clasp |