Hands-On With The New Brellum Duobox 39 Chronometer
Over the past year, we’ve reviewed several watches from Brellum. The team has always been impressed with the pieces’ build quality and relative affordability. However, we and our readers have been hoping for smaller-diameter watches. That day is here with the new Brellum Duobox 39 Chronometer.
Previously reviewed Brellum watches have measured in the 42–43mm range. They’ve received positive comments on our site and from owners who like the looks, low production numbers, and one-on-one communication with the company’s owner. Some, though, have desired a smaller footprint. Apparently, Brellum was listening, and the new Duobox 39 Chronometer now answers the call.
The Brellum Duobox 39 Chronometer
As the name implies, the newest Brellum chronograph has a 39.5mm stainless steel case with a 48mm lug-to-lug. With a 15.3mm thickness, it remains somewhat chunky on account of its movement and box-type sapphire crystals on both case sides. Still, it has a useful 100m depth rating, so swimming won’t be an issue. The watch is available with a silver, anthracite, or blue sunray dial. All pieces come with a stainless steel Jubilee-style bracelet and a black calfskin strap with a deployant clasp.
A new dial design…
The Duobox 39 presents a highly traditional three-register layout with sub-dials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. It also has applied and polished trapezoid indices with Super-LumiNova inserts. In the center, ’60s-style polished and luminous hour and minute hands are joined with a blued chronograph hand. The uppermost running seconds and 30-minute registers are raised against the sunray dial. The lower 12-hour counter is sunken into the dial and houses a contrasting white-on-black date wheel. Finally, the watch has a pulsometer scale around the outer edge of the dial. The polished bezel surrounding the dial is narrower than the case at 39mm.
…and a new case
The Duobox 39 has a new case design with chamfered, wrist-hugging lugs. Pump pushers and a large, signed crown round off the classic, sporty design. It’s not thin, but realize that the mid-case is just 11.05mm thick, so it avoids the slab-sided look of many similar watches.
A different movement
Thus far, the Brellum watches I’ve reviewed have used Valjoux movements. The Duobox 39 changes course with a chronometer-certified La Joux-Perret L100. Brellum has given it the BR-110 designation due to perlage, Geneva stripes, and 4N gold-plated rotor. It has a power reserve of 60 hours and a frequency of 28,800vph. Functionally, it hacks, has a quick-setting date, and offers manual winding.
A great size on the wrist
We received the silver dial at Fratello HQ and enjoyed wearing the watch. The dark blue and anthracite variants also look attractive, so it comes down to preference. While some buyers may wish for a larger piece, Brellum offers those options. Our impression of the Duobox 39 is that it is a well-balanced and perfectly sized watch.
We also found the Jubilee-style bracelet thin, comfortable, and nicely made. Importantly, its design complements the watch head instead of acting as a distraction. Some will appreciate the alligator-pattern black strap with its deployant buckle, but we’d likely stick with the bracelet.
Approachable pricing, limited availability
The new Brellum Duobox 39 Chronometer is limited to 46 numbered pieces of each dial color. The price is €3,765 including VAT and shipping. As always, the watches will be available directly from the Brellum website. In the current market, that’s good value for a chronometer-certified chronograph with a reliable caliber. Plus, the design is easy on the eyes and comfortable on the wrist. If Brellum watches were too large for you in the past, does this new release appeal to you?
This is a partnership post. Read about our transparency here.
