The BWG Isaria is an example of pure individuality
Buffy Acacia
I don’t think it would be upsetting anybody to say that the BWG Isaria is a distinctive watch. After all, the idea behind running an independent microbrand is getting to do whatever you want, no matter how atypical or commercially risky. BWG Bavarian Watch was created for that exact purpose, and aims to take risks in support of free design expression – and whether you love it or hate it, you can’t argue with its eye-catching power, considered design, or its technical specifications.
The case
The average watch collector of the last five years has typically favoured demure watch cases, preferably inspired by vintage models of the 1960s. The BWG Isaria is definitely not for the average watch collector. To start with, the eye naturally gravitates to the diamond-cut bezel and its polished facets which pop out from the brushed surfaces. Instantly, the watch is transported into a surreal territory, accentuated by the rather ornate lugs and their voluptuous shoulders. Everything contributes to quite a wide wrist presence, as the various elements splay out across the wrist.
While unconventional in style, many of its technical aspects are actually in line with modern trends. The 42.1mm diameter isn’t overly big by any means, and the 50.5mm lug-to-lug length is quite well-suited to the average wrist, especially with its downward-curved lugs. The total thickness is most surprising, as the whole watch is only 10.7mm thick. That’s in spite of an automatic movement and 200 metres of water resistance, so clearly there weren’t any shortcuts taken during manufacturing. The bezel does rotate with 120 clicks as you’d expect from a dive watch, and the first 15 minutes on the bezel have been engraved should you want to use it for dive timing.
The dial
The blend of sharpness and roundness that the case establishes is expanded upon throughout the dial. A flowing wave pattern etched into the dial plate brings a soothing undertone, while the pointed diamond hour markers and sword hands reflect the harsh angles of the bezel facets. The indices at 12, 3, 6 and 9 are all applied for a bit of extra definition and depth, while the others are printed, but all have been given a generous application of Swiss Super-LumiNova. The integration of the date window has also been done pretty cleanly, cutting the 3 o’clock diamond in half to become a simple triangle.
The logo design for BWG is perhaps a little bit top-heavy, and a bit more breathing room could have been achieved by having the “Isaria Automatik” text above 6 o’clock instead of below 12. Other than that, it is a fun stylisation. It’s named after the river Isar that runs through Munich, which retains a lot of its natural beauty despite running through a busy city. It’s a great spot to lounge or jog by when the sun is out, hence the sporty, leisurely vibes of the BWG Isaria. The first of the three available colours is Slate Black, which is a versatile choice for day-to-day wear. It’s still a wild-looking watch, but it won’t be as much of a beacon as the Sky Blue and Isar Green colours. With a brighter dial, the Isaria’s wave pattern is much more visible too.
The strap
Paired with the BWG Isaria is a colour-matched silicone rubber strap that’s supremely sporty, especially with the diamond cutouts that promote airflow to prevent sweat. If you want to play around with other straps, the 20mm lug width and quick-release spring bars will make that easy. It’s pretty hard to imagine it on a dressy leather strap, for instance, but a suede or NATO strap could be great.
The movement
The Landeron L24 is a relatively recent competitor of the ETA 2824 since Swatch Group limited supply of the ubiquitous movement. It’s still a relatively unknown player in the world of budget-friendly Swiss movements, and the modern Landeron brand actually has no ties with the legendary and now-defunct movement maker of the same name. Still, the 4Hz beat rate and the 40-hour power supply are perfect for a daily wearer with a premium feel, thanks to the smoothly-sweeping seconds hand and automatic winding. You can view the movement and its customised rotor through a sapphire display caseback, which is also engraved with the Isaria logo, its water resistance rating, and the limited edition number.
BWG Isaria pricing and availability
The BWG Isaria is limited to 500 pieces per colour and is available now from BWG Bavarian Watch’s online store. Price: US$1,710
| Brand | BWG Bavarian Watch |
| Model | Isaria |
| Case Dimensions | 42.1mm (D) x 10.7mm (T) x 50.5mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 200 metres, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Black, blue, or green |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Straps | Colour-matched silicone rubber |
| Movement | Landeron L24, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 40 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Limited to 500 pieces per colour |
| Price | US$1,710 |
Made in partnership with BWG Bavarian Watch. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.