The new Serica Parade offers a completely new look from the brand with more dressy tones
Russell SheldrakeSerica has been the brand that most surprised me this year. Having somewhat of a breakout moment in the industry, the small, French watchmaking company has brought a new vision to what a tool watch should be, while remaining true to the core characteristics. But now that the brand seems to be settled in its tool watch credentials, it is stepping out to try new things. Namely, shaped dress watches in the form of the new Serica Parade.
This new direction from the Parisians shows that they are bringing their recognisable codes to dress watches, making what I think could be the perfect dress watch for someone who is more used to wearing chunky sports watches every day and can’t get on board with more dainty designs on their wrist.
The Parade is in an ellipse shape, with a case that draws inspiration from stadium constructions, with the banked seating facing in on the main event, the dial. This dial has been given a rather minimal S-curve engraved design that radiates out from the centre and works to amplify the sunray brushing of the dial itself. The only other markings on the dial are the small applied dot hour markers that sit right at the edge of the dial. And in classic Serica style, there is no branding or text anywhere to be seen.
There are two dial colours available, one satin black, and another in a bright brass. The black feels a little closer to a true dress watch to me, while the brass dial is very reminiscent of old two-tone designs of the ’80s. You’ll only find a minute and hour hand travelling over the dial. A nod to true dress watches which do away with the seconds hand in favour of the simplicity and elegance of a two-hander.
The ellipse shape is fairly blocky for a dress watch, but it is quite slim at 8.3mm. Thanks to its sandwich construction – meaning the caseback screws travel the height of the case and embed themselves in the bezel – it applies greater pressure to the gaskets, meaning a secure seal, aiding the 100m of water resistance. It’s this case construction that makes me think that this is a hybrid between a sports and a dress watch, meaning it’s incredibly practical and not something that you need worry about or have to baby when wearing it.
Inside the watch is the Swiss-made Soprod M100 automatic calibre, the same movement the brand uses for its field watches. It’s a solid movement that gives the watch 42 hours of power reserve, and allows it to stay relatively thin with the watch measuring 8.3mm total thickness.
Serica Parade ref. 1174 pricing and availability
The new Serica Parade ref. 1174 is available now for pre-order on the brand’s website. Price: €1,490 (~US$1,600)
| Brand | Serica |
| Model | Parade |
| Reference | Ref. 1174 |
| Case Dimensions | 35mm (W) x 8.3mm (T) x 41mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front |
| Dial | Black, brass |
| Bracelet and strap | Grained calfskin, steel pin buckle |
| Movement | Soprod M100, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes |
| Availability | On pre-order |
| Price | €1,490 (~US$1,600) |