Uhrinstinkt Magazine
Originally developed for hand-wound watches, the power reserve indicator has long since arrived in the universe of automatic timepieces and is one of the most popular entry-level complications in the watch world. Whether it represents more of a practical added value or a nice gimmick is something everyone must decide for themselves. The fact is: we love the mechanical beauty of the small additional function and present you not the top 5, but our top 6 automatic watches with power reserve display.
Omega De Ville Prestige Power Reserve Co-Axial
Today we start exclusively and put a real insider tip of the horological upper class in the spotlight: the Omega De Ville Prestige Power Reserve Co-Axial. The rare color combination of the 39.5-millimeter slim dress watch with reference 424.53.40.21.03.001 immediately catches the eye: a solid 18-karat yellow gold case meets an imposing dial in dark blue, whose sunburst finish and Roman numerals exude incredible elegance. The same goes for the pointed dauphine hands that hover above three complications: A simple date window at three o’clock, a small seconds next to the nine, and of course the power reserve, which sits prominently in the lower center. It takes 48 hours to move from the fullest to the lowest level. Responsible for the power of these exceptional watches with power reserve indicator is the Co-Axial caliber 2627, which does its work under a closed caseback. The latter enhances the massive feel on the wrist and makes it clear that these automatic watches with power reserve indicator are coveted rarities.
Hamilton Jazzmaster Power Reserve Auto
Just how seductive the trendy color blue can be on the dial is also demonstrated by the group’s sister company Hamilton: the Jazzmaster Power Reserve Auto is one of the finest watches with a power reserve display that the American-Swiss manufacturer has in its range. 42 millimeters in diameter give the stainless steel model Ref. H32635541 a commanding presence on the wrist, coupled with the varied beauty of polished and satin-finished surfaces. The dial reinforces the distinguished character of the attractively priced premium model: applied indices in the shape of arrows, luminous coated hands with the finest polish, and a simple date display characterize the overall appearance.
The focus of the automatic watches with power reserve display is their namesake complication, which is emblazoned in self-confident sizes next to the nine. The necessary energy comes from the H-13 automatic movement with a proud 80-hour power reserve, visible through a transparent case back. We particularly like the included calfskin strap in light brown, whose folding clasp underscores the high-quality character of these masculine watches with power reserve indicator. The large crown and general feel of each Hamilton Jazzmaster also convey an impression of quality that is far above the actual price range.
Union Glashütte Noramis Power Reserve
Classic meets modern: with the Union Glashütte Noramis Power Reserve, the traditional German brand presents a retro icon that takes us back to the era of elegant men’s watches from the 1950s and 1960s. But the differences from the past are unmistakable in Ref. D005.424.16.037.01: in addition to a contemporary diameter of 40 millimeters, 100-meter water resistance and the lovingly decorated automatic movement U 2897 testify to the 21st century. The power reserve is 42 hours and reveals itself between six and eight o’clock, where the remaining hours are marked off in increments of ten – along with the typical Glashütte inscription “Power reserve.” Ample retro charm is provided by the clear curvature of the sapphire crystal (anti-reflective on both sides) and dial, combined with the plasticity of applied numerals and a silver color scheme. The pitch-black sourcing of the central seconds hand as well as the hand for the power reserve indicator is outstanding, resulting in first-class legibility. In keeping with their noble character, the Saxon watches with power reserve indicator are attached to a brown leather strap with a folding clasp.
Junghans Meister Gangreserve
Domed dials are also a trademark of the Junghans Meister Gangreserve, whose deep blue version of the limited edition 160 (Ref. 027/4114.02) captured our hearts at first sight. In contrast to the Noramis, the focus of the 40.4-millimeter stainless steel watch is not retro, but Bauhaus: Above all, the wafer-thin procurement of the bezel and indices, which serves the purpose of an aesthetic reduction to the essentials, marks the noble character of these automatic watches with power reserve display. The latter feature is the functional highlight of the Meister and was implemented in a rare bar shape above the 6 o’clock position, which appears in dial color when the caliber J810.2 is fully wound and turns increasingly red as the energy storage is emptied. 42 hours of endurance is the maximum possible. All 160 examples of the (surprisingly affordable) rarity add to their highlights a display caseback for admiring the mechanics, as well as a date display at three o’clock, which we would like even better in dial color than in the prominent white.
Rado DiaMaster Power Reserve Automatic
No more merriment: with Ref. R14137156, the Rado DiaMaster Power Reserve Automatic shows us just how appealing the dark side of power can be. The case material typical of the brand, deep black high-tech ceramic, gives the 43-millimeter dominant wearer not only mysterious blackness, but above all legendary robustness, top skin compatibility, and a pleasant feel. The power-radiating darkness is continued in the dial, whose filigree groove structure brings out the noble side of the DiaMaster. The date display is elegantly positioned in the lower center, while the eponymous Power Reserve takes up the left half of the dial.
The fact that the hands and indices stand out in silver radiance from the sea of blackness grants the modern watches with power reserve display excellent legibility. Keyword black: Those who prefer the color of darkness will also appreciate the folding clasp leather strap of the DiaMaster. One of the few bright sides of the Rado shimmers out through the glass back, where the automatic movement appears in regular finissage and not – as one might expect – complete darkness.
Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Power Control
Racing genes and masculine power: with the Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Power Control, the sponsor of the world’s most prominent vintage car race brings great emotion to the wrist. Not only the luxurious bicolor case of the 43-millimeter bolide Ref. 168566-6002 made of stainless steel and 18-karat rose gold, but also the original design of the dial plays in its own class. In addition to red accents with the traditional Mille Miglia shield at three o’clock, the power reserve indicator, which is modeled after a fuel needle with the F (“Full”) and E (“Empty”) markings, also helps to solidify the racing reference. The luxury watch, limited to 500 pieces, derives its power from the finely decorated Chopard caliber 01.08-C, whose tungsten hairspring bears witness to high-tech at its best.
Despite all the refinement, the automatic watches with power reserve indicator are perfectly suitable for everyday use: 100 meters water resistance, sapphire crystal on the front and back, and the oversized numerals with lush luminous coating emphasize that this watch is more an instrument than a decorative piece of jewelry.
