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flipstah
08-11-2012, 02:39 PM
The Down-Low:
MSTR “Chief” CH105RB Watch
MSRP: $250
Site: http://www.mstrwatches.com/Silver--White-at-PID10756-CH105RB.aspx

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2286.jpg

This men’s watch from Meister Watches (German for “Master and pronounced as 'mys-ter') is one of their many models in a very unique brand lineage. Their vision for something eye-catching is clearly seen.

They are gathering popularity in the US, Japan and were even featured in G4. MSTR (abbreviation of the brand) has collaborated with various figures in UFC, NBA, and many more. They are an emerging company, looking to make their presence known in the Canadian market.

Intrigued?

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2285.jpg

How about now? Let’s check it out!

Presentation

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2291.jpg

First impressions out of the box were not so good.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2292.jpg

I’m not sure if it’s because it’s the wrong cushion for the box, but for $250, I at least expect the box to close fully.

Exterior

At 47mm, it’s not the biggest watch I’ve experienced but the octagon frame surrounding it makes a commanding presence and takes up valuable wrist space.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2296.jpg

I’m not a fan of the ‘big’ watches, but it’s starting to grow on me.

When you pick it up, it definitely makes its’ presence known. It’s a heavy watch for sure. The stainless steel casing definitely gives it a good contrast to the white face and rubber strap (something I’ll discuss more).

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2302.jpg

Quality all around is very good for what you pay for and I love the little details; exposed screws, the very industrial crown guard, even numbering instead of the usual odd numbers.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2295.jpg

The crown guard gives a resounding ‘click’ and doesn’t look nor feel fragile.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2314.jpg

The casing is definitely beefy and it feels like it can exceed the 100m mark but the rubber seal will probably give first or the crystal.

I wore it around downtown and whoever I talked to definitely asked about the watch. If you’re going to have a watch like this, you better like small talk.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2313.jpg

I compared the case to one of my biggest watches, a 42mm Mondaine Railway Giant Watch and a recognizable Seiko SKX 'Pepsi' Diver. You can see the block framing creates a larger-than-life look.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2326.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2336.jpg

Overall, the exterior qualities are very well given the price-point.

Dial

Moving on to the dial, I like unique and very seldom numbering of even numbers. Nice touch. I also like the layering of the face; like there’s a second piece on top and it’s being held by the two screws on the face.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2316.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2317.jpg

I tested the lume and it’s pretty bright. I don’t expect it to be diver-watch bright but it’ll do.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2377.jpg

Crystal

The crystal is your typical mineral and I do get glare on direct sunlight. I don’t expect AR coating on a $250 watch but if they plan to do an automatic movement, they should perhaps try to get that coating as a feature.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2327.jpg

Movement

The movement however is a different story. So it’s a typical calendar movement with the crown doing double-duty; one pull works the calendar and the second is to adjust the time.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2319.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2323.jpg

When I went to adjust the date, it took three rotations for it to adjust one day. It felt flimsy and didn’t have tactile feedback. Usually, there’s a ‘feel’ whenever you move a calendar movement, like when you’re shifting gears. It felt too buttery.

The one major, critical aspect that I feel is choking the watch down is the rubber strap. Granted, it is quite softer and less stiff than G-Shock watches; comfy to wear all day. I got rid of my G-Shock because it always felt like it would snap at any minute.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2349.jpg

The watch’s one strength is also its’ greatest weakness. It’s so soft that the surface is slick so the loop is very prone to slippage. It gets annoying having to re-loop every time you walk or brush the watch around something. I would suggest adding a second loop to keep the base locked. I’m actually thinking of replacing the strap altogether.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2346.jpg

Other than those two issues, it’s a great watch for someone who likes industrial design; a big attention-getter (like myself); is a fan of Bell & Ross without getting hit the big price-tag.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2323.jpg

As long as MSTR continues to improve and expose themselves further into the North American scene, they have potential to compete against a big heavyweight with the ‘teens’: Nixon.

flipstah
08-11-2012, 02:41 PM
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http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2343.jpg

flipstah
08-11-2012, 02:42 PM
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2344.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2345.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_2348.jpg

I hope you all enjoyed my review and thanks again to Beyond.ca and MSTR watches to providing samples.

Here's to your positive growth and expanding presence here in Canada!

- Don (flipstah)

Unknown303
08-11-2012, 02:54 PM
Nice review. Now hand over the watch so my giant wrist can dominate it! :whipped:

D'z Nutz
08-11-2012, 03:02 PM
Originally posted by flipstah
Quality all around is very good for what you pay for

http://rlv.zcache.ca/i_see_what_you_did_there_poster-r8f044f42410c44898ead34192059346f_y1u_400.jpg

ercchry
08-11-2012, 03:18 PM
it would seem that the "MSRP" in Canada is a touch higher than $250 though... since the Bay says so :rofl:

flipstah
08-11-2012, 05:38 PM
Originally posted by D'z Nutz


http://rlv.zcache.ca/i_see_what_you_did_there_poster-r8f044f42410c44898ead34192059346f_y1u_400.jpg

:rofl: If I actually bought one, I'd be more than happy! I might get the Ambassador or maybe that Beyond edition I proposed? HINT HINT ;)



Originally posted by ercchry
it would seem that the "MSRP" in Canada is a touch higher than $250 though... since the Bay says so :rofl:

I don't go to The Bay lol. Frankly, I'd just buy it direct.

And there's another problem. If they plan to compete against Nixon and the other brands that 18-24's love, I'd target stores like Spareparts, Watch It!, etc. or even see if you can get into Holt or Nordstrom since they're (rumored) to come into Canada and replace Sears. I know Nixon got into Holt shelves. Somehow...

The Bay is in a transition of its own but that's another story.

flipstah
08-11-2012, 06:33 PM
BUMP.

Posted this review on Watchuseek.com as well to see what others have to say. :)

03ozwhip
08-11-2012, 06:42 PM
Nice review! But man(I hope I don't get banned) that is one fugly watch. I like the strap, that's about it. It just looks massive and that "industrial" cover over the crown just looks stupid.

That's my review...don't ban me, I'm just being honest!

Cos
08-11-2012, 08:16 PM
.

flipstah
08-11-2012, 11:18 PM
Originally posted by Cos


Lol why would you be banned? I dont know anyone being banned for giving their opinion.



Good review Flipstah. Looks amazingly good on your 'dainty' wrists. ;) Not really my style though. Not sure what I think about these watches. Overall seems like it is a great watch for the price if you are in to Nixon, Armani, Fossil, Vestal brand. Not something I would give to compete with the one step higher up like the Hamiltons, Tissot, etc.

I think they will do well but am not sure if this will be in my future.

LOL Cos is right. It's your opinion. Why ban?

It's all about improving your brand and see what works.

Cos, you are right. Meister is (should be) focusing on competing against Nixon, Vestal, Fossil, etc.

They need to up their game to be with Hamilton, Citizen, Bulova, etc.

Give it some time for the brand to get recognize and enhance/introduce/improve on designs. With some brilliant, aggressive marketing to boot, who knows how far they'll go.

Bell&Ross is a young company with no big watchmaking history and they're known as a fashion brand with big sticker prices.

If they listen to customers and continue to improve, MSTR can be as big or bigger than their competition.

Dumbass17
08-12-2012, 01:39 AM
thanks for the review bud

i agree though, the crown on the side is massive and would annoy me..definitelyhave to remove it before 'batin!

msommers
08-12-2012, 03:59 AM
Nice review! Definitely seems like these guys are aiming for the $100-$200 competition and there certainly is a market for it. I've been a big fan of Fossil because of their designs, they're actually nice and if the brand name wasn't on there could probably pass as much higher end. Nixon watches I find are way to "fashiony" and end up pretty tacky looking. I saw one Nixon watch that is kind of ok, and it's listed at $850! They even have a watch at over $1K. Anyone spending that kind of money on a Nixon is crazy!

speeed
08-12-2012, 04:08 AM
One thing I did noticed is that the strap looks very cheap for such a big sturdy looking case, but as you already mentioned you're thinking of replacing the strap altogether.

This piece is a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be from the pics I've seen online. Still overall a very neat design.

Congrats on winning the giveaway and a great review!

ga16i
08-12-2012, 07:12 AM
Originally posted by Dumbass17
thanks for the review bud

i agree though, the crown on the side is massive and would annoy me..definitelyhave to remove it before 'batin!

hahaha :thumbsup: never thought that'd be an issue to be judged upon in a watch review. But good valid point. However, I do think most people wear watches on their non-dominant hand though. So, I would only mark that as a minor issue.

RE: watch
white watches and rubber aren't my thing, and this piece just looks absolutely massive. Since it's a fashion watch, I would only get this based on looks alone and this particular one just wouldn't do it for me.

flipstah
08-12-2012, 10:36 AM
Originally posted by ga16i


hahaha :thumbsup: never thought that'd be an issue to be judged upon in a watch review. But good valid point. However, I do think most people wear watches on their non-dominant hand though. So, I would only mark that as a minor issue.

RE: watch
white watches and rubber aren't my thing, and this piece just looks absolutely massive. Since it's a fashion watch, I would only get this based on looks alone and this particular one just wouldn't do it for me.

Actually, I'm left-handed and wear my watches on my left. I adapted by changing my writing style lol.

Having the crown on the left meant I can't change it on the fly but you only have to do that when you forget that the hours moved anyways. It's not even an issue for me.

One thing I wouldn't recommend doing is going the Fossil route and providing bags and etc. I don't think a lot sells at the Fossil outlet store in CrossIron.

I'd focus on watches first; get that as best as you can and then diversify.

I'd try and collaborate with a shoe company since MSTR was started with sneakerheads.

Glad everyone is enjoying it and if you have questions, I'll try my best to answer them.

I like this Chief design because I was contemplating on buying a Bell&Ross but couldn't see myself sniping it. This is a great substitute!

The Ambassador also reminds me of AP's and Hublot so that's why I wanted it bad. :drool:

03ozwhip
08-12-2012, 10:52 AM
I just didn't know if I'd be offending his family if I said what I said, if I did I'm sorry Rage!

Off topic now but I'm right handed, but do a lot of things left, IE play pool, guitar, but I can't stand wearing my watch on my left hand, it feels awkward, so I wear it on my right.

AaronK
08-13-2012, 11:54 AM
I agree with 03, this was one of my least favorite Meisters rage had posted, but it still looks like decent quality for the price.

As for the rubber strap, I was the same way at first, I never liked rubber until I started wearing it, now I love it!

flipstah
08-13-2012, 12:46 PM
Originally posted by AaronK
I agree with 03, this was one of my least favorite Meisters rage had posted, but it still looks like decent quality for the price.

As for the rubber strap, I was the same way at first, I never liked rubber until I started wearing it, now I love it!

The strap is a love/hate. It's so comfy but re-looping drives me bananas! :banghead:

Str1der
08-13-2012, 08:56 PM
Perfect for the white loafer and sunglass crowd. For normal people, not so much. :barf:

flipstah
08-16-2012, 10:28 AM
Originally posted by Str1der
Perfect for the white loafer and sunglass crowd. For normal people, not so much. :barf:

Not necessarily. With a proper strap, it has potential to be a tasteful watch.

taemo
08-16-2012, 11:47 AM
might be interesting on a brown leather strap

flipstah
08-16-2012, 11:51 AM
Originally posted by taemo
might be interesting on a brown leather strap

Yeah. Either dark chocolate brown lambskin with double-clasp or brown/orange-y ostrich.

Sugarphreak
08-16-2012, 12:19 PM
...

flipstah
08-16-2012, 12:25 PM
Originally posted by Sugarphreak
Not 1 person voted awesome for this watch. Probably shouldn't have done a poll as part of your review, lol

LOL why not? It shows unbiased results.

Responses are full of opinions, which is good but you can't please everyone.

I'm merely providing things I'd work on to make the product better. Only way to improve is to know what's currently holding you down. :)

taemo
08-16-2012, 12:40 PM
^agree, they are better off knowing that no one likes the design so that they can improve it than mass releasing it with no one picking them up

flipstah
08-16-2012, 01:31 PM
I'm saving up to do a bespoke strap for this watch so stay tuned. I just bought one for my Parnis so have to take it easy.

It also takes a while for my contact to make it since I have OCD lol.

EG6boi
08-17-2012, 01:13 AM
Originally posted by flipstah
I'm saving up to do a bespoke strap for this watch so stay tuned. I just bought one for my Parnis so have to take it easy.

It also takes a while for my contact to make it since I have OCD lol.


Did you put on the custom strap on the Parnis yourself?

flipstah
08-17-2012, 08:00 AM
Originally posted by EG6boi



Did you put on the custom strap on the Parnis yourself?

Yup, its just spring-loaded bars anyways.

flipstah
08-31-2012, 11:30 AM
Update: I'm in the midst of getting a bespoke strap started for this puppy with my contact from WUS.

Because the strap is 28mm, it's a monster strap and will require a lot of planning and design groupthinks.

So far I'm thinking rum-colored strap with blue contrast stitching that tapers from 28 to 26mm. Either a copper or satin steel buckle to complement the strap or the case, respectively.

Lizard or ostrich are the potential leathers.

Thoughts or suggestions? I'm open to other leathers as well.

ga16i
08-31-2012, 03:33 PM
Damn it! I thought you updated this review to include a few long term considerations like battery life ;)

Anyway, regarding the new strap. Congrats on getting a bespoke strap. I haven't had bespoke anything in my life haha. I'd stay away from copper as that tarnishes and might cause your skin to change color. For a white funky looking watch, I think stepping away from the traditional black and brown could be nice. So, I'd go for a colorful lizard. Good choice on tailoring the strap. 28mm is absolutely MASSIVE and probably cause problems bending your wrist if you wear it too far down by your Asian wrist.

flipstah
09-04-2012, 02:55 PM
Originally posted by ga16i
Damn it! I thought you updated this review to include a few long term considerations like battery life ;)

Anyway, regarding the new strap. Congrats on getting a bespoke strap. I haven't had bespoke anything in my life haha. I'd stay away from copper as that tarnishes and might cause your skin to change color. For a white funky looking watch, I think stepping away from the traditional black and brown could be nice. So, I'd go for a colorful lizard. Good choice on tailoring the strap. 28mm is absolutely MASSIVE and probably cause problems bending your wrist if you wear it too far down by your Asian wrist.

LOL battery life is still top-notch. :thumbsup:

By 'copper', I mean the copper color and not so much the material. I think it'll be plated or an alloy or something...

So far, brown is a contender. I'm thinking this brown:

http://www.eurocave.co.uk/skin/frontend/default/eurocave002/images/eurocave/leather/light_brown_ostrich-big.jpg