Serica Watches exploded onto the scene back in 2019, with a refreshing take on the classic field watch that immediately caught the eyes of collectors and enthusiasts alike. This year, the French-founded brand has released its most ambitious timepiece to date with the debut of the Serica 8315 GMT Chronomètre, a creative interpretation of the classic GMT complication that is sure to leave those with an eye for detail impressed.
One of the best things to have come out of the watch industry over the last half-decade is the rise of collector-focused independent brands, with the likes of Serica, Baltic and Furlan Marri leading the charge to create relatively affordable and thoughtfully designed watches. Over its short journey so far, Serica has released a number of different references that are linked by their relentless attention to detail, empathetic approach to design and sturdily finished product, earning the brand a legion of fans around the world.
With the Serica 8315 GMT Chronomètre, those elements are exactly what we get. Some watch enthusiasts might consider the Rolex GMT Master an archetypal design that all other GMT watches reference, but the 8315 is evidence that other visions of travel watch design are not only possible, but necessary for our beloved and anachronistic industry to thrive.
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Featuring a 39mm steel case that stands 12.3mm tall on the wrist, the 8315 features the same twisted lugs we saw on the previous Serica 5303 dive watch. These lovely details are emphasised by the contrast between the brushed and polished surfaces of the case, which also features an oversized screw-down crown and solid caseback to guarantee the watch 200m of water resistance.
As with all Serica watches, the dial is a study in sparseness, featuring very minimal text to allow it to do its job of clearly communicating the time, with an arrow-shaped hour hand and distinct brown lollipop GMT hand. The bezel is perhaps where Serica offers its strongest statement of difference, executed in contrasting asymmetric black and white ceramic with ante meridiem and post meridiem text to communicate the “transition between day and night is progressive and never happens twice at the same time.”
Powering the Serica 8315 GMT Chronomètre is the chronometer-certified Soprod C125 automatic, which marks a step up for Serica in the accuracy of the movements it uses. Offering 40 hours of power reserve, the movement has been tested in seven positions for five consecutive days before it is assembled into the case, ensuring the best possible accuracy as you travel across time zones.
This latest launch from Serica might be its best to date, not only refining its design language even further but also delivering its take on the most practical complication in watchmaking. With deliveries expected to begin in January 2023, the Serica 8315 GMT Chronomètre arrives with an RRP of €1,575 (AU$2,458).
