MarkR's Blog

Today's watch is one of my favourites: A Benarus Moray, series 3, with black sunbrushed dial and sand blasted case, on brown leather strap. I find I can stare at this watch a lot... there is something very satisfying, very aesthetically pleasing, about it's size and design. Benarus seem to have got it just right in my opinion.

The bezel is very easy to grip and is spot on the 12 marker in its defualt position. The bezel action is a sharp, loud, quite harsh click. I rather suspect that some people would find it too harsh but for my hands and ears this is just right: It is clean and certain, with no chance of accidentally moving the bezel.

Unlike most of my watches, I bought this new from Benarus. Despite the expensive shipping and the pain of import VAT (I was in fact overcharged by the Border Agency and was able to successfully reclaim the overpayment), I don't regret buying this watch new. The only thing I feel is missing is a metal bracelet. Only the first series of Morays was supplied with a metal bracelet (as well as leather and if I remember correctly rubber straps) and I feel that the package would really benefit from a metal bracelet with fitted end pieces. I'm not sure why Benarus no longer supplies a bracelet for the Moray but it admittedly does keep the cost down.

The movement in this is the Miyota 9015 (so we've got hacking and handwinding). Some people complain about rotor noise from the 9015 but it's only audible with the watch right next to your ear. The crown on this is nice and chunky and screws down well.

I'll be returning to Benarus to buy more of their watches in due course. A Megalodon would fit in nicely with my collection.

Now for some pics with specs below.












Specs:

• Model: Benarus Moray Series 3, black sunbrished dial, sand blasted stainless steel case, from 2011.
• Movement: Automatic Miyota 9015, hacking and handwinding.
• Hours, minutes, seconds, date.
• Screw down crown.
• Excellent lume on all three hands, bezel pip, and hour markers.
• Water resistance: 1000m
• Slightly domed sapphire crystal.
• Screw down case back, HEV on left side of case.
• On leather Benarus strap pre-V style Benarus-signed buckle. Also supplied with Benarus rubber strap.
• Diameter (excluding crown): 44.5mm
• Diameter (including crown): 48mm
• Height: 16mm
• Lug-to-lug length: 53.3mm
• Lug width: 24mm
• Weight (on strap): 159g