Serica 4512 Owner Review : Racy, balanced and modern

The Serica 4512 Commando or how to make a "field watch" exciting! This is a discreet and efficient watch but one that does not lack character. Its case is simply brushed but its large bezel - brushed vertically and with a polished chamfer - gives presence to this watch with very contained dimensions (diameter: 38 mm and horn-to-horn: 46 mm). Simple, contrasting and symmetrical, its deep black dial is a success. I particularly appreciate the typology adopted, the elongation of the markers at each hour and the deformation created by the sapphire crystal. A fan of "broad arrow" hands, those of this Serica are brushed and generously filled with Luminova ensuring optimal reading whatever the light. The manual Soprod P24 mechanism that powers this watch is a model of precision. The generously sized screw-down crown ensures pleasant winding and contributes to the water resistance of the watch announced at 200m. I naturally associate this 4512 with NATOs but its original bonklip-type strap is very comfortable and allows for a change from the military register. What is the little detail that I prefer on this watch? Its bezel certainly contributes to the charm of this piece but what I prefer is this magical moment when the sharp minute hand is superimposed on the hour hand, the whole thing then takes the shape of a fighter plane that systematically makes me dream (see the photo)! In 2023, Rambo would surely go on a mission with a G-Shock but it would not have the charm of this 4512 Commando!