Tourby Owner Review : Surprising, original and endearing

Tourby Watches is part of the galaxy of small German watchmakers who offer their different ranges with variable assembly-manufacturing mixes, and of course very different price levels. Tourby is best known across the Rhine and across the Atlantic, but much less so in France. This is a shame because, in addition to the systematic use of high-quality components - generally Swiss made - their range has become very wide at prices that remain acceptable given the level of customization possible. Each watch can indeed be customized by the customer on different aspects, depending on the model (choice of hands, case, movement finish, etc.). Tourby is particularly known in the United States for its pilot watches. My Tourby Argentum was born from the desire to have in my box a marine watch that stands out a little from the classics of Stowa, Dornblüth, etc. The Argentum owes its name to its typically Germanic grained dial. It has beautiful flame-blued hands (Bréguet type for me) and a dial design with extremely fine lettering. The movement is a Unitas 6498 improved by Tourby (specific ¾ plate, increased frequency and power reserve, ...) particularly well decorated. The case is massive (the Unitas 6498 is above all a pocket watch movement) but with specific horns and screwed pumps (with real screws). It is a very present watch, but in my opinion this is inherent to the marine chronometer inspiration. Tourby has since released a 40mm model with a more classic case. The watch comes in an original leather box, with a beautiful handmade strap completed with a signed folding clasp. It is not the watch I wear the most, but it is no less endearing for its originality (it is almost a unique piece) and its strong personality.