If their Instagram page us to be believed, the guys at Nezumi Studios are usually very busy hooning around Stockholm on motorcycles or in Porsches. Every so often, they take a break to create a new affordable, vintage-inspired watch. I’m glad they do because it gives us gems like the Loews, a mid-sized, VK64 MechaQuartz chronograph. They gave me a panda-dial Ref. LQ1.101 and it didn’t take me long to fall under its spell.
The Loews borrows cues from several 1960’s chronographs and wears them quite well. It’s 40mm stainless steel case is polished with flat, brushed sides against which the polished crown and pushers pop. It wouldn’t be a Nezumi if it didn’t have bombé lugs and sure enough, they are present on the Loewes, highlighted by circular brushing on the inside, bright polishing on top, and horizontal brushing on the sides. From end-to-end, the watch measures only 47mm, making it an easy fit for most people and nearly ideal on my 6.5” wrist. The case itself is 11.75mm thick, 13mm including the domed sapphire (and AR-coated) crystal.
Caseback decoration is the same as other Nezumi models, featuring the company crest stamped in high relief. The watch is also signed on the buckle and crown. Water resistance is just 50m, but that is sufficient for most daily wear.
The dial is off-white, a slightly warm color close to eggshell and to my eye, preferable to than the yellower ivory that is sometimes used to create an antique look. It has a black printed index, a blue and red tachymetre scale, and applied polished baton markers; a subtle combination that enlivens the dial just enough without detracting. The black 60-minute and 24-hour registers are recessed below the main dial. Polished syringe hands, stout subdial indicators, and a spear-tipped sweep hand carrying a Nezumi “N” counterweight complete the package. It is a neatly balanced, thoughtfully detailed design.
Lume freaks will likely be disappointed. While the Loews has off-white SuperLuminova pips topping each of its markers, and a coating filling both hands and the sweep hand’s tip, there isn’t much and what is there fades rapidly.
Buyers may choose black or brown, minimally stitched, vegetable tanned, leather rally straps. Mine came on the brown one. It is unpadded, perforated, and tapers from 20mm to an 18mm polished buckle. It looks nice, but the leather is quite stiff. Still, it cuts a handsome figure with jeans or a tweed sport coat, and with its polished highlights and tastefully understated dial, the watch can be easily dressed up with more tailored strap and paired with a suit.
If you are looking for a retro-styled chronograph or just a good, all-around, everyday watch, this would be an excellent choice. The Loews is available for sale now for $365.23 for non-EU customers at NezumiStudios.com. ⬩
