Most of the watches we get in for review here at The Time Bum are factory-fresh. Many have seen some use as the brand owner tests them out, swaps dials and straps, or otherwise tinkers with them. Others are press samples that are making the rounds through reviewers. The Heitis Okeanos Bronze, I received last week falls into that last category. It has been on a world tour and arrived in, shall we say, “well-loved” condition. You know what? It was awesome.
I like seeing the way things age, and the Heitis provided a prime display. The case had its share of bumps and scratches, the leather strap had been broken in, and the bronze had developed a rich patina. Once I had strapped it to my wrist, I didn’t want to take it off. Some things just click with you. You try them, and they feel like you’ve always had them around. This watch was like that.
No doubt, a significant part of this comfort factor was the case. Made from CuSn8 Bronze, it measures 42mm wide and 50mm long. The watch is 15mm thick from the case back to the top of the AR-coated sapphire crystal. It cuts a stout figure on the wrist, yet it never felt in any was clunky or oversized. I put this down to the steep downward curve of the lugs, beveled edge, and smooth bezel, all of which tend to trim visual fat from the design and create a softer feel all around that is echoed in the domed crystal and the whimsically named “Reese’s Cup” crowns.
Those crowns seem as if they were designed upside-down as they are wider at the base than the top, and the fluting is on the bottom edge. In use, there is no issue. At 6mm each, they are large enough to grab, and they operate perfectly smoothly. The upper one moves the inner bezel while the lower, screw-down crown sets the time. Both are signed.
Overlaying the rounded edges and soft forms is a mellow brown patina that highlights the coppery red in the areas it hasn’t reached. Oxidation is the best part of a bronze case, and I was fortunate to see how it formed on the Okeanos. Of course, no two patinas will be the same as a host of environmental factors play a role in its development, but I do like the way this one is developing. Along with the soft edges and curved forms, it just made me want to touch it.
Another factor making the Heitis feel like an old friend was the strap, a stout piece of straight-cut leather, 22mm wide with painted edges. (Buyers will get a canvas strap as well.) It arrived with a bit of give but still in fine shape. A pull-up effect lighted its deep brown color at the stress points, creating a slightly distressed character. I don’t generally think about the way my watch buckles function (if they secure the strap without drama, I’m good); however, the roller buckle on this watch made me pay attention. Like the buckles on some casual belts, a floating tube on the frame reduces friction against the strap, making the cinching process that much smoother. It’s a small thing, but immediately noticeable. Quick-release spring bars were another nice touch, and if that wasn’t enough convenience, the Heitis also features drilled lugs.
I’ve spent so much time waxing over the case and strap that you might think I was underwhelmed by the face, but this is not so. The Okeanos Bronze has a lovely dial and handset that is easily their best yet. The basic layout mirrors that of the earlier stainless steel Okeanos (although not much else; name aside, they are very different watches), including the squared-off primary numbers and bar markers.
On the white and black dials, they are applied and finished in polished rose gold. On the blue or bronze ombré dials, they are cut away. The Bronze model retrains the red, spear-tipped second hand from the steel model, but the gold hands are now sword-shaped. All color variations look great in daylight. They also shine bright at night thanks to a potent dose of C3 SuperLuminova.
On the back side, Heitis has graced the Okeanos Bronze with a stamped case back displaying a detailed anchor and rope image in high relief. Behind it lies a Seiko NH35 automatic, the sturdy darling of the microbrand world with its 24 jewels, Diashock protection, 21.6k bph sweep, and 41-hour power reserve.
After a couple of weeks, the Heitis Okeanos Bronze is ready to head home, but while it was here, it became my go-to weekend watch, accompanying me to kids’ birthday parties, adult cocktail parties, two fall festivals, and my pilgrimage to New York City for the Wind-up and Watch Time shows. I now bid farewell to my faithful friend, but if you would like to order a friendly Heitis of your own, head over to HeitisWatch.com and sign up for updates. The Okeanos Bronze will sell for $459 and is in production now with anticipated delivery in January 2020. ⬩
