Today, I have a new model from the Roebuck Watch Company, the Diviso. The watch will debut on October 12 at the DC District Time Show and should be available for sale in November. [Update, January 8, 2020: It took a bit longer but the Diviso has officially launched.] For this review, I sampled a blue and orange prototype.
“Diviso” is Italian for “split,” a name that applies in more ways than one as the watch is split by a band of color, has an internal timing bezel to split timekeeping functions, and has a personality split between diving (the compressor-style case) and driving (the racing striped dial). However you interpret it, the Diviso is an attractive piece.
The Diviso’s stainless steel case measures 42mm wide, nearly 50mm long, and just about 12mm thick; proportions that are spot-on for a modern sports watch and a good fit, even on my smallish 6.75” wrist. Water resistance is 100m; right on target for a sports watch. A flat and anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal tops it off.
I was particularly pleased with the combination of finishes. A polished edge accents brushed recesses in the case sides. Signed, deeply sculpted crowns are matte finished with polished peaks on widely set ridges that make them a joy to grip and operate. The fixed bezel offers a lively contrast to the linear brushing on the tops of the lugs with both its polished edges and its glossy carbon fiber pattern insert. It is all just enough to keep it lively without veering into something too close to a dress watch.
Speaking of lively, the Diviso dial is a treat. Vertically scored ribs create fabulous reflections, creating movement and color changes as it catches the light. Polished markers and hands also contribute a share of sparkle, not in a blingy way, but more like a touch of chrome trim on a ‘60s muscle car. A flat center stripe bisects the dial. Roebuck will offer the watch in black/silver, green/gray, white/black, and the blue/orange shown here. All have the white inner bezel, which operates smoothly by way of the upper crown. BGW9 lume provides a bright glow when the lights go down.
The vast majority of motorsport themed watches are chronographs, but this three-hander leaves no doubt about its motorsport inspiration. Of course, carbon fiber is major clue. Any self-respecting gearhead will instantly associate the pale blue and bright orange color scheme with the fabled Gulf Oil racing livery. The bar markers and squared stick hands are attractive in and of themselves (especially the neat split tails on the hands) but more importantly, they highlight the large 12 centered on the stripe, making it look for all the world like a racing number. Roebuck’s stylish logo and logotype are attractive but the offset and vertically oriented “Automatic” running along the stripe really makes it for me. It’s a simple thing that makes perfect sense given the watch’s design brief and adds bags of charm. Finally, the second hand’s red tip and the shiny red triangle on the white internal bezel cap off the racing look, because as every car guy knows, a little red paint is good for at least 2-3 hp (perceived, that is).
Flipping the watch over, the watch drops its racing association, opting instead for an engraved illustration of the Round Rock water tower, a nod to Roebuck’s Texas home. Behind it, is a Miyota 9039 automatic, the no-date version of the smooth and solid 24 jewel, 28.8k bph 9015.
The final touch is a 22mm black leather strap stitched in gray for a muted look that ties to the carbon fiber accent. It is equipped with quick-release pins and tapers to a 20mm buckle.
I liked Roebuck’s original concept, the Alpha, but this one is leagues better in every way. From its use of color and texture to its sculpted case and crowns to its clever racing cues, the Diviso is a delight. The watch will sell for $600 directly from Roebuck. It is currently in production and should be ready to ship in early November. In the meantime, head over to RoebuckWatchCo.com to sign up for updates, and if you happen to be in Washington, DC, check them out in person at District Time by NTH Watches on October 12, 2019. ⬩
