Swiss Watch Co. Bunker

Readers of the site will be no stranger to Swiss Watch Co. watches. We’ve reviewed their Diver and Sport models, and were impressed on both occasions. The brand–which is actually based in the wilds of Nevada–prides itself on high quality timepieces at an affordable price. Sound familiar? That’s because it’s the mantra of every microbrand out there. But the difference is that SWC actually delivers on both. Owned and operated by the affable Roemer family and benefitting from decades of experience and connections within the Swiss watch industry, SWC turns that trite mantra into the tangible with engaging, interesting designs that further set the brand apart from other microbrands.

The Bunker is their latest model and has the brand venturing into the very crowded pool of field watches. With a titanium case, SWC’s blindingly bright lume, and a Swiss movement, it aims to make a splash.

The SWC Bunker greets you with exceptional legibility, a matte dial and a matte case, and a well-matched brown leather strap. At a glance, the only sticking point for me was the cutout date. And I wondered when I’d get to see blue in the blue/grey dial option I had for review.

Oh. There it is! It’s a very subtle blue, but it’s there when you get the light right. And don’t ever tell me you can’t dress up a field watch. Especially a field watch that wears like the SWC Bunker–low to the wrist with smooth lines. One of the great things about the Bunker is how it flawlessly combines its utilitarian aspects with a clean and elegant case. The watch is undeniably beautiful, which is not a common trait of field watches.

The edges on the Bunker are sharp but look at the subtle bevel on the lug. It’s barely there, but lets the lug play with the light. The softness of titanium can yield amazing results in the right hands. But SWC has made sure it’s not too soft: the case is specially coated to provide additional hardness and durability.

Titanium #2. Hehe.

Have I mentioned I love how this case plays with light? And did I find a perfect strap pairing or what? As I’ve mentioned in other reviews, my supply of 22mm straps is somewhat limited, so matching this so perfectly was a joyous event. Here’s perhaps an obvious strap pairing tip: Find a secondary color in the dial (in this case orange-ish), and pair your strap with that. You’re welcome.

There have been comments made to me about the brand name as it appears on the dial. Maybe it’s too generic. Maybe it’s too much to have on a dial with the logo. I don’t know. But I don’t really mind it. On a field watch with all its markings (the usual plus 24-hour track and minutes on the periphery), it kind of just blends in.

If you’re familiar with SWC, you’re familiar with their lume. It’s always exceptional. Here, it’s again applied in 20 layers. And did you see in the spec sheet that they use BLW10? What is that mysterious alphanumeric designation? It’s identical to the more common BGW9 except it’s a higher quality (X1), as BGW9 is not available at such a grade. And it’s typically locked down for Swatch brand use only. Unless, of course, you have connections like the guys at SWC.

Achilles heel. Not even a beveled edge or a line around the window. Nothing. Just a harsh rectangle with harsh edges. At least the positioning of the date window–directly in place of the ’18’ hour–is inoffensive.

Above, please find Exhibits A and B: The SWC Nylon Velcro strap, front and back. Elastic and soft, these exclusive straps loop through the lugs without passing under the watch, meaning you don’t get the added height that a NATO strap gives you. Even if you don’t get the watch, I’d urge you to grab a few of these straps, as they’re only $10 (though also only available in 22mm). In fact, the watch combined with the nylon Velcro strap is so comfortable, I wore it to bed on two separate occasions–and I never wear my watches to bed.

Sure, this is a case shot and maybe belongs up with the other case shots, but it’s actually more about the stock strap. Look just below the left side of the case, in each photo. The first shot is with the quick-release SWC leather strap on, the second with a hadley. strap. See that extra space between the case and my wrist? And how the case seems to shift up (to the left)? That’s what happens when a strap is too stiff or too thick. The SWC strap is both, and for me, that means I’m never going to wear it. No strap should require you to forcibly break it in through daily wear over who knows how many weeks.

There is good news though: the case allows for all manner of straps from thin dress straps to NATOs to thicker (pliable) leather. And even better, SWC is working on a matching titanium bracelet, to be released sometime in the next few months (and reasonably priced, to boot).

The SWC Bunker stands out both within the brand’s lineup and amongst the competition. It’s arguably the most aesthetically accessible of the brand’s watches, demonstrating a bit more restraint in its design. At the same time, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better field watch for the price. I dare say it is the best field watch I’ve ever encountered, with its combination of design, durability, wearability, and value.

SWC has once again impressed, leaving me to eagerly await their next model. If you’re similarly wowed, or even just a little interested, you can check out the SWC Bunker for yourself at the website. And don’t worry if the Bunker you want is sold out (they all are right now): the brand has another batch coming in April.⬩