Nine Four Culture Chronograph 2

Do you remember the last time you were running out the door, perhaps to a happy hour, and wanted to wear a “nice” watch but didn’t have time to set it?  Me too.  Almost every day.  Well, our watch-making friends from Milwaukee just may have an answer.  Traditionally known for cheese, beer, and Vince Lombardi — Wisconsin now offers a fresh crop of homespun watch brands vying for “Milwaukee’s best.”

This summer, Milwaukee’s Nine Four Watches released its latest model, the Culture Chronograph 2, with an intriguing MechaQuartz movement, an attractive dial, and distinctive overall styling that made me remember just how pleasant a good grab-n-go quartz watch can be.  Let’s talk about why.

This upgraded chronograph line comes in four colorways paying tribute to the near-East.  The two models reviewed here, Midnight Sky and Desert Sand, were not officially dubbed as an “Arabian Nights” paring — but the sky & sand imagery combined with calligraphy numerals made for a natural connection.  That evocative design creates this model’s signature look, so it’s worth exploring in some detail before going through the standard specs.

First, let’s set some definitions about “Arabic numerals.”  In the watch world, in mathematics, really in most common nomenclature — we use Arabic numerals to refer to the digits 0-10.  This stands in contrast to Roman numerals that nowadays are employed for a classic aesthetic in watch or clock faces (check out that four), in agenda setting, and for dramatic flair in Super Bowl titles.

Whether we’re fully aware of the history, most of the modern world uses these early Arabic mathematicians’ devices in an assumed and ubiquitous manner, perhaps forgetting that someone, somewhere once had to invent them.  And we should recognize these intellectual pioneers of the Islamic Golden Age — paying respect to what Neil deGrasse Tyson calls “naming rights” — for their enduring scientific contributions.  By the way, they named most our stars too.

Ok, so if 0-10 are the Arabic numerals, what do we call the numbers on this dial?  Well, they’re most often known as Eastern Arabic, or Arabic-Hindu, numerals. They likewise trace their origins to the Islamic Golden Age and in contemporary use accompany the Arabic alphabet (though some YouTubers have taken to calling them Modern Arabic, an interesting label for a system dating back to the 8th century).

This distinction proves useful to decipher the new Nine Four logo: which employs Arabic numerals 9 and 4 combined with Latin alphabet n and f; all melded into stylized calligraphy more reminiscent of Eastern Arabic font.  Small world.

Next, we turn to the Seiko VK64 MechaQuartz movement with a few specific features.  Now the timing second hand still sits in its traditional central location at the ready at 12 o’clock, and the timing minute hand is familiar enough on the 9 o’clock sub-dial.  But the 3 o’clock sub-dial gives you a 24-hour indicator (no timing hour hand) which also means there is no real-time second hand.  And sure, you don’t necessarily need that reassuring second hand tick on a quartz watch, but be aware of a few double takes during that first week on the wrist.

 

Ok, with all these design influences in mind, let’s take a look a the actual watch.  The stainless steel case comes in comfortable dimensions: 20 mm wide and 48 mm lug to lug.  Two pushers control the chronograph in typical fly-back fashion, and the non-screw-down crown provides 10 ATM water-resistance; pretty standard for a chronograph.  On the Midnight Sky model, you can see the applied indices get slightly obscured in some lighting, but the lumed pips remain legible at all angles.

With a gentle tilt, those silver-toned indices catch the light, as do iridescent specs on the dial, both contributing to the “Arabian nights” motif.  These are viewed through a domed sapphire crystal that bumps the height to a manageable 14 mm profile.

The mechanical chronograph sweeps as expected and registers time elapsed on the 60-minute 9 o’clock sub-dial.  Each hashmark denotes 5 minutes — something you need to remember unless you’re well versed in Eastern Arabic numerals.  Worn here at EPCOT in Disney World, this chronograph added an amusing way to pass the time waiting in line (and the dial even hinted at a hidden Mickey).

One of those rides, Test Track, provided a perfect opportunity to show off the real-world lume.  Even in low light, the pips, minute, and hour hands shine their C3 SuperLuminova quite legibly.  And that above-average rally strap felt right at home on a speed-racer cruise.

Shifting to the Desert Sand model, my personal preference, you get a high-contrast dial with enhanced legibility to truly appreciate the artistry of the applied Eastern Arabic numerals.  The coarse, grainy dial texture recalls an oasis trek — and you can track your progress across the dunes with the rehaut tachymeter (again, testing your knowledge of higher-order numerals).

In fact, it’s worth mentioning that the Culture Chronograph fully commits to the Eastern Arabic numbering.  If you’re selecting this watch for that feature, you get fine attention to detail as they appear on the hour indices, sunken sub-dials, tachymeter, and even the water-resistance label ١٠٠ M for 100 meters.

Turning to the back, you see the new Nine Four stylized calligraphy logo in a larger font and can appreciate the quick-release leather rally strap — a sneaky-good accessory for added value.

For those seeking a no-hassle, dressy quartz watch, they can grab hustling out the door or take on vacation for durable wear — you get that, a chronograph, a 24-hour reserve, and a bit of starry night whimsy or oasis revelry.  And if you personally prefer the Eastern Arabic numerals and their cultural motif or just want a slightly different look, you’ll have plenty to appreciate in those less hectic wrist checks.

The Nine Four Culture Chronograph 2 is currently available at ninefourwatches.com for $225-230.