How many integrated sports watches are on the market? A lot, really a lot. But in addition to the mainstream brands, each of which offers their own attitude to the concept with the rolex with the rural dweller, IWC with the engineer, Tissot with the PRX, to name just-is there no space for more niche, individual models? Of course, as we have seen with many independent watchmakers who bring their own vision for the luxury sports clock concept. However, there must be something else, something unique in the design or in the functions that distract your eye from the simple decisions mentioned above. This is what Löbner has to do with a recently revived brand based in Munich, which was founded in 1862, with its latest clock, the sled, a time development of his opening model, the Steelracer Chronograph.
The Steelracer, which marked the return of the brand at the end of 2023
What is Löbner? As we discovered during our conversation with Emmanuel Dietrich, Managing Partner of the Brand, this watchmaker did not get out of the blue, although it was recently restarted. The modern side of the brand is a typical case of German luxury and engineering and recognizes an old German clock factory, which was founded in 1862 by Franz Ludwig Löbner. The company specialized in the production of portable short-term measurement time owners. Löbner pieces measured the time at the Olympic Games and coordinated several world records in motorsport. Therefore, the return of the brand was marked by the introduction of the Steelracer Chronograph, an allusion to the time in which the brand specializes in short time measurements and an unusual display and a contemporary, integrated design contains some remarkable tricks and a real feeling of detail.
Now, about a year and a half after his return, Löbner presents his second clock collection, a variation of the design, which is first presented with the chronograph and which is now adapted to a slimmer time-after watch. But as we will determine, the Löbner Sledge automatic is not just a case with a three-hand display. There is more than the eye. At first glance, this new collection of 8 references is based on the classic ingredients of the genre, starting with a dug-up, angular tonneau-shaped case. It is slimmer than the steel racer, mainly due to the lack of a graded bezel, but also thanks to newly defined proportions. The inspiration and design are identical and are nevertheless presented in a clean, somewhat more reserved and more accessible manner.
The automatic Löbner Sledge is a beautifully proportioned watch with a diameter of 40.5 mm with a relatively thin housing of 9.8 mm. It is not the slimest clock in the category, but everything below 10 mm is already pleasant on the wrist. One of the advantages of integrated designs is the compactness of the case. Its length is 41.8 mm (excluding the protruding connection), which means that this time model on the wrist is conjured up. It may seem a bit wide, but once it is slapped on the wrist, it feels like at home. You will also quickly find that the fit and finish are high and compete with some of the established luxury clock makers. It is neat, firm, full of details, and the watch is not too heavy (145 g on a steel bracelet, 115 g at the rubber belt).
Two functions give this watch a unique personality. First, the right side of the case is a patented slider for crown protection in accordance with the chronograph, which gave this collection its name. The Sledge device adds a tactile connection to the watch with a satisfactory action. Push it with an undeniable feeling of German luxury (sharp, mechanical understanding) and shows a classic push pull crown. There is another interesting feature that does not reveal its nature immediately. Some of interest technical data is waterproof at 100 m and has a sapphire crystal side and a firm steel back.
Instead of having an external rotating bezel that inevitably breaks the bond of the design, Löbner has decided to have a second trick, another homage to short -term measurements of the past. As you can see, the dial consists of two elements with an increased minute flange. The latter can actually absorb time intervals on a 60-minute basis, such as a diving guard of the rotating, slightly corrugated bezel. There is no additional crown that would find it on a compressor -like watch, but a clean, unidirectional bezel that remains almost invisible to the carrier. This also guarantees the water resistance of the watch thanks to a mechanism with the name “Inner Circle Lock” the brand even claims that it is “the first mechanical wristwatch that has a mechanism for setting the tiny scale on the dial with a lens rotating in clockwise, which can be set to the minute, and waterproof at 10 ATM.” Be confirmed …
As far as the dial is concerned, this new Löbner-Sledge-automatic Sledge is for a clean, not dated display. In addition to the step layout with a rotating inner bezel for the minutes, the sled is also equipped with a clean dial design, which is almost industrial in its approach. All models are available in black, blue, dark green or silver-native effect and, thanks to the golden hands, have a sun-push effect and a touch of warmth.
The caliber Löbner 6717, which is based on the La Joux-Perret G101, is located under the firm solid back. This automatic movement offers a solid power reserve of 68 hours and is regulated within chronometric standards at -4/+6 seconds per day. The fine setting and assembly of the watches is carried out in Germany. The collection, which is available in four colors, also contains options for an integrated steel strap or a rubber belt in black, blue or green. Both are closed by a butterfly sticker closure, but a fast system is missing.
The Löbner Sledge Automatic is available exclusively via Bucherer -Stores and costs a price 8,600 EUR On a rubber belt and 9,600 EUR On a bracelet. It is certainly not in the accessible market segment; However, the overall quality of the watch is undeniable, as is the uniqueness of its design and characteristics. The total version is certainly higher than many and it deserves to be seen in the metal. Sometimes we have to think outside the box and look elsewhere. The industry has more to offer than its 50 usual suspects … more details at lbnr.com.
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