Specifications
Movement: Ronda Z60
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Lug to Lug: 49.5
Case Thickness: 13.9 mm
Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel with IP Coating | Push-Down Crown with LIV Logo
Dial: Multi-Layer | Concave Stadium-Style Sandwich | Steel Baton Hands | BGW9 Luminescence
Crystal: Curved Sapphire | Anti-Reflective Coating
Strap: Ballistic Nylon NATO | Blue/Blue | IP Coated Buckle and Tang | IP Coated Stays
Water Resistance: 10ATM | 100M | 330ft
Functions | Complications: Hours | Minutes | Seconds | Date @ 4 o'clock | Day Sub Dial | 30 Minute Sub Dial | Seconds Sub Dial |
Movement
Created by RONDA AG, Lausen/Switzerland, March 19, 2015
The Swiss watch manufacturer launches a second chronograph featuring a top price-performance ratio. Two years after the introduction of the extremely attractively priced Ronda Xtratech chrono Z60 the product line is growing and boasts a further addition. Neat and simple looking, the Z50 meets the trend for watches with stop functions and multi-design features. Given the well-balanced positioning of both eyes on the dial, the brand manufacturer has plenty of space for individual design.
The catch phrase “Less is more” describes the new Z50 aptly and to the point: the 13¼‘‘‘ caliber of 30.00 mm diameter features - in addition to the center stop second - a 30-minute counter, a small second and a date indicator.
The nickel-plated Swiss Made quartz movement will be market launched
in autumn 2015.
Its predecessor, the Z60 with its classic 3-eye look, is different in that the model offers a day indicator as an additional feature. The movement has also been available as a Swiss Parts version since the beginning of the year. Purposely leaving out any further extras adding to watch expense, the Xtratech line is primarily in demand for watches in the fashion area and for sport watches.
Dial & Design
The Rebel-DDC Cobalt Blue has a very uniquely designed stadium shaped dial. There is a concaved ring that starts at the bezel and lens and goes all the way down to the multi-layer sandwich dial, the dial is host a multi-textured cobalt blue face. There are three black sub dials, the day of the week sub dial is located at the 9 o'clock location, the seconds sub dial is located at the 3 o'clock location and finally the 30 minute counter sub dial is located at the 6 o'clock location. The date is located at the 4 o'clock location, and the date window is outlined in a white frame - this makes it easy to locate the date at a glance. The steel baton-shaped minute and hour hands have the Swiss BGW9 luminescence along with the indices - the attention grabbing second hand is coated in a bright orange - and it cannot be missed against the cobalt blue dial face.
Case & Details
The LIV Rebel-DDC case is finished with a IP Black satin finished coating made of 316L stainless steel. The case is topped with a curved sapphire lens with an anti-reflective coating, the lens is very unique, and the curve is noticeable - although it does not affect the readability of the timepiece. The caseback is also finished in an IP Black coating and had a uniquely engineered shape that makes it very comfortable on the wrist. The crown is also finished in the IP Black, has an orange polished metal strip in the center of the crowns grips, and is finished with the LIV logo inlay on the top - the crown is surrounded by the chronograph start/stop/lap buttons, they have the orange highlights that add to the attention grabbing aesthetics of this beautiful timepiece.
On The Wrist Experience
It seems like the general consensus on square watches - "They look uncomfortable" or "How does that feel on your wrist?". I can tell you, if you want to try out the shape - the LIV Rebel-DDC will change your mind. This is a definite conversation starter, the contrast of the cobalt blue with the IP Coated black case (don't forget the orange second and sub dial hands), will grab attention everywhere you go. I have worn this while traveling, and this timepiece has grabbed the attention of complete strangers - they wanted to know what it was and where could they get one. I have no problem taking about LIV Watches - I have had the greatest experiences with the LIV team - so it makes it really easy to talk about.
As for the wearability of the Rebel-DDC, this is a great dress watch, in my case I have the NATO band that is Blue & Blue - it is really nice to wear with dress shirts, as long as it is coordinated with colors. It does not catch the cuff of the shirt or sports jacket, this is a nice relief - many of the watches in my collection are very large and catch on the cuffs of even my hoodies. This can also be worn with shorts and a hoodie, takes nothing away from the Rebel-DDC - it even makes the shorts and hoodie look elevated.
Sales & Customer Service Experience
If you are just starting in collecting watches, LIV needs to be one of the first companies that you have interactions with, period. The experience that you have with the LIV Team is better than I have had with some of the mainstream luxury brands, in fact the experience that you have with LIV should set the bar for all watch makers no matter the price point. Customer service with the LIV team starts with the purchase, and it never stops from that point forward. I have received constant communication during the order processing, shipping, and post shipping stages of my purchase. I received emails about the use and care of my LIV Rebel DDC Chronograph immediately after it was delivered. I am already a member of the LIV Owners group, so there was no invite to the owners group on social media. The LIV Owners Group is a place where other LIV owners share the same satisfaction of the timepieces and the experience that is provided by the LIV team.
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
If you are in search of a versatile, high quality, unique timepiece - look no further than the LIV Rebel Series (AR and DDC). If you only want one watch - this is it, you will not need another one - unless you plan on diving or using it while performing watersports that push past the Rebels intended use. LIV is by far one of the main reasons that I support boutique watchmakers, they care that you are their customer - and they show it with their timepieces, their customer service, and the care and communication with owners. If you get the opportunity to purchase a LIV timepiece, I can guarantee you will not be disappointed - I haven't been, in fact I have other LIV timepieces in my collection and will be adding more.
Scores 5 out of 5 Stars
MSRP: 390.00 USD