The History of Serica
SERICA was established in 2019 with the straightforward goal of designing unique timepieces that are both robust and elegant. Watches we would be comfortable wearing wherever life takes us. As founder Jérome Burgert said, they “found it increasingly difficult to find a proper daily mechanical watch”. Serica watches are on a mission to embody timepieces that stand the test of time both in its design and performance. “A watch that could travel to the edge of the world if needed.”
A group of watch collectors and journalists started the Serica brand, which has its headquarters in Paris, France. As an early ambassador, they also claim the well-known Matt Hranek (author of “A Man & His Watch”) among their number. The group is also behind Joseph Bonnie, who makes the straps, and provided the Bonklip bracelet used on the 4512 models – more on this later.
The Origin of The SERICA Name
SERICA is the name of a remote province that was previously renowned as the best trade stop along the famous and dangerous Silk Road: “the end of the world” as it was known to the great explorers of the 14th century. People who lived there were Europeans, most likely ancient Roman legionnaires’ descendants.
Why We Like It: A Special Aspect of Serica
Serica watches are known for their monochromatic color scheme and clean, not overcrowded dial design. Serica has shown that their watches are simple to wear and effortlessly match any uniform. They are truly great everyday companions, just as the brand’s goal stated.
Where Are Serica Watches Made?
These timepieces’ mechanical caliber and the team that created the technical drawings to make sure everything functions as planned are both Swiss-made. It doesn’t necessarily imply that each and every component utilized in this watch was produced in the Swiss Alps.
Serica Watch Movements
SERICA is using Swiss mechanical movements, provided by SOPROD. The SOPROD movement is relatively new and it’s an exciting Swiss automatic movement alternative (the most often used Swiss automatic movement is ETA and Sellita). The movement provides approximately 40 hours of power reserve.
Takeaway: Are Serica Watches Good Watches?
We can confidently say that Serica is an absolute gem. Their watches check all the boxes. We can say nothing but great things about their quality, the new and reliable movement they’re using, and their design. Founder Jerome Burgert has built his brand on a combination of vintage styling and a great focus on technical details.
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Shopping Guide: Serica Watch Collections
Serica 4512 Field Watch
The 4512 is special for a few reasons. To begin with, this watch is based on a WWII-era design, which serves as the model for the contemporary version. This Serica 4512 has undergone considerable evolution to reach where it is now; it does not feel like a simple retro watch.
The Serica 4512 shines with its ideal proportions that works perfectly for most wrists. It measures 37.7mm in diameter for the Goldie-lock case, 46mm from lug to lug, and just under 12mm in height. The general design of the watch head hits the ideal balance between the dial opening and the fixed brushed bezel, ensuring that the watch fits and seems true to size. It is neither too little nor too huge, and it looks fantastic.
Serica 5303 Dive Watch
Serica dipped their toes into more complex waters in terms of everything from the finishing to the bracelet rather than attempting to create a comparable simplified diver or even turning the 4512 into a diver. Yet, as stated in the opening line, what actually distinguishes it and “justifies” its existence is the way in which it manages to be both athletic and elegant, as a mid-century diver should be, achieving a completely unique design. It combines the classic look of a dive watch with an additional focus on functionality.
Speaking of functionality, you can choose from left and right handed options on Serica’s site. Even though these timepieces can be called “vintage inspired dive watches”, the Serica 5303 is much more than that. The mesh bracelet is a surprising choice, but it adds to the uniqueness of the 5303 watches and we loved this twist from the first moment we saw these timepieces.
Serica 8315 GMT Chronometre
Serica delivers again when it comes to an unexpected very pleasant surprise. The Serica 8315 stands out thanks to a few high-end accents and minor design elements. The bezel’s structure, which was made from a single ceramic block and has a polished finish, is something that tells us Serica (once again) is not going with the easiest solutions to produce their watches. The dial is characterized as “black enameled”, Serica has added a playful touch by giving the GMT hand a lollipop tip.
Similar to the 5303, the 8315 has a stainless steel casing that is 200m water resistant. It has a diameter of 39mm, a lug to lug length of 46.5mm, a thickness of 12.3mm, and lug spacing of 20mm. A Soprod C125 automatic movement with chronometer certification powers the watch, which provides a 40-hour power reserve.
