Just in time for Christmas, a minor (yet still with a long history of making fine wristwatches) brand that specializes in fashion and designer timepieces has presented its new Alfex Truly Gorgeous Quartz (Ref. 5661.755) adorned with Swarovski crystals. Although, when it comes to decorating timekeepers with precious (or just precious-looking) stones, most brands tend to start with the body, Alfex (quite wisely) decided to limit the use of the crystals to the comfortable-looking, multi-piece bracelet.
Overall Impression
The watch itself is not particularly notable from the horological point of view: it is powered by a simple Swiss Made quartz movement from Ronda, which is neatly packed into a square case made of plain stainless steel.
By the looks of it, it is mostly a bracelet that is also capable of displaying the time when there is enough light. Measuring less than an inch wide, the timekeeper draws just the right amount of attention its owner would probably want: it’s not too flashy, even despite dozens of Swarovski crystals on the bracelet and the dial, and not too nondescript, even despite the choice of external finish for the case.
The Bracelet
However, what drew my attention to this model is its flexible three-string metal bracelet that plays well with the square-shaped body.
Frankly speaking, I do not pay much attention to the world of watches designed for ladies and there is a good chance that this kind of bracelet was used by other manufacturers, but I still find this piece of work truly magnificent. Or maybe even Truly Gorgeous as the brand prefers to call its new product.
As you can see, each of the numerous modules of the bracelet is decorated with Swarovski crystals. Besides looking both extremely cool and, if that matters to you, a lot more expensive than it is, the bracelet will better fit a normal wrist, although I have some doubts about how easy it would be to adjust if the shape and diameter of your wrist seriously deviate from, um, industry standards.
The same crystals adorn the white mother-of-pearl dial serving as hour indexes. While in some cases the use of the stones makes a watch (or another piece of jewelry) look sort of cheap, this particular model looks gorgeous. There is something in the way the shining, square-shaped crystals play with the matte-finished steel of the case and elements of the bracelet.
The Ergonomics
My only complaint here is the shape of the setting crown.
Being rather small and sporting a smooth surface, the crown may make setting the correct time not particularly comfortable. My wife, for example, has the same problem with her Mondaine watch that sports virtually the same setting crown and, too, makes the seemingly simple task of setting time and calendar an unpleasant chore.
Well, at least the movement is precise enough to only require correction once or twice a year (and that can be easily put off to semiannual changes between summer and daylight saving time) and the lack of a calendar in this particular instance is almost like bliss.
See also: Hermes Cape Cod Tonneau Bleu de Malte
WWR Verdict
Originality 4.5/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Versatility: 4/5
Usability: 3.5/5
Overall Legibility: 3.5/5
Nighttime Legibility: 1/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
Photos: Alfex
Alfex Truly Gorgeous 5661.755 specification
Movement: Ronda, quartz, Swiss Made
Functions: Hours, minutes
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Square
Dimensions: 18.30 x 19.10 mm
Case height: 7.20 mm
Dial: White mother-of-pearl
Hands: Steel
Water resistance: 30 meters
Strap: Three-string metal bracelet adorned with Swarovski crystals
Crystal: Mineral
Back: Solid