Akribos XXIV Men’s Chronograph Watch Review: Stylish Budget Chronograph

Akribos XXIV, despite having a Greek name, is a US-based watch manufacturer. They follow the same ideology and industry principles of Invicta, Stührling, and Fossil, the other well-known US-based brands.

In recent years, the American watch industry has been creating a different niche market. They understand that the Swiss watch industry is much superior, and they can’t compete with a market that has been going on for centuries. Rather, they focused on a different market – the pre-mid-range watch market.  

What does that mean?

It means that if you have around $100 in your pocket, Akribos XXIV could be a great option for you.

The Brooklyn-based watch manufacturer has a wide-variety of watches in their collection. We would talk particularly talk about Akribos XXIV AK1072 – a chronograph watch that has stunned the crowd!

Before we begin, I should clear up some of the misconceptions around the brand.

Let’s start!

Is Akribos XXIV A Good Watch?

Akribos XXIV

Whenever we glance at a decent looking watch with a sub-hundred-dollar price tag, we question the quality of that watch.

It’s quite understandable!

I mean, we are used to seeing ten thousand dollar Rolexes. In comparison to that, even a watch that costs a few hundred dollars seem very cheap.

But you need to understand that the reputation of the top-tier Swiss brands plays a huge role here. Plus, none can question the craftsmanship of the Swiss watches.

At the same time, American watch brands rely on the Chinese manufacturing force to cut-down the cost.

So, why is Akribos XXIV cheap?

Exactly because of the same reasons!

They rely on the Chinese manufacturing plants for assembly. Akribos XXIV uses both Swiss and Japanese parts in their watches. After sourcing the major components from different foreign suppliers, they assemble the watches in China.

Due to this strategic decision, they can keep the price so low.

However, there is an exception here. Some of their watches have “Swiss Made” tag. These prime watches are actually made in Switzerland.

I hope that gives the answer to where is Akribos XXIV made.

Stührling Original watches almost follow the same strategies to lower the price. It’s because Stührling and Akribos XXIV comes from the same parent company.

Things to Consider Before Buying A Watch

Buying A Akribos XXIV AK1072 Watch

If you are completely new to the idea of buying a watch, I have some crucial tips that can help you. You might wonder what the critical parameters that you should focus on are.

First of all, you need to know about the “movement” of the watch. You need to consider two things here –

  • Watch Movement Type (Quartz, Mechanical, Or Automatic)
  • Manufacturer of The Movement

It might surprise you but, in most cases, the watch manufacturer doesn’t go for in-house movement.

For example, Akribos XXIV AK1072 sources the movement from Seiko. Similarly, many manufacturers buy Swiss movement from ETA or Sellita to get the desirable Swiss watch tag!

Apart from the movement, you should focus on the building material also.

Finally, you should obviously prioritize the looks and design. After all, your watch will define your personality!

Features & Benefits of Akribos XXIV AK1072

Finally, we are on the main point!

What are the core features of Akribos XXIV AK1072? What do I like about it and why?

Let’s not waste any more words and jump straight on the point –

Movement

Movement

Like I said, movement is the most important part of a wristwatch. The functionality and the design and even features are dependent on the choice of movement.

Akribos XXIV AK1072 has used the TMI-VD56 movement here. It’s a genuine movement from Seiko, to be more precise, Seiko Hattori.

It’s a quartz movement that has chronograph sub-dials. Three sub-dials show the 1/10 second, 1 second, and 60-minute timers. Also, there’s a fourth sub-dial to display the 24-hour time.

In terms of quality, I would give TMI-VD56 seven out of ten. It’s a dependable watch movement with a decent accuracy. There are no official data regarding the accuracy but the many users have suggested that it’s about ±30 seconds/month.

Another major trait of TMI-DV56 is that it’s a battery-powered movement. It comes with a Seiko SR920SW battery. In a normal scenario, the battery would last for 3 years. But if it dies out too soon, you can replace it with any 371 batteries.

Specification Of TMI-VD56 Movement

  • Country of Origin: Japan
  • Manufacturer : Seiko
  • Chronograph: 1/10 Sec, 1 Sec, 60 Min
  • Additional: 24-Hour Display
  • Battery: Seiko SR920SW
  • Battery Capacity (Nominal): 46mah
  • Battery Life: 3 Years

Case

If we had to talk about one single negative trait about the Akribos XXIV AK1072 watch, it would be the choice of case and bezel material.

The manufacturers have used composite alloy. I would’ve preferred stainless-steel.

The manufacturers have used composite alloy. I would’ve preferred stainless-steel.

However, the usage of alloy made the watch very lightweight. So, that’s a big plus point.

More: What Is a Deployment Clasp Buckle? How Do You Wear a Deployment Buckle?

Dial

Dial

If the choice of case and bezel material is the negative point, then the choice of dial of Akribos XXIV AK1072 is the biggest plus point.

You can see the stunning beauty of the sun-ray style dial in this watch. In simpler words, the dial is made of polished metal.

You can find four sub-dials in the center of the main dial.

Then, the bezel sides have tachymeter to offer a sporty look.

The roman numerals on the hourly markers and baton style hands give the Akribos XXIV AK1072 a premium look.

Overall, the dial and design are the most appealing parts of the design of the watch.  

Bracelet

Bracelet

Yet again, another remarkable choice!

Akribos XXIV AK1072 has Oyster-style stainless steel link bracelet. It’s a premium and a common choice for metal straps.

Then, they’ve used the double deployment butterfly clasp.

This special type of clasp hides beneath the strap. So, when the clasp locks, the strap looks like a seamless connection.

More: How Do I Stop My Automatic Watch from Stopping? 

Other Features

The design principles and the polished finishing are the two key selling point of the watch. Sadly, there are not too many additional features that might attract you.

The watch offers water-resistance but that’s only limited to 3-ATM. So technically, Akribos XXIV AK1072 is a splash-resistant watch. It’ll survive quite fine on a rainy day.

Seems like Akribos XXIV has made some smart cost-cutting decisions here. 

The dial is covered with sapphire coated crystal. This is finest option out there. So, it’s a huge plus sign from me.

More: How to Remove Watch Crystal? The Step-By-Step Guide

Feature Type Feature Specs What to Expect?
Movement Chronograph Quartz (Seiko Tmi-Vd56) A decent quality Japanese chronograph watch movement, quite reliable and accurate
Case and Bezel Material Composite Alloy Lightweight but comparatively less durable than stainless steel
Case size 45mm A bit large, more suitable for thicker wrist
Water-Resistance 3ATM Splashproof, but not suitable for swimming
Dial Protection Sapphire Crystal Hardened Coating Very sturdy, can sustain against minor scratches
Clasp Type Double Deployant Unique choice, the clasp hides beneath the strap
Crown type Screw-Down Offers better water resistance

Social Proof: What Other Customer Says

Most of the real buyers from Amazon have showered the watch with praises. I’ve also checked the watch forums. Everything seems quite positive!

Let’s check out some of the Akribos XXIV watch reviews from actual buyers –

Social Proof
Social Proof 2
Social Proof 3
Social Proof 4

Alternatives to Akribos XXIV AK1072

Okay, let’s say that you’re completely uninterested about this watch. So, what are some of the best alternatives to Akribos XXIV AK1072 in the same price category?

Here’s what I think –

Both of these two watches have the similar kind of movements. The size and shape also have some resemblance.

However, I personally think that Akribos XXIV AK1072 has a much superior design compared to these two options.

More: Check our detailed review of Naviforce Watch Review Here

And, I’ll just leave the specs comparison here so you can compare the three watches by yourself.

Parameter Akribos XXIV AK1072 Stuhrling Original Men’s 3975LM Invicta 31587 Men’s Aviator
Movement Chronograph Quartz (Seiko TMI-VD56) Chronograph Quartz (Seiko VR32) Chronograph Quartz (Seiko TMI-VD56)
Case Diameter 45mm 44mm 50mm
Case Thickness 13mm 10.5mm Unspecified
Band Width 24mm 22mm 32mm
Case and Bezel Material Composite Alloy Stainless-Steel Stainless-Steel
Band Material Stainless-Steel Alligator Embossed Leather Stainless-Steel
Water-Resistance 3ATM 10ATM 10ATM
Crystal Type Sapphire Coated Mineral Krysterna Flame Fusion
Clasp Type Double Deployant (Butterfly) Tang Buckle Deployant
Date Display No Yes No
Luminosity No Yes Yes

Conclusion

Considering every aspect of the Akribos XXIV AK1072, you can be sure that you’re getting an extremely fashionable watch. As you have seen over and over again, design and aggressive looks are the main attraction.

Due to the monochrome color combination, you can also rock this watch with a formal wear too.

So, Akribos XXIV AK1072 is a great fashion watch for the money.

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