Another month, another watch – the Swan & Edgar Complexity. How does it compare to the brand’s previous hit and miss offerings?
Swan & Edgar Complexity Automatic Review
No surprises when it comes to the presentation of the Swan & Edgar Complexity – it comes in the same box as all the other watches I’ve reviewed from the brand. A pretty decent box for the money, with a padded faux-leather top. It does the job and is as good as you would expect for the money – £190. This watch was provided free of charge for my review. Bear that in mind when reading Swan and Edgar reviews.
At a glance |
Swan & Edgar Complexity Automatic |
Price |
£190 |
Case size |
43mm |
Thickness |
15.5mm |
Water Resistance |
3 ATM |
Movement |
Not stated |
Case and Movement
The Swan & Edgar Complexity has the same movement as all their other watches: an unnamed Chinese-built automatic movement with subdials for day, date and 24-hours (in this case fashioned as a pictorial day/night indicator). There’s also an open heart feature with an exposed and decorated balance bridge at the 6 o’clock position, if you like that sort of thing.
The case is just fine. It’s not the best-finished watch in the world and is about right for a High Street watch in the £100-£150 range. There are no obvious sharp edges, and I was surprised to see a decorated rotor. If you’re used to high street watches in this price range, you will not be disappointed. If you’ve been watching the microbrand watch world for a while, then you will be. The one thing I was definitely unhappy with is that Swan & Edgar use mineral crystals. Even at this price, I have become accustomed to scratchproof sapphire glass.
Dial and Hands
The dial is better than I expected for the money. I’d put it on a par with something like the Filipo Loreti Rome. Looking closer, there are a few areas where the finishing leaves a lot to be desired – such as the & in Swan & Edgar logo and the blue balance bridge screws. I expect much better quality control, even in a watch selling at £190.
Strap and Buckle / Bracelet and Clasp
The strap is a generic leather affair with a standard engraved tang buckle. I have little more to add other than it is not the worst strap I have ever seen fitted to a low-cost watch – but very far from the best. I’d replace it immediately if I bought this watch.
What I Liked |
|
|
What I Didn’t like |
|
Swan & Edgar Complexity Automatic – The WRUK Verdict
It’s a minefield reviewing Swan & Edgar watches as the brand attracts some real consternation from the watch community. If you’re already familiar with the microbrand watch world, there is nothing for you here – and if you are about to buy your first automatic watch, I could recommend lots of alternatives for a lower price. For example, AliExpress has hundreds of watches with this same movement from £40-£100. Unfortunately I can’t recommend this watch.
Buy a Swan & Edgar Complexity Automatic
If you want to buy a Swan and Edgar watch I’d recommend buying from a reputable seller like Amazon UK to take advantage of their customer service.
Spolife Leather Watch Straps for Men, Genuine Leather Watch Straps With Stainless Buckle,Quick Release Watch Strap, Replacement Watchbands 16mm 18mm 19mm 20mm 22mm(Watch Strap Pins,Watch Strap Tool)
£8.99