Ratio Street Racer
The Blue Panda
Since the very start of my watch collection journey, I have had some favorite movements that I tend to go for in my microbrand watches. With chronographs, I stray far away from the SeaGull mechanicals due to incredibly poor build quality, but I still want something with a proper mechanical feel.
That's where the magnificent Seiko VK64 mecha-quartz movement comes in. Backed by their excellent production quality and proven longevity, they even look and feel like much more expensive mechanical movements. Therefore, I see it as a proof of sensibility and quality when a watch is powered by this mecha-quartz movement.
There is no shortage of microbrand chronographs with the VK64 on the inside. However, few (if any) look as good and are priced as affordably as the Ratio Street Racer. The Singaporian brand from the same people as my all time favorite online watch store Creationwatches.com.
It holds up very well under my macro lens.
The Watch:
Coming in a 42mm case, the Street Racer Chronograph is all that you would expect and need from a proper driver watch. It has a Tachymeter rehaut and a 60-minute timer for those lap times around your favorite track. The chrono hand glides just like it would on a fully mechanical movement, and is actuated by a satisfying click of the top pusher. Upon resetting with the lower pusher, it snaps right back to twelve o'clock, ready to be restarted in the blink of an eye.
At three o'clock you get a 24 hour subdial that allows you to see whether it is day or night without ever looking out the window of your race car.
I really like what Ratio has done with the bracelet of the Street Racer. The Jubilee style perfectly suits the rest of the design, giving it a slightly more dressy vibe than you might expect, but it looks fantastic. The 22mm width ensures that the watch lays comfortably and securely on the wrist, and it fits the 42mm case excellently.
In addition to the design features, the watch comes with an impressive spec sheet: The crystal is a domed sapphire with AR coating, the lume is BGW9, it has applied markers, and a very impressive 200m of water resistance.
Final words:
All in all, the Ratio Street Racer is an impressive piece of kit, considering the very modest $200 price tag. They come in a variety of colors, so everyone should be able to find a variant that suits them. Check out all variations on Ratiowatches.com and don't forget to use discount code WITN10 for a 10% discount on the entire collection.
The case back is awesome!
This is not a review. Do your own research before buying any watch.
