JeanRichard 2TimeZones Zirconium

By Florian Matrion - November 29, 2010
2TimeZones Zirconium Diaporama
Following the Aquascope, The Watch Observer presents a new model of the JeanRichard manufacture, the 2TimeZones Zirconium. This 2010 new release has a lot of good arguments to offer. Review.
Exclusive! review of the 2TimeZones Zirconium. Manufacturer data, photos, editor's opinion and watch retail price on thewatchobserver.co.uk
Editor's opinion
66/100
Users' rating
67/100

Slideshow: 15 photos to see this Watch from every angle

 

An original and meticulous case

Belonging to the Sport range of the JeanRichard collection, the tested 2TimeZones shares with it the case, but distinguishes itself thanks to its functionalities and its original material.

The large case, very carefully brushed and mixing materials, arouses curiosity.
The materials of the case middle, the zirconium (from the same group as titanium), is not very common in the watch industry.
It allows a better scratch-resistance than a classic type of steel, while being lighter.
At 9 o'clock, the push buttons are made of streaked titanium.
As for the crowns, they are PVD coated.

The case of this JeanRichard also differs from the Sport range thanks to its shape.

The crowns' protections are over-dimensioned on their two sides, giving some volume to a yet comfortable watch, despite its 43 mm.

The strap made of rubber-coated alligator is very pleasant and takes part to this comfort.

 

The crowns' protections are over-dimensioned on their two sides, giving some volume to a yet comfortable watch, despite its 43 mm.

The dial

The bezel, made of black vulcanized rubber, underlines a light and slightly silver-plated dial. It is a powder-coated and stamp-decorated.
This treatment gives it some relief.

But one might regret a little too "uniform" aspect.
Indeed, no matter the angle and the luminous intensity, its aspect remains exactly the same.

The markers and the circular graining of the apertures are rhodium-plated, facetted and spliced.
It allows a good legibility and emphasizes the given information: the reference time through the disc at 12 o'clock as well as the city of the time zone and the date through the two discs at 6 o'clock.

 

As for the hands, they are large and polished. It leaves enough space to apply LumiNova.
Nevertheless, this last one lacks efficiency after a few hours...

 

A functional watch

The whole is consistent but also very functional.

While the two crowns are screwed on to allow a 100 m waterproofness, they also allow a simple use and an easy setting of the watch, with the help of the push buttons.

The reference hour is set by the right crown and displays itself in the 12 o'clock aperture.

The second time zone is set by the – and + push buttons at 8 and 10 o'clock, by putting forward the hours' hand by a one-hour leap.

It is handy but one might regret that neither the date nor the reference city of the time zone adapts itself to the local time.

 

The markers and the circular graining of the apertures are rhodium-plated, facetted and spliced. It allows a good legibility and emphasizes the given information.

 

The caliber

The different ranges of JeanRichard are thought around a basis in-house movement, the JR1000, to which are added some modules regarding the functionalities of the watch – here, the second time zone.

The common basis is built around a flat spiral with a 4Hz thin oscillating setting.

The automatic winding is unidirectional, the architecture of the bridges and the bottom plates is straight and the adornment, bevels and Côtes de Genève are neatly realized.

 

 

But the 2TimeZones tested here is equipped with a tinted sapphire back...
A curious choice, to say the least, since it does not allow seeing the movement...
A pity!

 

Conclusion

This JeanRichard 2TimeZones is a really interesting timepiece for its design and the choice of the used materials.
It will thus be able to seduce the amateur who is looking for an original timepiece, endowed with a strong personality.

 

The +:

  • original and suitable materials
  • the in-house caliber

 

The –:

  • the tinted sapphire that prevents from seeing the movement
  • the cities' disc that does not adapt itself to the local time

 

Further information:

  • the JeanRichard 2TimeZones Zirconium is a limited edition of 249 timepieces
  • journalist's wrist = 17,5 cm

 

For "GMT watches", see also:

Slideshow
15 pictures to see this watch in all its angles
Click on one photo to enlarge the watch gallery
  • 2TimeZones Zirconium
  • 2TimeZones Zirconium
  • 2TimeZones Zirconium
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  • 2TimeZones Zirconium
  • 2TimeZones Zirconium
  • 2TimeZones Zirconium
  • 2TimeZones Zirconium
  • 2TimeZones Zirconium
  • 2TimeZones Zirconium
  • 2TimeZones Zirconium
  • 2TimeZones Zirconium
  • 2TimeZones Zirconium
  • 2TimeZones Zirconium

Manufacturer data

Brand JeanRichard
Model name 2TimeZones Zirconium
Reference number 68130-33-11C
Case material Zirconium and titanium
Case diameter (without crown) 43 mm
Case diameter (crown included) 51 mm
Movement type Automatic
Calibre JR1060
Calibre base JR1000
Functions Second
Minute
Hour
GMT
Date
Crystal Domed-crystal glass with anti-reflective coating
Power reserve ability 48h
Transparent back Yes
Lug width 22 mm
Length from lug to lug 53,50 mm
Case thickness 13,50 mm
Water resistant 100 m
Strap material Rubber coated alligator
Clasp type Deployment clasp
Clasp type Steel
Total weight Unknown
Retail price France at 2010/11/29 10,300.00 € calc

Editor's opinion 66/100

Confort (/15) 13
more Movement (/20) 11
Movement Optimisation / Garnishment (/5) 3.5
Ease of handling and adjustment (/5) 4
Movement control proceeded by the Manufacture / horlogical awards (/3) 1
Power reserve ability (/2) 1
Complications (/5) 1.5
more Finishing (/20) 14
Dial finishing (/6) 4
Case finishing (/6) 4
Quality of garnishment / caseback engraving quality (/2) 1
Crystal quality (/4) 3
Clasp finishing (inner and extern) (/2) 2
more Practicality (/20) 11
Diurnal legibility (/5) 4
Night legibility (/4) 1
Water resistant (/3) 1
Strap : ease of size adjustment + ease of substitution (/4) 2
Clasp : quality and safety (/4) 3
more Bonus (/10) 5
Limited edition (/3) 2
Watch delivered with several straps (/2) 0
Quality of the watch box (/1) 1
Portability with shirtsleeves buttoned (/2) 1
Goodies included (/1) 0
Understandability of the brochure (/1) 1
Value for money (/15) 12
When to wear it ?
For a ballooning world-tour!

Users' rating 67/100

Confort (/15) 11.5
Movement (/20) 14
Finishing (/20) 14.5
Practicality (/20) 13.5
Bonus (/10) 4.5
Value for money (/15) 10.5
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