The Sovrygn Calendar is a brash and decidedly contemporary design from a young Canadian microbrand. “Out with the old and in with the new,” would make a fair tagline. While we’ve had the opportunity to examine both the Rose Gold White and Midnight editions featured here, any of the six colourways and three distinct finishes would do well in a crowd.
While the timepiece is a bit chunky, at 14.4mm with the dome, it isn’t actually a large watch. At 39mm in diameter and a modest 47mm lug to lug, the Calendar, in effect, wears quite comfortably. This fit is aided by an interesting, modular lug design and steep descent into the bracelet, which uses female end links. It is some feat, then, that it manages to command such presence.
As the case is ultimately octogonal in shape, the watch is an assemblage of angles and planes, heightened further by geometric lugs. Brushing is predominant–both vertical and horizontal–but the stationary bezel is polished. I should mention the bracelet here, as it seems integral (if not integrated) to the overall design. Its screwed H-links–also primarily brushed–have a centre line of polish that runs the entire length, and each link is beveled in all four corners. It tapers from 20mm at the lugs to 18mm at the clasp–which is a stylized butterfly mechanism, sealed with an emblematic “S.” The crown and exhibition caseback (capped in mineral glass) are screwed down and provide 100m of water resistance.
The extra pusher and sub-dials might, at first glance, lead you to believe that you are looking at a chronograph, but you’d be mistaken. The watch is actually a triple date with a 24-hour register, powered by the Miyota 9100, for a total of 5 complications. The movement is visible from the back and sports a decorated rotor.
The sheer number of complications (day, date, month, 24-hour register and power reserve indicator) leads to a crowded, but ultimately well–balanced dial. The markers are applied and, alongside the hands, filled with BGW9 Super-LumiNova. The dial is deep and multi-layered, with a nice concave rehaut and recessed sub-dials. The Rose Gold White features a textured matte dial with red highlights. The Midnight reference sports an enamel sunburst with printing in gold. Both are visible through the attractive sapphire dome.
I think that the variety of textures–even amongst the sub-dials–is a nice touch, and that the effort to match the middle 24-hour register to the power reserve indicator at 12, with a raised chapter ring, is also value-added design. In addition, from what I can tell, the gold PVD and black DLC finishes are well executed.
Advertisement
Specs
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel Gold PVD/Black DLC 39mm Diameter 47mm Lug to Lug 13mm (14.4 with dome) Thick 20mm Lug Width Screwed Crown & Caseback 100m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Gently Domed Sapphire /w AR Matte Textured Dial/Sunburst Dial 3 Sub Dials (Day, 24-Hour, Month) Power Reserve Indicator Applied Markers Date Window @ 4:30 |
| Movement | Miyota 9100 28 800bph 26 Jewels 40-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Stainless Steel Bracelet /w Butterfly Clasp |
Advertisement
Of Interest
In addition to the stainless steel bracelet, the Sovrygn Calendar will also be available on a calf-leather strap, featuring a stainless steel deployant dive clasp. Each of the six references will be limited to a run of 500 pieces.
Quibbles
I am not a fan of excessive branding. As the dial of the Calendar is already a busy one, I would stick with the logo, or the company name, but not both together. By extension, I think the watch would be classier without the brand name engraving along the edge.
Final Thoughts
How you feel about the Sovrygn Calendar will ultimately come down to how you feel about bling. With the exception of the somewhat subtler Midnight Edition, the Calendar references all make bold statements. Even their angular faceting and mix of finishes are audacious design choices. On wrist, there is a muscular quality to the case and bracelet combination that is very masculine despite its reserved size. The colourways pop from across the room and the build quality is solid. But if your watchbox is filled with classically-designed Speedmasters and restrained Rolexes, the Calendar might prove a bit outside your wheelhouse. This watch belongs next to your Hublot Big Bang and to the left of your Breitling Chronomat.
The Calendar will be available for the Super Early Bir price of $515USD. The Kickstarter launch is scheduled for mid-May 2022. For more information and updates, you can subscribe to their newsletter at the brand website.
About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
Off The Cuff articles are full-length, hands-on reviews of the watch in question and represent the opinion of the author only. All photos are original, unless specified otherwise. If you would like to have your watch reviewed on this site, contact us here.
Please understand that using any links to products on this site might result in us making money.
the rose gold is fire.
It did quite well on Kickstarter
For sure. No doubt
Hmmm. This is intriguing. I like it but it don’t, it’s got so much going for it and also weird things I can’t describe. Cool factor is high with this one
A lot of complications packed into one watch. I imagine it’s a hit or miss with people!
Intense dial action going on. So much elements to focus on.