Akribos XXIV 'Gladiator' Automatic Black Watch

If you had told me - even a few weeks ago - that I would find a truly gorgeous automatic wristwatch for less than $1000, much less less than $300, I would have laughed in your face. Although any automatic movement is more-or-less the same - they perform the same function, and therefore must have certain similarities - when it is incorporated into a skeleton casing it must be both functional and attractive. This explains why skeleton watches are, on average, more expensive than their more opaque cousins: form must meet function, and the extra detailing tends to cost!This timepiece does not disappoint. Akribos is a subsidiary of Struhling, so there is no question of quality; this watch is built to precision, and built to last.It is packaged in a very stylish long leather case, which could almost double as display would the watch not wind itself down within a day or two. The casing is extremely sturdy, but deceptively light. Do not be mistaken - the watch itself is fairly hefty, just not so much as it first appears.If you do not like thick watches, automatics are not the grounds on which you ought to tread. It is roughly 1 to 1.5 cm thick, in order to contain the mechanics of the watch as well as the counterweight that winds the watch as it moves with your wrist. The face is made of extremely durable sapphire crystal-glass, or so I am told, and is difficult to scratch - but not impossible. The back is also left clear, and demonstrating the counterweight to those unfamiliar with the concept of automatics can be great fun. The single dial on the side may be used to manually wind the watch, and when pulled out is used to set the time (as one might reasonably expect).While the rubber wristband may be off-putting to some, it should not be. It is very thick (about a quarter-inch) and is not obtrusively rubber. It is understated and does not draw attention to itself, as might be done by a fake-leather pattern or the like. It would likewise be something of a blessing to those who find metal watchbands uncomfortable or irritating.This is a gorgeous watch, and would appear to be at home with either casual- or formal wear.If you are looking for an automatic wristwatch, you could do far worse than this beauty and at thrice the price!