I like everything about it but the movement. Add a good auto movement, I'm a buyer. Having said that, they charge a very fair price for what they offer, so looks like a great buy for good quality built quartz.
I've recently discovered Bertucci and I love them, but I've noticed something that seems to throw people off as illustrated in this review. When he describes the Bertucci as a tool watch, he nailed it. Full stop. It's a wrench. Have you ever bought a wrench and thought, "Wow, that's some nice engraving on the handle and I like the mixture of brushed and polished finish down the length."? No. When you buy a wrench you say, "I want this to have a snug bite, be able to get a good grip on it, and not to break." You don't care how the wrench looks, whether there's symmetry in the engraving, how it catches the light. You want to be able to grab your 9/16ths and break loose a bolt. It's the same with a Bertucci. They're ugly, we know that, but they work and work well. Are they for a niche market? Possibly. Depends on how you define niche. If you work in an office and most of the people you know work in an office, it would be natural to assume that most people in general work in offices. We don't. We work on construction sites and factories and farms and battlefields. We police your streets and pull you out of burning buildings. We climb cell towers, fix your cars, collect your trash, repave your roads, survey your property, dig your well, process your gas, cut your steaks, paint your houses, and pour your concrete. We're sometimes called "skilled laborers" or "tradesmen" or if we're really getting fancy "technicians". A good pocket knife is worth more to us than an etched Damascus steel katana gathering dust on a display shelf. We don't drive trucks. We use trucks. Our knees sound like fire crackers and our rotator cuffs are more scar tissue than tendon. Now, we collect watches for the same reasons that everyone else does. We like them. But when we get up in the morning, we grab our tool belt, hard hat, and a good watch that will survive the day. There are companies that make some quality field watches that are great for folks that sometimes get their hands dirty. Bertucci makes watches for those of us that sometimes get our hands clean.
@@michaelbedford8017 God no. It baffles me why anyone would actually want that job. And I haven't watched SNL in over twenty years. They haven't been funny since the 80s.
I cannot lie... I love bertucci watches and own 4. they are the modern day benrus. the consummate field watch. light, legible, over-built. And it supports the American workforce.
I always thought Bertuccis were all really small. Actually looks pretty good at 42mm. Really cool to see more interest in US movements too. Great review!
I bought this watch 2yrs ago same battery. I’m a logger and I wear it everyday in the field and it’s never let me down. I love the watch and Berttuci. I have many watches to choose from but I always find myself throwing old faithful on my wrist. The only complaint would be the straps are so rigid it took a good six months to wear in.
Just picked up the Bertucci A-5S and man it my go to do it all watch. Tritium on all markers and hands with sapphire crystal. I have a 7 1/2” wrist and it’s perfection. No complaints on the watch however it takes a while to break in the strap.
1:39 good observation about the lowered lug bar position. That's my last excuse out the window to not explore these larger case Bertucci which I like so much.
I can't really comment on the A-11T, but I have the A-2T Vintage. Similar face to the Hamilton Field Khaki Mechanical ("Vietnam-ish") but has its own character. I love it . Very solid. Shane, you're right about the nylon band and the leather Horween. They are almost too sturdy and will probably outlast the watch itself and possibly a nuclear conflict.
I recently bought this watch (my first Bertucci) and it quickly became one of favorites. All of the negatives you mention are very minor for me. No deal killers here.
All I can say is, I have an A-11T and love it. The case with built in lugs is exceptional. I like the larger black on white date because it is large and clear enough to really read. So many dates are so small they are all but useless. (Just take a look at a Citizen Promaster.) Plus, black letters on a white background are far easier for me to read. As far as the 4 o'clock date - it works. The dial on the A-11T is extremely readable. I have the 3 hand version and find it very clean. In fact, it looks like other good field watches. Bertucci's bands are the best in the business. I find them well made to the point of being in a league of their own. I have both the leather and nylon Bertucci bands. The leather is great, if a bit heavy. The nylon is exceptional. I want a durable simple band on a tool watch. This is clearly a tool watch. As a matter of fact, it is an extremely well made tool watch that honestly compares with the best. I highly recommend Bertucci watches and the A-11T. Money very well spent!
I believe the Bertucci has an oddball lock to it which place to its uniqueness the 4 o’clock date window goes well with a 4 o’clock crown 7 o’clock second tile is off kilter but the whole watch is off kilter which I think makes it work nice looking watch. Thanks for the review
Bertucci's are great. I actually use them 'in the field' in Algonquin Park, Ontario Canada. You need dependable, rugged and somewhat disposable...you do not want to be babying a watch going through back country. I suggest these without any reservations. Never had any problem with the DX strap mil-spec ZULU.
I have and love this watch. I gave away my other two titanium bertuccis bc I prefer made in the USA. If made in the USA isn’t a high priority go with the A2T. The only other bertuccis worth reviewing would be the the tritium ones (which I believe you already have reviewed).
Just got mine in. It's cool, but I guess I just have to get used to the fixed spring bar. It makes the strap bend in kind of an awkward way across your wrist. I too placed it on a nylon/woven strap.. Forget about the leather. I took it off as well, it looks much better when it is not on your wrist. It sits way too high and bulges out way too far with the leather strap. It reminded me of those 90's fossil watches with the leather cuffs. As for people saying "just get a timex"..well, a timex feels like a cheap watch. I have at least 2 in the junk drawer, and just threw a waterbury timex in the toolbox. After a timex gets beat up enough, it starts to feel way cheap. These watches actually feel solid, and that alone makes wearing the watch much more pleasuring than wearing a throw away timex. Great options are swiss made Victorinox watches as they are usually 50-70% off retail. Are there better watches out there for the money? Sure, but there is just a cool and uniqueness factor about the watch that some people don't mind spending $250 on. Hell, I've spent that much goin to the titty club before...
I agree with every point ya made. I love this watch and when the leather breaks in hopefully it won't stick up on the ends as badly. I love all 3 of my Bertucci watches. they're just solid & the titanium case is rugged as it gets while being lightweight as hell. this thing is bombproof with the sapphire crystal, titanium case, & USA movement a few of mine have 10 to 12-year lithium battery... You can tell it's well-made. I noticed the nylon strap also stuck up on the ends, I think it has to do with the way the built-in lugs are angled and positioned....
Very nice, comprehensive review. You covered the strengths and the weaknesses in a very fair manner. As a leatherworking hobbyist I would have no problem constructing a two-piece leather strap for this, but it would either have snaps to allow it to come off, or, and this is less preferable, it could simply be sewn around the static bars. If you don't care about removing them, that's not a bad option really. Certainly the watch would never accidentally fall off! For most people though, lacking the skills, the Nato and Zulu straps are the available options.
Good looking watch! Not every Bertucci is one piece; my A2SEL has illumination that's their version of Indiglo and the bars screw in. To be honest they're almost as strong as the unibodies. I think Bertucci makes great field watches if you want quartz. Most of the time I wear an automatic dive watch but I'll swap in the Bertucci sometimes when I'm working out or hiking due to how much thinner and lighter it is. It doesn't get hung up on stuff like my 15mm thick Deep Blue DAYNIGHT.
Nice review, Shane. I never thought I would be so interested in a case design, but I really like this smart design. Great looking tool watch. Yep, this is one I would buy....for daytime wear.
I swear by my Bertucci DX3, only watch I wear when I'm out hiking. Tough and easy to read. Hell, if that got damaged I dread to think what shape I'd be in 😆 Not too sure about this high end version but if its anything like their other watches then its built for the outdoor life
Just a couple of comments. The A2S/A5S Ballista models have removable lug bars if you want more strap options. And I agree about all the text on the dial: I don't need a reminder of the specs whenever I check the time. ;-)
I agree on the thickness of the leather strap. Too thick on the bottom. I had to change the leather strap on my Laco pilot because when I was typing at my desk, my watch wrist was all cock-eyed on the wrist rest.
It looks not half bad generally but i suggest 'higgly piggly' is a word made for that dial. I superlove that light copper toned watch. No battery BM8180 still imminent though.
Love the diver specs with the flieger hands, subseconds and field watch aesthetic on this. Totally agree however about should have used a color match date wheel. Also agree that it should have better lum and in my opinion everything in white should be lumed. To be fair my SNK809 Seiko field watch has a dial that looks busier and more crowded than this - partially because it has a smaller dial as well.
Wow. I really like this design... I think the date wheel location is great, in line with the crown, but I agree the white on black might be nicer. I also wish the 200m were in a pale blue (suggesting water). American-made movement is nice as well, AND a solid titanium case! I'm unsure about those lugs, and the strap issues that result. But it is what it is: A Real Tool Watch. Great review, but I disagree with your overall assessment (mind you I am a designer-builder) I'd never even heard of Bertucci before this video, and even though I'm canadian, I really wish americans would actually start buying american, rather than throwing all their money at cheap chinesium watches and tools. Do you guys understand what "trade deficit" or "current account balance" mean? LOL.
I'm a bit late to the comments here. I like Bertucci quite a bit, and like any brand, they hqve their shortcomings. Overall, I cannot recommend them highly enough. As for the Ameriquartz featured in the video, make that one no date, and I'm all in.
Damn. They were so close with this one... I wish someone would sell a modern A-11 with modern dimensions, sapphire glass, and an automatic movement with central seconds. As for this one, lose some of the text on the dial (especially around the six), move the crown to 3, and swap the movement to an auto with central seconds and I’d have been sold.
Shane. I don't get the hate for quartz. I appreciate the review. Would love to see more reviews with solar and quartz movements. BTW, what makes an nh35 or off the shelf ETA any better than a quartz? These are mass produced movements. There's no craftsmanship in these. Hell they are arguable worse. They keep worse time and need maintenance. I've owned quality quartz pieces from Seiko,Citizen and Certina and they've all been fantastic watches.
Well that's always the big debate between quartz and Autos. Honestly I think it's just perception. In a week or two I'll be putting out a review on a high accuracy quartz GMT. I'm curious to see what kind of reaction it gets.
Hi Shane, greetings from México, i like your videos, i hope you get to see my comment, i just got a Bertucci A-2T, i bought it from Amazon, and i really like it, however i noticed that the minute hand wobbles a little bit everytime the second hand moves, is this a mayor problem? Or is it common on this type of watches?, i do not know if i should return it or take it to a repair shop here in my town, thanks Shane, great videos!!!!
This one is comparable to Newmark 52 field watch, which is in my opinion best looking and performing field / dirty dozen style of reissues. If I didn't have Newmark I'd go for this Bertucci.
Now this is a tough and functional field watch. I don't mind the offset subdial at all but the wired lugs are a deal breaker for me. I just don't love one piece straps that much.
I have two of those I have a titanium burgundy face and I have the glow-in-the-dark case and face not much lume by the way doesn’t glow long but good watch.
I'm actually really opening up to this quirky dial design.. but yeah price/quartz is not to favorable to me.. Also: they should make it with tritium.. that would be killer for me...
Just bought a Bertucci A-1S. Meh. Seconds hand doesn’t line up on the indices. Limited strap options (it will matter when you see the OEM on your wrist). And those down curved lugs are meaningless since the watch caseback is not riding on your wrist. In fact, the curved lugs look kind of weird when the watch is sitting tall on the OEM strap on your wrist. Really enjoy your videos. Thanks!
Nice review. How did you find the build quality of the case? I bought this model online but returned the watch immediately. The casting of the case between the lugs was of particularly poor quality. Similar to plastic that had started to deform through close proximity to heat. I ask as I would like to purchase this watch again. Thank you.
I just double-checked this one, and I think it's the same. That's a really good catch, I didn't even notice that part. It's still smooth to the touch, but it's a little thicker and slightly irregular at that area. So I'm guessing they had excess material there they didn't sand down or file off before sandblasting. Very strange. If yours was like that too, then I'm guessing they all will be.
@@RelativeTime Thank you for taking the time to reply. It seems from your observation that this is how they leave the factory. Which is disappointing. Thanks again. You have a great channel.(Greetings from the Scottish Borders)
Love the design and was expecting it to be much more pricey being made in America. Would be tempted if it had an auto in it. Very nice design though, and as a Brit I'm not biased in any way. Cool, Cheers 👍🏻👍🏻
I think Bertucci made an automatic at one point, but I don't think they have it anymore. They also had this cool tank one, but it might be a little large. www.bertucciwatches.com/Bertucci/E1SBallista.html
I love burtucci designs but when reviewers say the lume is worse than a vostok , that is not so good. Lume is important on a tool watch for me at least.
Yup. I think they had some Tritium versions in the past, not sure they still do. Although they also have some versions that have an Indiglo like backlight. ultimatefieldwatch.com/collections/all?gf_119560=Electroluminensent%20%26%20Swiss%20Super%20Luminious
@@Bob_Smith19 Cant go wrong with tritium but other than my vostoks , all my other analog watches can be easily read in the dark all night even at 6 am. you must not have any watches with super luminova or lumibrite lume.
That's a good question. I haven't seen anything specific, but should be on par with most other quartz watches out there. I have seen a few forum posts from people saying they have been getting around 2-3 seconds a month. Which is promising, but not a lot of data to make a definitive conclusion.
Personally have zero experience with the brand and there are few more other brands that have similar design but much cheaper. So, for me it won't get to my wish list. Thanks Shane.
I like how you present the facts about the watch. I think your videos could be better if you left your personal feelings out, or at least relegated them to a specific section of the review. I can see what it looks like on my own and make my own decision about whether or not it looks good. The same goes for the similarity between the different Bertucci collections (titanium vs stainless steel). You are alienating your audience by going on about how you think the similar look is a bad thing. Overall though you seem to make good videos. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the input. Part of the reason I make the videos the way I do. Where I don't just talk about stuff, but try to show it in as much detail as I can, is so that the viewers can make up their own minds. Everyone has their own likes and dislikes. So when I'm going over a paticular feature I fully realize some may agree, but some will flat out ignore me anyways. Although in some ways that does bring up the debate about what should be in a review. About once a year someone leaves a simmilar comment that I should just stick to the facts. So you may be in the minority, but you aren't alone in this. Every once in a while I think about it, but I'm hesitant. I worry that if I just show off the watch, while doing nothing but repeating the spec sheet that I'm not doing a review. That it would wind up being more like a comercial. I don't know... I'll think about it more.
Bought an A-2T for $67 with this strap. Battery was dead and the strap was beat up.Some leather conditioner and a bit of brown polish and strap was good as new. Actually better because it was already broken in for me. Quality leather can last decades when cared for. I have a Tudor Ranger yet I still wear my Bertucci just as much. Yes it's chunky for a field watch but it looks rugged. One of my favorite watches I my box.
Thanks! Burtucci also has a line of watches with an indiglo like backlight. I might check one of those out next. Although right now I'm looking forward to seeing the new Seiko 5 field watch.
@@RelativeTime I bought the ‘small composite model’(plastic) one for my son(5yrs old)...he has 2 F91’s and that. He seems to prefer the F91’s 😆...On another note thanks for all the content Shane! Have enjoyed your channel from the very beginning!
They actually have a new one now. ultimatefieldwatch.com/ Although what's really confusing is that they didn't update the old one. Rather just created a new and better second one. www.bertucciwatches.com/ No clue why.
"Completely eliminate any possible chance of failure" Hmmm... Not sure if that can be substantiated, but... ok. I don't wear my Bertucci because of the ridiculous lug design. The extreme downturn of the 'lugs' makes it look cheesy and the strap makes it sit way too high on my wrist. If you have a small wrist this might not matter but, if you have a larger wrist.... It will. I don't care where it's made... The design is not very ergonomic. Possibly, even a bit gimmicky. And oh yeah... The straps are the best part of these watches. I will take my $50 Timex or a Casio over these any day.
Well specifically the chance of failure with the springbar in the case. If it's not there, it can't really fail. Although depending on what strap you are using there may be one in the buckle. That was one thing that Mora Straps was trying to eliminate with their solid buckle design.
It's a nice design and nice to see USA made for you guys, but a cheap low beat quartz is a cheap low beat quartz no matter where it's made. An extra 30 usd for a meca-quartz or even a foreign movement would be better. Is it $150-200 better than an AE Steeldive or Addies with 200m water resistance, a signed crown, sapphire crystal and an NH35A automatic movement? I don't think so. However if one is feeling patriotic and wishes to support home grown industry and doesn't mind the low quality movement and lume, why not..
Buying this supports American employees. And this movement is comparable to Swiss Ronda. this is a field watch...prioritizing durability and reliability overall.
Supposedly they are a higher end quartz movement. All metal design, which is supposed to be repaired (not replaced) if anything every goes wrong. If your curious, Marc does a good job showing it off in his video on them. th-cam.com/video/FtaDyAqmljc/w-d-xo.html He seems rather impressed by them, and if I remember right his background is in engineering. Although he is selling them, so bare that in mind as well.
@@RelativeTime Why repair it when you can replace a Miyota 2035 for two bucks and they are basically a few g of steel with a tiny bit of plastic and copper so recycling isn't really relevant to begin with?
@@Alias_Anybody Well that is always the question with anything these days. In fact, you could probably ask the same thing about a Swatch vs anything higher end. Yet beyond the cost analysis, I think it shows that it's built to a higher standard. Which may result in better performance and a longer lifetime. Now granted we often don't think about performance when it comes to quartz, as we usually think about accuracy in terms of days. Rather than months or years. Yet there is a difference in performance when it comes to the various quartz watches out there. Some of which is due to the design of the circuitry, as well as the grade of quartz itself.
@@RelativeTime Miyota 2035s (I have multiple) are almost always between +3 and +15 seconds per month, that's barely relevant. Let's say it's +8, so you'll be 48 seconds fast for daylight savings time. Or hack it for a few seconds when you feel like it. My Casio world time was 18€ and runs under +1/month. The world can end and I'll be more punctual than Swiss trains half a decade later. TLDR; if it doesn't offer stuff like solar charging or a smoother sweep (which is also purely for the looks) highend quartz is a bit pointless. This is not scientific equipment.
If Plough Horses ever start wearing wristwatches this could be a contender. It must be driving American companies to distraction, that they can't produce a watch under say $300 that can sport 'Made in USA' on the dial. If they already have, it's probably either the subject of a court case, or a joke. And what about this 'collaboration with an Indian company'? Unless they mean 'native American', by that, it sets off more alarm bells.
The biggest hurdle here is that the FCC has very strict requirements on what qualifies as "Made in the USA". Above and beyond what most other countries require. I think everything, including source materials have to originate in the USA in order for it to qualify. Which is one reason Timex went with Gorilla Glass instead of Sapphire. As no one in the USA is really making synthetic sapphire. I'm not clear on the details of FTCs partnership with Titan. According to wikipedia Titan is the 5th largest watch manufacturer in the world. So there is a lot that could be happening. It could be as little as the initial training of their workforce. Which is what Shinola initially did with Ronda. Or it could be as much as sharing technology and design schematics of the movements.
@@RelativeTime A very(!) good field watch could easily be 8 or 9mm max. (to hell with the notion of how the commerce and fashion and other "common tricks" want us to accept things. I have an excellent mans titanium watch with saphire glass and 10atm that is 6mm thick and 40mm large. And my new "do it all" (atom time, alarms, date and day(!), light, digital and analog(!), hardened titan, saphire, full good lumed numbers, ... etc) is not exessivally large and 10mm. So perhaps that can be considered thin compared to many fashion horror trend, but 11 is not VERRY thin.
@@BuffaloNickel9 @Relative Time A very(!) good field watch could easily be 8 or 9mm max. (to hell with the notion of how the commerce and fashion and other "common tricks" want us to accept things. I have an excellent mans titanium watch with saphire glass and 10atm that is 6mm thick and 40mm large. And my new "do it all" (atom time, alarms, date and day(!), light, digital and analog(!), hardened titan, saphire, full good lumed numbers, ... etc) is not exessivally large and 10mm. So perhaps that can be considered thin compared to many fashion horror trend, but 11 is not VERRY thin. So at best I could perhaps accept You had said "average thick" (but definitely not 'very thin")
@@RelativeTime Here is a "field" watch that is 8.4mm "thin" (not average 11mm average thick.) So is this too thin ? Its going to bend ? Run slow? let water in ? haha. th-cam.com/video/9S4e4hK9NiM/w-d-xo.html
I don't see how "supporting the American worker" is particularly relevant for anyone outside the US and there aren't actually any tests how tough they are compared to Japanese quartz movements so I'd call that a gimmick at best. Titanium is nice, but the lume is a huge disappointment, especially for Flieger hands. If you aren't after the specific aesthetic and just want something "toolish" it's competitors are basically Casios and Chinese sports watches for around 30. Or if you are generous an analogue G-Shock for 100. This seems to be over 250, you can get fancy solar or Miyota 9000 series for that cash.
Too expensive to what it is, no matter with which model and case materials you go with. At the end it's just a quartz field watch and i think timex expedition has better value for money.
Agreed. Better brand recognition, indiglo, more easier to find, and costs less. You can even get a chronograph expedition and it will still cost less than this Bertucci. Omegalul.
I like everything about it but the movement. Add a good auto movement, I'm a buyer. Having said that, they charge a very fair price for what they offer, so looks like a great buy for good quality built quartz.
I've recently discovered Bertucci and I love them, but I've noticed something that seems to throw people off as illustrated in this review. When he describes the Bertucci as a tool watch, he nailed it. Full stop.
It's a wrench. Have you ever bought a wrench and thought, "Wow, that's some nice engraving on the handle and I like the mixture of brushed and polished finish down the length."? No. When you buy a wrench you say, "I want this to have a snug bite, be able to get a good grip on it, and not to break." You don't care how the wrench looks, whether there's symmetry in the engraving, how it catches the light. You want to be able to grab your 9/16ths and break loose a bolt.
It's the same with a Bertucci. They're ugly, we know that, but they work and work well. Are they for a niche market? Possibly. Depends on how you define niche. If you work in an office and most of the people you know work in an office, it would be natural to assume that most people in general work in offices.
We don't. We work on construction sites and factories and farms and battlefields. We police your streets and pull you out of burning buildings. We climb cell towers, fix your cars, collect your trash, repave your roads, survey your property, dig your well, process your gas, cut your steaks, paint your houses, and pour your concrete.
We're sometimes called "skilled laborers" or "tradesmen" or if we're really getting fancy "technicians". A good pocket knife is worth more to us than an etched Damascus steel katana gathering dust on a display shelf. We don't drive trucks. We use trucks. Our knees sound like fire crackers and our rotator cuffs are more scar tissue than tendon.
Now, we collect watches for the same reasons that everyone else does. We like them. But when we get up in the morning, we grab our tool belt, hard hat, and a good watch that will survive the day. There are companies that make some quality field watches that are great for folks that sometimes get their hands dirty. Bertucci makes watches for those of us that sometimes get our hands clean.
Are you planning to run for President in 2024, or are you a 'skit' writer for SNL?
@@michaelbedford8017 God no. It baffles me why anyone would actually want that job.
And I haven't watched SNL in over twenty years. They haven't been funny since the 80s.
👏👏👏👏....
Preach!!
Very nicely said!
I cannot lie... I love bertucci watches and own 4. they are the modern day benrus. the consummate field watch. light, legible, over-built. And it supports the American workforce.
I always thought Bertuccis were all really small. Actually looks pretty good at 42mm. Really cool to see more interest in US movements too. Great review!
There are a few that are smaller, but I think most are just over 40. it's an interesting brand, but I'd love it if they tried some other case shapes.
Do you have a link to the ranger green Nato Strap shown @ 1:22
I bought this watch 2yrs ago same battery. I’m a logger and I wear it everyday in the field and it’s never let me down. I love the watch and Berttuci. I have many watches to choose from but I always find myself throwing old faithful on my wrist. The only complaint would be the straps are so rigid it took a good six months to wear in.
Just picked up the Bertucci A-5S and man it my go to do it all watch. Tritium on all markers and hands with sapphire crystal. I have a 7 1/2” wrist and it’s perfection. No complaints on the watch however it takes a while to break in the strap.
I have the A2T. I like it.
1:39 good observation about the lowered lug bar position. That's my last excuse out the window to not explore these larger case Bertucci which I like so much.
I can't really comment on the A-11T, but I have the A-2T Vintage. Similar face to the Hamilton Field Khaki Mechanical ("Vietnam-ish") but has its own character. I love it . Very solid. Shane, you're right about the nylon band and the leather Horween. They are almost too sturdy and will probably outlast the watch itself and possibly a nuclear conflict.
I want this exact watch without the date. Help lobby Bertucci to make that watch!
I recently bought this watch (my first Bertucci) and it quickly became one of favorites. All of the negatives you mention are very minor for me. No deal killers here.
All I can say is, I have an A-11T and love it. The case with built in lugs is exceptional. I like the larger black on white date because it is large and clear enough to really read. So many dates are so small they are all but useless. (Just take a look at a Citizen Promaster.) Plus, black letters on a white background are far easier for me to read. As far as the 4 o'clock date - it works. The dial on the A-11T is extremely readable. I have the 3 hand version and find it very clean. In fact, it looks like other good field watches. Bertucci's bands are the best in the business. I find them well made to the point of being in a league of their own. I have both the leather and nylon Bertucci bands. The leather is great, if a bit heavy. The nylon is exceptional. I want a durable simple band on a tool watch. This is clearly a tool watch. As a matter of fact, it is an extremely well made tool watch that honestly compares with the best. I highly recommend Bertucci watches and the A-11T. Money very well spent!
Does the second hand hit the markers?
I got the Solar model ⌚👀
I believe the Bertucci has an oddball lock to it which place to its uniqueness the 4 o’clock date window goes well with a 4 o’clock crown 7 o’clock second tile is off kilter but the whole watch is off kilter which I think makes it work nice looking watch. Thanks for the review
Bertucci's are great. I actually use them 'in the field' in Algonquin Park, Ontario Canada. You need dependable, rugged and somewhat disposable...you do not want to be babying a watch going through back country. I suggest these without any reservations. Never had any problem with the DX strap mil-spec ZULU.
I love bertucci watches. I got my 8th yesterday and it's not my last.
I have and love this watch. I gave away my other two titanium bertuccis bc I prefer made in the USA. If made in the USA isn’t a high priority go with the A2T. The only other bertuccis worth reviewing would be the the tritium ones (which I believe you already have reviewed).
Good review. I own a Bertucci titanium field watch that has a timing bezel. It has some pluses and minuses but overall is a solid watch.
Just got mine in. It's cool, but I guess I just have to get used to the fixed spring bar. It makes the strap bend in kind of an awkward way across your wrist. I too placed it on a nylon/woven strap.. Forget about the leather. I took it off as well, it looks much better when it is not on your wrist. It sits way too high and bulges out way too far with the leather strap. It reminded me of those 90's fossil watches with the leather cuffs. As for people saying "just get a timex"..well, a timex feels like a cheap watch. I have at least 2 in the junk drawer, and just threw a waterbury timex in the toolbox. After a timex gets beat up enough, it starts to feel way cheap. These watches actually feel solid, and that alone makes wearing the watch much more pleasuring than wearing a throw away timex. Great options are swiss made Victorinox watches as they are usually 50-70% off retail. Are there better watches out there for the money? Sure, but there is just a cool and uniqueness factor about the watch that some people don't mind spending $250 on. Hell, I've spent that much goin to the titty club before...
I agree with every point ya made. I love this watch and when the leather breaks in hopefully it won't stick up on the ends as badly.
I love all 3 of my Bertucci watches. they're just solid & the titanium case is rugged as it gets while being lightweight as hell.
this thing is bombproof with the sapphire crystal, titanium case, & USA movement a few of mine have 10 to 12-year lithium battery...
You can tell it's well-made. I noticed the nylon strap also stuck up on the ends, I think it has to do with the way the built-in lugs are angled and positioned....
I agree 100% it should have a black date wheel with white Arabics.
Very nice, comprehensive review. You covered the strengths and the weaknesses in a very fair manner. As a leatherworking hobbyist I would have no problem constructing a two-piece leather strap for this, but it would either have snaps to allow it to come off, or, and this is less preferable, it could simply be sewn around the static bars. If you don't care about removing them, that's not a bad option really. Certainly the watch would never accidentally fall off! For most people though, lacking the skills, the Nato and Zulu straps are the available options.
Cool, that it's got an American made movement. That alone makes me want one, & I don't care for quartz.
It looks awesome on the leather strap 👌 I love my Bertucci A-2T, a solid titanium field watch.
Great review Shane!
We wants it, Precious. It will look just so fabulous on our tod - on our wrists-es, yes it will.
😂
Fantastic review. I have ordered 2 Bertucci watches. You inabler.
Good looking watch! Not every Bertucci is one piece; my A2SEL has illumination that's their version of Indiglo and the bars screw in. To be honest they're almost as strong as the unibodies. I think Bertucci makes great field watches if you want quartz. Most of the time I wear an automatic dive watch but I'll swap in the Bertucci sometimes when I'm working out or hiking due to how much thinner and lighter it is. It doesn't get hung up on stuff like my 15mm thick Deep Blue DAYNIGHT.
Nice review, Shane. I never thought I would be so interested in a case design, but I really like this smart design. Great looking tool watch. Yep, this is one I would buy....for daytime wear.
I swear by my Bertucci DX3, only watch I wear when I'm out hiking. Tough and easy to read. Hell, if that got damaged I dread to think what shape I'd be in 😆
Not too sure about this high end version but if its anything like their other watches then its built for the outdoor life
Super informative! Great Job on the video.
Just a couple of comments. The A2S/A5S Ballista models have removable lug bars if you want more strap options. And I agree about all the text on the dial: I don't need a reminder of the specs whenever I check the time. ;-)
I agree on the thickness of the leather strap. Too thick on the bottom. I had to change the leather strap on my Laco pilot because when I was typing at my desk, my watch wrist was all cock-eyed on the wrist rest.
It looks not half bad generally but i suggest 'higgly piggly' is a word made for that dial. I superlove that light copper toned watch. No battery BM8180 still imminent though.
Love the diver specs with the flieger hands, subseconds and field watch aesthetic on this. Totally agree however about should have used a color match date wheel. Also agree that it should have better lum and in my opinion everything in white should be lumed.
To be fair my SNK809 Seiko field watch has a dial that looks busier and more crowded than this - partially because it has a smaller dial as well.
I'll be impressed when we start making mechanical movements again.
Supposedly they are working on it, but we will see.
there are still a few american mechanical watchmakers, none as great as the waltham or hamiton of old though. check out RGM.
@@elgatto3133 Yes and WEISS.
RGM
Wow. I really like this design... I think the date wheel location is great, in line with the crown, but I agree the white on black might be nicer. I also wish the 200m were in a pale blue (suggesting water). American-made movement is nice as well, AND a solid titanium case! I'm unsure about those lugs, and the strap issues that result. But it is what it is: A Real Tool Watch. Great review, but I disagree with your overall assessment (mind you I am a designer-builder) I'd never even heard of Bertucci before this video, and even though I'm canadian, I really wish americans would actually start buying american, rather than throwing all their money at cheap chinesium watches and tools. Do you guys understand what "trade deficit" or "current account balance" mean? LOL.
Love the way this looks. Waiting to get a good deal on one.
It's an interesting watch. Classic looking, and built like a tank.
I'm a bit late to the comments here. I like Bertucci quite a bit, and like any brand, they hqve their shortcomings. Overall, I cannot recommend them highly enough. As for the Ameriquartz featured in the video, make that one no date, and I'm all in.
Bought the DX3 - now I want to save for this one...!
Damn. They were so close with this one... I wish someone would sell a modern A-11 with modern dimensions, sapphire glass, and an automatic movement with central seconds. As for this one, lose some of the text on the dial (especially around the six), move the crown to 3, and swap the movement to an auto with central seconds and I’d have been sold.
For you
Shane. I don't get the hate for quartz. I appreciate the review. Would love to see more reviews with solar and quartz movements. BTW, what makes an nh35 or off the shelf ETA any better than a quartz? These are mass produced movements. There's no craftsmanship in these. Hell they are arguable worse. They keep worse time and need maintenance. I've owned quality quartz pieces from Seiko,Citizen and Certina and they've all been fantastic watches.
Well that's always the big debate between quartz and Autos. Honestly I think it's just perception. In a week or two I'll be putting out a review on a high accuracy quartz GMT. I'm curious to see what kind of reaction it gets.
Excellent review and appreciated the honesty in the final thoughts.
Is this a watch you have kept in the collection or was it moved on?
I eventually sold it.
Very good review and sum up in the final thoughts.
Thanks!
Hi Shane, greetings from México, i like your videos, i hope you get to see my comment, i just got a Bertucci A-2T, i bought it from Amazon, and i really like it, however i noticed that the minute hand wobbles a little bit everytime the second hand moves, is this a mayor problem? Or is it common on this type of watches?, i do not know if i should return it or take it to a repair shop here in my town, thanks Shane, great videos!!!!
This one is comparable to Newmark 52 field watch, which is in my opinion best looking and performing field / dirty dozen style of reissues. If I didn't have Newmark I'd go for this Bertucci.
I definitely like the look of this one although I decided to go with Hamilton khaki field.
Awesome looking watch, especially with that green NATO. However, I already own a Timex MK1. Therefore, my reissue field watch needs have been met.
I absolutely love that strap!.😀
Awesome watch, but man what where they thinking with that dial layout?
Straps and no pins is why mine still kicks since 2015.
Now this is a tough and functional field watch. I don't mind the offset subdial at all but the wired lugs are a deal breaker for me. I just don't love one piece straps that much.
Those aren’t wire lugs, you can put a two piece strap on the watch.
I have two of those I have a titanium burgundy face and I have the glow-in-the-dark case and face not much lume by the way doesn’t glow long but good watch.
I'm actually really opening up to this quirky dial design.. but yeah price/quartz is not to favorable to me.. Also: they should make it with tritium.. that would be killer for me...
Thet have some badass tritium models
I freely admit this isn't for everyone and I don't need it but I want it!
Darn throw a dry rub on the strap and grill that sucker 😂👍
You nailed the review on this piece! I do hope Ameriquartz gets in more brands!!
Just bought a Bertucci A-1S. Meh. Seconds hand doesn’t line up on the indices. Limited strap options (it will matter when you see the OEM on your wrist). And those down curved lugs are meaningless since the watch caseback is not riding on your wrist. In fact, the curved lugs look kind of weird when the watch is sitting tall on the OEM strap on your wrist. Really enjoy your videos. Thanks!
I love the thing that the hands doesn't have counterweight, I really hate that...
Just ordered one. This watch is my kind of weird.
Nice review.
How did you find the build quality of the case?
I bought this model online but returned the watch immediately.
The casting of the case between the lugs was of particularly poor quality.
Similar to plastic that had started to deform through close proximity to heat.
I ask as I would like to purchase this watch again. Thank you.
I just double-checked this one, and I think it's the same. That's a really good catch, I didn't even notice that part. It's still smooth to the touch, but it's a little thicker and slightly irregular at that area.
So I'm guessing they had excess material there they didn't sand down or file off before sandblasting. Very strange. If yours was like that too, then I'm guessing they all will be.
@@RelativeTime Thank you for taking the time to reply. It seems from your observation that this is how they leave the factory. Which is disappointing. Thanks again. You have a great channel.(Greetings from the Scottish Borders)
Great American brand. From Illinois. 👍🇺🇲👍
I think they are close to Gurnee, maybe near six flags.
Yea, Illinois. The middle of everything. I'm a Bertucci owner, tough as nails.
Love the design and was expecting it to be much more pricey being made in America. Would be tempted if it had an auto in it.
Very nice design though, and as a Brit I'm not biased in any way.
Cool, Cheers 👍🏻👍🏻
I think Bertucci made an automatic at one point, but I don't think they have it anymore.
They also had this cool tank one, but it might be a little large.
www.bertucciwatches.com/Bertucci/E1SBallista.html
@@RelativeTime thank you 👍🏻
If they made a version in a brushed stainless steel case then the cost issue might be negated.
I am glad that you reviewed this watch. I had seriously considered buying this. Now I see it is nothing overly special and just not worth the price.
I love burtucci designs but when reviewers say the lume is worse than a vostok , that is not so good.
Lume is important on a tool watch for me at least.
Yup. I think they had some Tritium versions in the past, not sure they still do. Although they also have some versions that have an Indiglo like backlight.
ultimatefieldwatch.com/collections/all?gf_119560=Electroluminensent%20%26%20Swiss%20Super%20Luminious
Tritium or Indiglo is what you want on a real field watch. Lume dies off to quick and makes it worthless at night.
@@Bob_Smith19 Cant go wrong with tritium but other than my vostoks , all my other analog watches can be easily read in the dark all night even at 6 am.
you must not have any watches with super luminova or lumibrite lume.
I have a one question about A-11T.
How many seconds is the error for the AmeriCorps movement?
That's a good question. I haven't seen anything specific, but should be on par with most other quartz watches out there. I have seen a few forum posts from people saying they have been getting around 2-3 seconds a month. Which is promising, but not a lot of data to make a definitive conclusion.
The lugs are a bit overkill, the dial looks small in between those thick sides
Overkill is name of the game with these.
Personally have zero experience with the brand and there are few more other brands that have similar design but much cheaper. So, for me it won't get to my wish list. Thanks Shane.
I like how you present the facts about the watch. I think your videos could be better if you left your personal feelings out, or at least relegated them to a specific section of the review. I can see what it looks like on my own and make my own decision about whether or not it looks good. The same goes for the similarity between the different Bertucci collections (titanium vs stainless steel). You are alienating your audience by going on about how you think the similar look is a bad thing. Overall though you seem to make good videos. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the input. Part of the reason I make the videos the way I do. Where I don't just talk about stuff, but try to show it in as much detail as I can, is so that the viewers can make up their own minds.
Everyone has their own likes and dislikes. So when I'm going over a paticular feature I fully realize some may agree, but some will flat out ignore me anyways.
Although in some ways that does bring up the debate about what should be in a review. About once a year someone leaves a simmilar comment that I should just stick to the facts. So you may be in the minority, but you aren't alone in this.
Every once in a while I think about it, but I'm hesitant. I worry that if I just show off the watch, while doing nothing but repeating the spec sheet that I'm not doing a review. That it would wind up being more like a comercial. I don't know... I'll think about it more.
Bought an A-2T for $67 with this strap. Battery was dead and the strap was beat up.Some leather conditioner and a bit of brown polish and strap was good as new. Actually better because it was already broken in for me. Quality leather can last decades when cared for. I have a Tudor Ranger yet I still wear my Bertucci just as much. Yes it's chunky for a field watch but it looks rugged. One of my favorite watches I my box.
With proper care, the strap may even be able to outlast the watch.
I like it...But I agree with you that it’s overpriced! Thanks for the review Shane… You’re my go-to when it comes to straps and field watches!
Thanks! Burtucci also has a line of watches with an indiglo like backlight. I might check one of those out next. Although right now I'm looking forward to seeing the new Seiko 5 field watch.
@@RelativeTime I bought the ‘small composite model’(plastic) one for my son(5yrs old)...he has 2 F91’s and that. He seems to prefer the F91’s 😆...On another note thanks for all the content Shane! Have enjoyed your channel from the very beginning!
You Talk like when Patrick Bateman explains Paul Allen's card
You want to see mine? 😎
Don’t touch the suit!
Looks really good, don't think I'd be able to stick to that leather band though, huge off the wrist with that. Although it looks really qualitym
Btw Bertucci Is a name of italian origins
Fades out before a Vostok.....that just sobered me up, that and the price tag, otherwise I like it
Isn't bertucci an Italian brand?
Italian name, but pretty sure it's American based.
Great watches. Love that you can get some models with tritium tubes. Downside is their website is straight up Playskool. What a terrible design.
They actually have a new one now.
ultimatefieldwatch.com/
Although what's really confusing is that they didn't update the old one. Rather just created a new and better second one.
www.bertucciwatches.com/
No clue why.
"Completely eliminate any possible chance of failure" Hmmm... Not sure if that can be substantiated, but... ok. I don't wear my Bertucci because of the ridiculous lug design. The extreme downturn of the 'lugs' makes it look cheesy and the strap makes it sit way too high on my wrist. If you have a small wrist this might not matter but, if you have a larger wrist.... It will. I don't care where it's made... The design is not very ergonomic. Possibly, even a bit gimmicky. And oh yeah... The straps are the best part of these watches. I will take my $50 Timex or a Casio over these any day.
Well specifically the chance of failure with the springbar in the case. If it's not there, it can't really fail. Although depending on what strap you are using there may be one in the buckle. That was one thing that Mora Straps was trying to eliminate with their solid buckle design.
@@RelativeTime Cmon... You can't substantiate a non- failure if you haven't tested for failure... 🙄
It's a nice design and nice to see USA made for you guys, but a cheap low beat quartz is a cheap low beat quartz no matter where it's made. An extra 30 usd for a meca-quartz or even a foreign movement would be better. Is it $150-200 better than an AE Steeldive or Addies with 200m water resistance, a signed crown, sapphire crystal and an NH35A automatic movement? I don't think so. However if one is feeling patriotic and wishes to support home grown industry and doesn't mind the low quality movement and lume, why not..
Buying this supports American employees. And this movement is comparable to Swiss Ronda. this is a field watch...prioritizing durability and reliability overall.
Supposedly they are a higher end quartz movement. All metal design, which is supposed to be repaired (not replaced) if anything every goes wrong.
If your curious, Marc does a good job showing it off in his video on them.
th-cam.com/video/FtaDyAqmljc/w-d-xo.html
He seems rather impressed by them, and if I remember right his background is in engineering. Although he is selling them, so bare that in mind as well.
@@RelativeTime
Why repair it when you can replace a Miyota 2035 for two bucks and they are basically a few g of steel with a tiny bit of plastic and copper so recycling isn't really relevant to begin with?
@@Alias_Anybody Well that is always the question with anything these days. In fact, you could probably ask the same thing about a Swatch vs anything higher end. Yet beyond the cost analysis, I think it shows that it's built to a higher standard. Which may result in better performance and a longer lifetime.
Now granted we often don't think about performance when it comes to quartz, as we usually think about accuracy in terms of days. Rather than months or years. Yet there is a difference in performance when it comes to the various quartz watches out there. Some of which is due to the design of the circuitry, as well as the grade of quartz itself.
@@RelativeTime
Miyota 2035s (I have multiple) are almost always between +3 and +15 seconds per month, that's barely relevant. Let's say it's +8, so you'll be 48 seconds fast for daylight savings time. Or hack it for a few seconds when you feel like it. My Casio world time was 18€ and runs under +1/month. The world can end and I'll be more punctual than Swiss trains half a decade later.
TLDR; if it doesn't offer stuff like solar charging or a smoother sweep (which is also purely for the looks) highend quartz is a bit pointless. This is not scientific equipment.
If Plough Horses ever start wearing wristwatches this could be a contender.
It must be driving American companies to distraction, that they can't produce a watch under say $300 that can sport 'Made in USA' on the dial.
If they already have, it's probably either the subject of a court case, or a joke.
And what about this 'collaboration with an Indian company'?
Unless they mean 'native American', by that, it sets off more alarm bells.
The biggest hurdle here is that the FCC has very strict requirements on what qualifies as "Made in the USA". Above and beyond what most other countries require. I think everything, including source materials have to originate in the USA in order for it to qualify. Which is one reason Timex went with Gorilla Glass instead of Sapphire. As no one in the USA is really making synthetic sapphire.
I'm not clear on the details of FTCs partnership with Titan. According to wikipedia Titan is the 5th largest watch manufacturer in the world. So there is a lot that could be happening.
It could be as little as the initial training of their workforce. Which is what Shinola initially did with Ronda. Or it could be as much as sharing technology and design schematics of the movements.
11mm is not "very thin".
Well what you consider to be thin for a field watch?
#Yesitis
@@RelativeTime A very(!) good field watch could easily be 8 or 9mm max. (to hell with the notion of how the commerce and fashion and other "common tricks" want us to accept things.
I have an excellent mans titanium watch with saphire glass and 10atm that is 6mm thick and 40mm large.
And my new "do it all" (atom time, alarms, date and day(!), light, digital and analog(!), hardened titan, saphire, full good lumed numbers, ... etc) is not exessivally large and 10mm. So perhaps that can be considered thin compared to many fashion horror trend, but 11 is not VERRY thin.
@@BuffaloNickel9 @Relative Time A very(!) good field watch could easily be 8 or 9mm max. (to hell with the notion of how the commerce and fashion and other "common tricks" want us to accept things.
I have an excellent mans titanium watch with saphire glass and 10atm that is 6mm thick and 40mm large.
And my new "do it all" (atom time, alarms, date and day(!), light, digital and analog(!), hardened titan, saphire, full good lumed numbers, ... etc) is not exessivally large and 10mm. So perhaps that can be considered thin compared to many fashion horror trend, but 11 is not VERRY thin.
So at best I could perhaps accept You had said "average thick"
(but definitely not 'very thin")
@@RelativeTime Here is a "field" watch that is 8.4mm "thin" (not average 11mm average thick.)
So is this too thin ? Its going to bend ? Run slow? let water in ? haha.
th-cam.com/video/9S4e4hK9NiM/w-d-xo.html
Black and orange DX-3 is gr8. Strap is overkill: plastic impregnated NATO that swamp water can't ruin. Wow.
Looks nice. Ill have to find a new hobby that merits integrated lugs.
Not keen on that, looks like the dial melted and the second hand and date slid down 😂
Like a Salvador Dalí painting?
I could never stand how they print the entire spec sheet on the dial. Put it on the case back where it belongs.
I don't see how "supporting the American worker" is particularly relevant for anyone outside the US and there aren't actually any tests how tough they are compared to Japanese quartz movements so I'd call that a gimmick at best. Titanium is nice, but the lume is a huge disappointment, especially for Flieger hands. If you aren't after the specific aesthetic and just want something "toolish" it's competitors are basically Casios and Chinese sports watches for around 30. Or if you are generous an analogue G-Shock for 100. This seems to be over 250, you can get fancy solar or Miyota 9000 series for that cash.
Who was insisting that supporting the American worker is relevant to anyone outside of the US?
What an odd point to take issue with.
@@dparis2172
Was only implied in the video but enforced in many comments, if you are wondering.
@@Alias_Anybody You're mixing up implied with inferred. No such thing was implied, but it is what you inferred.
At best 11mm is "Average thick". Certainly not "very thin". Mine is even thinner than this one :
th-cam.com/video/9S4e4hK9NiM/w-d-xo.html
Too expensive to what it is, no matter with which model and case materials you go with. At the end it's just a quartz field watch and i think timex expedition has better value for money.
Agreed. Better brand recognition, indiglo, more easier to find, and costs less. You can even get a chronograph expedition and it will still cost less than this Bertucci. Omegalul.
Too large in diameter and lugs appear clunky and as add ons. No thanks.
WAYYY too much advertising on the Dial #CRINGE
It’s a freeken quartz movement. Get a timex and save some money.
First!
WOO!