In the sphere of independent watchmaking, Bravur has carved a distinct niche, lauded for its thoughtfully conceived timepieces that often draw inspiration from unexpected, yet resonant, corners of culture. The Team Heritage collection stands as a prime example, weaving narratives of sporting greatness into the fabric of horological design.
Among its compelling chapters is the Bravur Team Heritage STR Automatic, a watch that pays vibrant tribute to one of professional cycling’s most iconic and influential teams, St. Raphaël, encapsulating its spirit within a meticulously crafted mechanical object. This is more than just a watch; it’s a conversation piece imbued with history and character, hand-built with Scandinavian precision in Båstad, Sweden.
The story begins with the legendary St. Raphaël cycling team, a dominant force in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Sponsored by the eponymous French aperitif brand and led by luminaries like Jacques Anquetil, the team redefined race strategy and professionalism. Bravur masterfully translates the team’s iconic kit onto the STR’s dial. A shimmering silver-white canvas provides the base, elegantly contrasted by precisely rendered light blue and red circles – instantly recognisable to cycling aficionados.
Legibility is paramount, ensured by applied hour indices at the cardinal points, generously filled with Super-LumiNova BGW9, alongside lume-filled rhodium-plated hands. Adding a layer of nuanced charm is the subtle, yet deliberate, cycling cap motif positioned at 6 o’clock, a recurring emblem that speaks volumes to the watch’s thematic core, balancing sporting heritage with refined aesthetics.
Encasing this evocative dial is a beautifully proportioned 37mm case crafted from robust 316L stainless steel. With considered lug-to-lug dimensions (44.6mm) and an 18mm lug width, it’s designed for elegant wearability, particularly suited for slender wrists. Sophistication is amplified by polished chamfers gracing the case flanks and the vintage allure of a domed sapphire crystal, fortified with an anti-reflective coating on its underside.
Practicality is addressed through a sculpted crown guard integrated into the case profile and a secure screw-down crown contributing to its 10 ATM water resistance. Turning the watch over reveals a solid steel case back, engraved with the signature Team Heritage cycling cap logo, the individual serial number, and a playful nod to cycling culture with the water resistance expressed in a tyre pressure style (10.0 bar / 145 PSI).
At the heart of the Team Heritage STR beats the reliable Swiss Made Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement. This self-winding calibre, operating at a smooth 4 Hz (28,800 A/h) and offering up to 41 hours of power reserve, underscores Bravur’s commitment to horological integrity. The decision for a no-date configuration maintains the dial’s clean symmetry and vintage sporting feel. Offered with a choice of FKM rubber, supple leather, or sleek Milanese mesh straps, versatility is assured.
For those seeking a distinctive timepiece that marries quality watchmaking with a rich narrative, the Bravur Team Heritage STR Automatic presents compelling value at £926, offering a tangible connection to cycling’s golden era, executed with contemporary Swedish design sensibilities.
It stands as a testament to Bravur’s ability to craft watches that are not only visually captivating but deeply meaningful.
