The Tornek-Rayville TR Type 7B “Blakjak” ($895) is an impressive evolution of the classic military field watch, blending robust dive capabilities with timeless design. This Class B (non-radioactive) self-winding field watch draws its inspiration from the iconic MIL-W-46374F Type 6 SANDY 660 and takes it to a whole new level. The Type 7B “Blakjak” retains the essence of a military tool watch while adding enhancements that make it an even more versatile timepiece, capable of handling both the rugged outdoors and urban environments with ease.
The Type 7B “Blakjak” boasts an automatic winding movement, ensuring that it keeps up with the wearer’s daily adventures without the need for manual winding. The addition of a day/date complication makes this watch as practical as it is stylish, offering functionality that many users look for in an everyday timepiece. The 200m water resistance rating underscores its dive-ready capabilities, while drilled lugs make it easy to switch between straps or replace the upgraded solid-end-link bracelet with shoulderless spring bars for more challenging environments.
One of the standout features of the Type 7B is its thoughtfully designed bezel. The bezel has been redesigned with a DLC-coated stainless steel inlay, featuring an inward slope to protect the sapphire crystal and reduce wear on the bezel itself. This meticulous attention to detail ensures the “Blakjak” remains looking sharp even after years of use. The SuperLumiNova BGW9 luminous material used on the dial and hands is another upgrade over its predecessor, providing bright and long-lasting visibility in low-light conditions without the need for radioactive tritium tubes. With SLN BGW9, recharging by an external light source keeps the watch shining brightly for as long as you need.
The dial design of the Type 7B “Blakjak” is a masterclass in functional elegance, featuring maximal information density for optimal readability. The combination of font, colour, and spatial distinctions allows for the easy reading of 12/24 hour time, day, and date at a glance. The chaptering curves towards the minute and seconds hands to minimize parallax error, ensuring precision in reading the time. The day of the week wheel offers both English and Roman numeral formats, with the Roman option ideal for those occasions when it’s more important to track the number of days elapsed than the actual day of the week.
The Blakjak’s case is designed with versatility in mind, seamlessly crossing between civilized environments and more demanding adventures. The visual balance between the bezel and case body has been enhanced compared to the Type 6, and the case itself drops away from the tall bezel to make it easier to operate, even while wearing gloves. The larger luminous windows in the hour and minute hands significantly improve night-time readability, and the sweep seconds hand features a luminous marker at its tip for added visibility.
The Tornek-Rayville TR Type 7B “Blakjak” is the perfect watch for those who appreciate the marriage of military heritage and modern refinement. With thoughtful upgrades, rugged materials, and a commitment to exceptional readability, the Type 7B is ready to handle whatever comes its way—whether you’re navigating through dense forests or the bustling city streets. The “Blakjak” offers a true evolution of the field watch, delivering sophistication and reliability in every situation.
