The Beaucroft Element: equal parts elegance and robustness, and now in the Time+Tide Shop!
Time+TideA long time ago, folks wore watches because they needed to. A timekeeping device was necessary to stay organised and be on time, and because they were necessary, they came in many sizes, colours, and styles. One might like to romanticise these days (from a horological standpoint) because one might assume that many preferred to wear watches which were equal parts elegance and robustness. (Again, they only needed one.) And whether or not it is true, this type of watch is coming back in style – or never went out of fashion- as it strikes the perfect balance between dependability, legality, and versatility. So is today’s subject: the Beaucroft Element, which is now available in the Time+Tide Shop in both London and Melbourne.
The case
The case of the Beaucroft Element is itself an exercise in balance. Dimensions-wise, it will fit most wrists thanks to a diameter of 39.5mm, a lug-to-lug of 46.5mm, a total thickness of 11.7mm and a lug width of 20mm. According to many watch enthusiasts, these dimensions are universal and appropriate for a watch of this genre – an everyday wearer that can do it all. The Element can indeed handle itself in many types of situations as it comes with 200 meters of water resistance (thanks to a screw-down crown and case-back), a domed sapphire crystal, and a hardness coating of 1,200- 1,300 HV. In other words, the Beaucroft Element will perform well – and continue to look nice – whether you’re at the office, hiking, or diving the Great Barrier Reef.
The Element’s case is also an exercise in balance from a design standpoint. The 316L stainless steel case showcases delicate vertically brushed and mirror-polished surfaces, complete with seamless transitions. Of note are the polished chamfers, which run the entirety of the case from one lug to another, as well as the polished lower half of the fixed bezel. The case sides define the Element’s visual character, where the mid-case, which narrows towards the centre, protrudes out from the lower half, the latter appearing to be part of the case-back. Angled and endowed with a fine bead-blasted finish, this section of the case stands out from the rest. Lastly, the small but easy-to-operate crown perfectly complements the look and functionality of the Beaucroft Element.
The dial
Similarly to its case design and proportions which are balanced, the Beaucroft Element comes with a dial which is perfectly symmetrical and aesthetically appropriate for any kind of environment. Long, rounded, and faceted hour and minute hands align perfectly with long, rounded, and faceted applied hour markers. The hands and markers have the same finish – brushed upper sections and polished chamfers – which are delightful to look at. Baton-style hour markers are classic, but their roundness here endows them with an extra sporty appearance. Together, these all create a very cohesive, pleasing, and symmetrical look.
The seconds hand stands out from the rest for being fully painted in a colour that matches that of the dial. But it remains an integral part of the dial design and of the Element’s functionality as it is generously lumed with Super-LumiNova BGW9 just like the hour and minute hands and the applied hour markers.
Furthermore, the dial on the Beaucroft Element comes with a three-level construction which adds visual interest to the entire package: in the center a sunray finish encompasses the brand’s logo and some text below the pinion; then a higher section within which the hour markers are partially recessed; lastly, the rehaut on which is printed the minute track where the minute hash marks are printed in a color that matches that of the dial. Combined with the multi-faceted hands and markers, there are lots of interesting things happening here.
The bracelet
To complement the Beaucroft Element’s technical and visual versatility, this model comes on a three-link stainless steel bracelet with quick-release spring bars, built-in micro-adjustment mechanism, and screwed links. The links have a rounded shape, and the outer ones are finished with polished chamfers. Overall, it’s a great bracelet that is comfortable to wear and which perfectly matches the Element’s case and dial design.
The movement
The movement is also a part of the Beaucroft Element’s spec sheet that emphasises its versatility and robustness. The brand opted for a premium Miyota 9039 calibre, which runs at 28,800 BPH/4Hz and comes with 42 hours of power reserve. Moreover, Beaucroft regulates the movements in-house to run at +/- 10 seconds per day.
Beaucroft Element pricing and availability
The Beaucroft Element, as well as the rest of the Beaucroft range, is available now for a limited time from the Time+Tide Shop, exclusively in-store at our London and Melbourne Discovery Studios. Price: A$1,065
| Brand | Beaucroft |
| Model | Element |
| Case Dimensions | 39.5mm (D) x 11.7mm (T) x 46.5mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | 316L stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 200 metres, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Double-domed sapphire |
| Dial | Black, orange, ice blue, forest green, ocean blue, mint green |
| Strap | Matching bracelet with micro-adjustment in clasp |
| Movement | Miyota 9039, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Now from the Time+Tide Shop |
| Price | A$1,065 |