Here is another watch review contributed by Santtu M. I reviewed a previous model by this brand, the Ocean Diver watch here. See his review below:
Recon 5 is the new product from Prometheus, a rather new boutique brand with plenty of determination. This is their take on popular aviator theme. At the first glance I knew that Prometheus were not doing an other aviator, they were doing their adaptation of it. Watch has definite military vibe to it which comes from clean minimalistic dial, very easy to read markings and hands. It’s clear that Prometheus had a ambition when making design choices here. As they say them selves on their blog, this watch is a tribute to reconnaissance squadrons of the world and 5th squadron of US Airforce in special.
Hands on this watch bring images of military instruments to my mind and dial has made a bold move towards readability, nice amount of empty space. On dial you can clearly see “room” below 12 o’clock marker, which to me yells utilitarian design. Keeping the dial uncluttered helps reading the time, which is super easy to do at glance with this piece. Dial markings as well as hands are covered in super luminova which illuminate the dial nicely and gives this watch superb night readability.
What really sets this watch apart from most aviator watches is the unique way of incorporating contemporary military styling into classic aviator dial. And it’s not a simple cosmetic chance since it improves the readability of the watch quit nicely. For me this is one of the easiest reading watches out there, simple, clean and most of all utilitarian. Just what aviator watches should be about.
It’s clear that at Prometheus they have a mission of providing high bang for the buck ratio. Recon 5 has a Swiss Unitas 6497-1 with Côtes de Genève finish inside and it does look good as you can see throe the display back. The movement choice also makes perfect sense in military oriented watch since the manually wound 6497-1 is known for robustness. Robustness is a feature that carries throughout the watch – evident in sapphire crystals (both of them) as well as usage of surgical steel as case material. This watch was build for durability and performance under stress in the cockpit. And priced aggressively at 269 euros. Still, it is a basic timepiece with a rough finishing that will probably give the watch a vintage feel. Regardless, Prometheus isn’t targeting IWC or Glashutte Original pilot watches, which is apparently by the price.
Watch case is brushed and surface finish is even and of good quality. This gives a nice contrast to oversize crown which is highly polished to mirror like finish. Overall the brushed finish is a one more touch to utilitarian feel that comes out of this watch from all angles. Case is water-resistant to 50 meters which is perfectly adequate for a watch meant for the skies.
Recon 5 is strapped with nice brown padded leather strap that’s super comfy on wrist. Lugs are 22mm which is a nice substantial size for a watch of this size (44mm with out the crown). All in all this watch is proportioned nicely, it has substantial size with out being huge or uncomfortable.
I must say that they have succeeded rather well bringing new fresh ideas to traditional design while still honoring it’s roots. Giving traditional aviator watch a modern new look with out being out of place. For many, this will be a way of getting a boutique brand Aviator style watch with a Swiss movement for a price lower than you’d expect.
Visit Prometheus watches here.