Active man looking for an elegant watch for professional use and formal occasion. Choice motivated by the refined design, the affordable price (around € 800-1000) and the Swiss reputation. Daily port for 8 months, alternated with a sports watch on weekends.

See the constant Frederic and opinions on Amazon

First contact and installation

• Housing : Correct finish, but polished steel subject to micro-scratches.

• Leather bracelet : Difling initial rigidity, requires 2 weeks of adaptation to marry the wrist.

• Readability : Effective sun blue dial in natural light, low light indices at night.

Real test vs promises

• Robust : Survived to projections of water (hand washing, rain) despite its 5 ATM.

• Precision : Drift of +25 sec/month vs the 15 sec announced - Check via watchmaking app.

• Wear : Impeccable dial, but Ardillon loop shows signs of oxidation after 6 months.

Key points for the buyer

• For : Ceremonies, office, minimalists loving the sober analog.

• Against : Mechanical enthusiasts, lovers of innovative bracelets.

• Alternative : Tissot chemin des Tourelles (same price, automatic) or Certina DS-1 (better seal).

Cash verdictStrength ::

1. Discreet elegance adapted to costumes

2. Simplified maintenance (quartz)

3. Correct price/prestige ratio for a Swiss

Weaknesses ::

1. Low -end leather vs competition

2. Ineffective night brightness

3. Crown too small for specific settings

Recommended ? Yes, for a first luxury purchase at entry -level or as a secondary watch. Not recommended for mechanical purists.

Concrete example : During a wedding, the watch perfectly completed a three-room suit without attracting attention-advantage for sober contexts. On the other hand, a colleague passionate about watchmaking confused it with an entry -level Longines… eloquent.

Express quiz: is the FC-220NS5B6 your next watch?

1. Are you looking for a passout watch for suit/sober outfit?[+] Yes → +1[-] No → Tissot PRX or Hamilton Khaki

2. Are you ready to sacrifice the precision of an automatic so as not to pay the date?[+] Yes (Quartz) → +1[-] No (Méca compulsory) → Orient Bambino

3. Is your budget strictly ≤ € 1,000 for a Swiss?[+] Yes → +1[-] No (1,300-1,500 €) → Longines presence

4. Do you need a tightness> 5atm (swimming/shower)?[+] Yes → Certina DS Action[-] No → +1

5. Do you support a leather bracelet that hardens in winter?[+] Yes (aesthetics> comfort) → +1[-] No → Opt for a steel bracelet

RESULTS:

• 4-5 [+] : Perfect target. Buy without hesitation.

• 2-3 [+] : Acceptable compromise if design> technical details.

• 0-1 [+] : Flee. Look at the side of Seiko Presage or Mido Baroncelli.

Concrete example : If you answer yes to questions 1, 3, 5 → FC-220NS5B6 justifies its price. If question 2 you block → go your way.