While I am not an authority on women’s watches in particular, I am familiar with a quality watch when I see it. And after having done plenty of men’s watch reviews I thought it was time to review one for our female readers. The Sea Pearl from Resco Instruments starts at $735 (shipping and taxes included for US customers) and you can select a Pvd finish for an additional $200, which is a standard price in the market.
From Resco –
Ladies, you may not be barrel-chested freedom fighters but you still deserve an Operator Grade Timepiece. The RESCO Sea Pearl is designed to be stylish and comfortable in any environment and should be the standard issue for any discerning lady.
I got my hands on their “Stainless White Mother of Pearl” Sea Pearl and was expecting a quality watch that matched other Resco watches I am familiar with, and the Sea Pearl didn’t disappoint. It is well-made throughout and balances ruggedness and feminine qualities. Those qualities include the mother of pearl watch face, a polished case, and the stingray strap. The 38mm 316L Stainless Steel polished case (11mm thickness) is much shinier in person than the online store photos, but that isn’t a bad thing.
The case back features a beautifully imprinted Resco trident logo. While I am partial to automatic mechanical movements, I agree with Resco’s choice to utilize a Swiss Ronda Quartz here for a few reasons if I assume this watch is probably a gift being worn by a wife or girlfriend that may not want to worry about setting their watch after not being worn for a few days. The stingray covered leather strap (20mm lug) is a nice touch for a nautical watch like the Sea Pearl, and it comes in a variety of colors depending on your personal taste.
The screw-down crown has excellent grip and features the Resco trident logo. Bezel movement is very clean and effortless. The best word I can use to describe the bezel movement is “light”, which is good because the bezel is so polished that a stiff movement would have been difficult to utilize. The watch face is the perfect size for this watch. Hands and date window are easy to read against the white mother of pearl background, and the lume (BWG9 SuperLuminova) is outstanding in low light environments. A quality Sapphire crystal protects the watch face and will protect the face from scratches and other damage for a very long time.
For the water rating I would have expected more from Resco than 100m, but while the Sea Pearl may not be as hardcore as its male counterparts it is still a hardcore option for the woman who appreciates the style and durability of it. Regardless of whether you’re going for style or function, the Sea Pearl combines both and does it well.