Can the Solstice Revival save a fledgling brand from bankruptcy?
Buffy AcaciaIf you thought that starting a microbrand was as simple as signing up for Kickstarter, I wouldn’t blame you. The prevalence of microbrands in recent years has definitely created an image of easy success, but that’s far from the truth. Savaty Reutov, the founder of microbrand Solstice, revealed in an interview with WatchPro that he didn’t make any money from his initial releases and barely broke even – a surprisingly candid admission. First, there were some minimalist sports watches, followed by a Rolex Daytona homage, both powered by generic quartz movements. Then, Solstice’s first automatic watch used a rather unashamed ripoff the IWC Ingenieur dial pattern. The 2025 Solstice Revival is a complete redo of the entire brand, scrapping its bland past in the hopes that honesty and value can save it.
The case
There may not be much originality left in the world of integrated bracelet sports watches, but it’s clear that Solstice has chosen to evoke the ‘70s era as a whole rather than any one famous watch in particular. The steel case is tonneau-shaped with chisel-like facets in high polish across its sides, while brushing across its upper faces and circular bezel impart a rugged character. The step down to a crown guard is done tastefully, and only covers about one-third of the crown, granting some protection from bumps without preventing easy finger access.
Appealing to the masses, the Revival has a 40mm diameter and a 46.5mm lug-to-lug distance. It definitely looks and feels tough enough as a sports watch, without being overbearing on the wrist. It’s water-resistant to 100m, so it can be taken swimming, and it’s only 10.5mm thick. The way the case flares out from the bezel and caseback makes it appear even thinner while it’s on your wrist too.
The dial
The Revival is quite closely based on Solstice’s first automatic model that used an Ingenieur dial, but now it has been given a substantial facelift. It uses a three-dimensional array of interfacing cubes to create a rippling texture, as alternating segments are shot into shadow and highlight. It makes for a stunning display in either the ice blue or white variant with its rose gold PVD case, but the depth is amplified with the emerald green model because of the dark gradient.
The rest of the dial’s appointments are equally refined. Trapezoidal hour markers filled with Super-LumiNova ensure legibility after dark, and the dauphine hands match the dial’s sophistication. An outer ring runs along the dial’s perimeter with a matte finish, helping the printed minute markers stand out a bit more. There’s also a date window cut out at 3 o’clock with a neat frame around it. The Solstice text is nice and simple, while the “S” logo in its Gothic font definitely adds a layer of class.
The bracelet
Although the bracelet of the Solstice Revival does look completely integrated, it’s actually equipped with quick-release spring bars. The alternating brushed and polished links are versatile enough for pretty much anything, but the Revival does come supplied with an extra leather strap if you’d like to dress it up further. It also comes with a half-link and a bracelet adjustment tool so that you can get your perfect fit yourself, without needing to take a trip to a watchmaker. The width of the bracelet and strap begins at 24mm before tapering down to 18mm under your wrist.
The movement
The Sellita SW200-1 is the current champion of affordable Swiss watches, and it can unsurprisingly be found powering the Solstice Revival. Still, when you’re in the market for something budget-friendly and packed with value, a lack of surprises is a good thing. Essentially a clone of the ubiquitous ETA 2824-2, the SW200-1 features a 4Hz beat rate for a smooth seconds sweep and a power reserve of 38 hours with automatic winding. You can view the movement through the sapphire display caseback, although aside from the customised winding rotor, there’s no finishing to speak of to further reduce the final price.
Whether or not the Solstice Revival can save this Alaskan microbrand is hard to tell. However, keeping it as a limited edition of just 95 pieces per colour makes selling them all sound achievable. The CHF 664 price point is pretty compelling for what you’re getting, and the finishing looks to be on par with far more expensive brands. My only neutral remark is that Solstice hasn’t really found a particular niche or distinct identity yet, although that may come with time and pending the Revival’s success. If you have been in the market for an integrated bracelet sports watch with an air of class, then the Solstice Revival is a strong choice.
Solstice Revival price and availability
The Solstice Revival is limited to 95 pieces per dial colour and is now available for pre-order via Solstice’s website with flexible payments. Price: CHF 664
| Brand | Solstice |
| Model | Revival |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 10.5mm (T) x 46.5mm (LTL) |
| Case material | Stainless steel Stainless steel with rose gold PVD coating |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | White, ice blue, or emerald green |
| Strap | Integrated steel bracelet with quick-release Additional integrated leather strap option |
| Movement | Sellita SW200-1, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Limited to 95 pieces per colour |
| Price | CHF 664 |
Made in partnership with Solstice Watches. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.