The DeMarco Chronograph makes a strong and affordable debut
Buffy Acacia
We often read about microbrands that see a hole in the market and decide to fill it, especially if that hole is shaped like an affordable, quality wristwatch. However, so many years into the height of microbrand popularity, I’m not convinced those holes truly exist anymore. If you’re in the market for a quality mechaquartz chronograph below US$500, the options list is exhaustive. DeMarco’s debut Chronograph collection stands out, however, not because of its existence within a price bracket, but for its attention to detail, array of pleasant colours, and timeless style.
The case
If you want fantastic wearability, a microbrand like DeMarco is always going to be a great bet. Being founded by a watch enthusiast, DeMarco knows how to effectively balance wrist presence and physical dimensions. A 41mm diameter and a 49mm lug-to-lug ensures that the case isn’t going to be hanging off of the average wrist, despite having long, tapered lugs that grant the watch an elegant silhouette. That’s easier said than done because the appearance of long lugs is far more distinctive than just shortening them on a large case, or starting off with a sub-39mm diameter in the first place. The side view is fairly chunky, with a 13mm thickness and only a slight chamfer to the caseback.
Aside from the proportions, the case of the DeMarco Chronograph is actually highly distinctive. The polished edges of the lugs ease into the scalloped edges of the rotating, 120-click elapsed time bezel, which contributes to a sculptural and classy-meets-sporty look. The sportiness isn’t just visual either: with 100 metres of water resistance, you can take this chronograph swimming stress-free. It does have a screw-down crown, but not screw-down pushers, so you will need to take care not to push them while underwater.
The dial
Chronographs are deceptively tricky to get right because even though there’s been decades of iconic releases from which to take influence, there’s always a struggle between level of detail and legibility. The DeMarco Chronograph isn’t a homage to anything specific, but I would say that much of its personality comes from the world of aviation. The soft-edged Arabic numerals and syringe hands carry a distinct military flavour, as does the telemeter scale around the dial’s perimeter in place of a typical tachymeter. A telemeter allows you to calculate distance based on the difference between the speed of light and sound.
The twin register display allows the dial to have some breathing room, which is nice considering that the DeMarco logo is very prominent. The 9 o’clock subdial counts minutes, while the 3 o’clock subdial is actually a 24-hour indicator. That’s a bit of a controversial complication, but we’ll come back to that. Contrasting against the sporty stainless steel bezel are five dial colours, including the versatile black, blue, and panda options, along with two pastel shades of pink and pistachio green. What’s most impressive is the circular date window at 6 o’clock and the perfectly colour-matched date wheel accompanying every model.
The movement
Seiko’s VK64 mechaquartz movement has become an essential calibre in the microbrand world over recent years. It provides all of the accuracy and reliability benefits of a quartz movement but it also features a smooth-sweeping chronograph hand similar to a mechanical watch. The only drawback is that one of the sub-dials is a 24-hour display instead of a true hours counter, which some people find to be irritating. It’s no issue for me though, and as long as the dial is balanced, I am happy. The VK64 is hidden behind a solid steel caseback that’s engraved with the DeMarco logo.
The straps
Ensuring value for money, the DeMarco Chronograph comes with three straps to fulfil various purposes. The stainless steel bracelet pairs well with the case for a robust, sporty tone, while the calfskin leather strap puts a formal twist on the whole affair. Finally, there’s a black FKM rubber strap if you want to lean more heavily into the sportiness and comfort. All of these options come with quick-release spring bars for ease of swapping them out, and the 20mm lug width means that you can easily find other aftermarket straps should you wish to experiment. It’s also worth pointing out that the bracelet’s clasp has on-the-fly adjustment, so you can loosen or tighten the fit without the need for tools should your wrist change with temperature.
The verdict
It’s clear that the DeMarco Chronographs are well-built watches oriented towards enthusiasts, but they never pander to obvious homages or cute trends. Instead, DeMarco has planted strong foundations for a visual identity that can evolve into plenty of watch styles in the brand’s future. It’s not something that’s going to turn every head on the street, but that’s perfect for the majority of people who just want a watch they can take anywhere.
DeMarco Chronograph price and availability
The DeMarco Chronograph is now available from DeMarco’s website. Price: US$499
| Brand | DeMarco |
| Model | Chronograph |
| Case Dimensions | 41mm (D) x 13mm (T) x 49mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Black, blue, white, green or pink |
| Bracelet and straps | Steel bracelet, on-the-fly adjustment, folding clasp Calf leather, steel pin buckle FKM rubber strap, steel pin buckle |
| Movement | Seiko VK64, mechaquartz |
| Battery Life | ~3 years |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, chronograph, 24-hour indicator |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | US$499 |
Made in partnership with DeMarco. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.