Ebel Classic Hexagon Retrograde Power Reserve automatic

Previously sold only in a 45.4 mm stainless steel case, the new Ebel Classic Hexagon Retrograde Power Reserve automatic watch is finally available in a rose gold body.

The case, which is only 11.2 mm thick, leaves enough space for the Soprod 9094 automatic movement, which is based on the well-known ETA 2892 but includes a retrograde date and power reserve modules.

Successfully combining satin finished body with polished bezel and screws, the Ebel Classic Hexagon Retrograde Power Reserve looks very dressy and refined. Especially, with the brown leather strap that almost reaches the bezel, gently hugging the wrist and making the watch look less massive.

Okay, the five screws on the frontal part of the body leave somewhat mixed impressions, since you usually expect this kind of design from sportier, more technocratic watches.

Also, I don’t really understand whether the screws serve any functional purpose or are here just for decoration. I guess the latter is true: Ebel’s designers probably simply wanted to emphasize the unusual hexagonal shape of its body.

The main problem of the watch is an unbalanced dial.

The day of week indicator at 9 o’clock has a rose gold rim and is very “heavy” compared to the retrograde date indicator at 3 o’clock, drawing to much attention to itself.

They really should have turned the date display 90 degrees clockwise moving the scale closer to the Hexagon’s center of visual gravity.

With the way indicators are positioned now, the face of the watch looks like that of drunken panda.

Photos: Ebel

Ebel Classic Hexagon Retrograde Power Reserve watch specification

Price range: $17,000
Movement: Soprod 9094 (base ETA 2892), automatic
Complications: Day of week, power reserve, retrograde date
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case material: 18K-750 4N rose gold, satin finished
Bezel material: 18K-750 4N pink gold, polished
Case shape: Round
Transparent case back: Yes, sapphire crystal
Case size: 45.4 mm
Case height: 11.2 mm
Dial: Silvered
Hands: Rose gold
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: Hand-stitched brown alligator leather strap, Ebel pin buckle
Crystal: Sapphire