Berny T2576 Review

For my second edition of “Cheap Heat” I thought I would review another watch that I have owned since the AliExpress 11.11 sale two years prior: the Berny T2576 field watch. At the time, it cost me about $50, and from a brief pop over to the AliExpress website, I see that it can still be had for about the same price. I bought it for two reasons: first, I love Sinn inspired design and this clearly borrowed heavily from the Sinn 566, and second, because I was curious about what a $50 titanium watch would look like. 

The watch comes in two variations, a white dial which has a fully lumed dial and hands, and a black dial in which only the hands are lumed. I actually initially purchased the black dial version because I thought the numerals and indices were lumed, but I have man eyes and completely missed this despite it being clearly shown on the initial product photo. I reordered the white dial version, which I have enjoyed tremendously.

The watch has well proportioned field watch dimensions. Its 37mm in diameter, 42mm lug to lug, an 8mm height topped with a flat sapphire crystal, and 20mm lug diameter. It is powered by the Seiko VH31 quarts movement, which provides a 4hz sweeping second hand as opposed to the traditional one tick per second quartz standard. The case, caseback, and bracelet are fully titanium, which honestly surprised me for the price. I would say it wears slightly larger than the measurements suggest due to the large dial and small bezel.

There are apparent areas where corners were cut to meet the price point - the bracelet has a simple pin and collar adjustment and the clasp is stamped. The bracelet feels light - it’s a very different feel than steel and if you are expecting the heft of steel it may feel cheap. It’s a perfectly serviceable bracelet but don't expect the machining or finishing of a Helm or another microbrand. The dial and hand lume looks impressive after being blasted with my UV flashlight, but it fades rather quickly and is not the easiest to read overnight. I put a few different straps on it to showcase some different looks; it's practically weightless on the NATO or sailcloth strap and I hardly notice it while wearing it.

Recently, I had to be hospitalized with back issues which was the whole impetus for this watch review sidequest - this was the watch I brought with me. The lume was just bright enough for the never-quite-dark ambiance of the hospital rooms and 3am vital signs checks. It was a watch I didn’t mind knocking against the bed rails or bedside tables, and it wouldn't be the end of the world to replace if it got lost. I like this watch - its light weight and set and forget quartz movement makes it an ideal grab and go watch. I hate the term “GADA watch” (go anywhere do anything) because I think it’s the latest watch marketing buzzword, but this watch fits the bill. I’m not sure if the titanium bracelet is worth it, but on an aftermarket strap its absolutely ace.