Rollstimi RT7932

On the tv show Top Gear (RIP), they used to have a segment where they would see what time a car would set around their test track and compare it against a wall of other cars and their respective lap times. It was an interesting way to see how a car stacked up against its competition and could potentially out or underperform cars at its price point. In order to account for variables, they used their “Tame Racing Driver” to set the lap times, which is the role I am attempting to replicate during the Cheap Heat reviews. 

And with that being said, I introduce the Rollstimi RT7932 - a quartz chronograph that can be had in the range of approximately $50. This puts it up against the rather excellent Pagani Design PD-1792 which I reviewed previously. Before getting into the comparison, let's break down the Rolls - this is what I will be calling the watch throughout the review.

The Rolls has a case diameter of 43mm, lug to lug of 46mm, and a lug width of 20mm. The watch is 10.5mm thick and is topped by a flat sapphire crystal. It is powered by a TMI VD55 movement which contains a running central second hand, and registers at 12, 6, and 9 for 1/10th seconds, seconds, and minute chronograph functions respectively. The dial is matte with printed markers and an outer raised chapter ring with faintly lumed indices and a running minute track. The hands are also faintly lumed; albeit a bit brighter than the indices, and where credit is due, the minute hand reaches all the way to the chapter ring. The lume on this watch exists in the sense that  you may notice it glowing blue after walking indoors after a sunny day, but you wouldn't ever be able to rely on it overnight. 

The case is made of 316 stainless steel with shrouded lugs that make fitting alternative straps difficult. The finish is brushed aside from the polished pushers and knurled crown. The interesting (to me) feature about this watch is that in lieu of a tachymeter bezel (which wouldn't work with the running central second hands) there is a 60 click brushed steel timing bezel. The bezel action is completely acceptable and not an area in which the watch falls flat. The case has a slightly curved shape that cuts off abruptly at the lugs - if I am being generous, it looks vaguely like what someone would draw if you asked them for a picture of a chronograph wristwatch; there just doesn't seem to be any intention behind its design. The way the case curves into the lugs makes it look cheap; it looks like a molded plastic Swatch instead of a machined piece of steel. The crown does not sit flush with the case, and the pushers do not have ANY tactile feedback upon activation. I would apologize for not having more photos, but life is too short to wear and photograph watches that aren't sparking joy, so thats all folks.

Unfortunately, I don’t think there is much competition between the Rolls and the Pagani Design $50 chronographs. Unless you absolutely need the timing bezel or prefer the running central second hand, the Pagani Design has a better movement (mechaquartz vs regular ticking quartz), better design (subjective but I don’t think this one is close), and better finishing/in hand feel. The Pagani Design pushers have a satisfying tactile snap to their activation. Even the brand name is somehow worse and sounds more bootlegged with the Rolls. The Rolls isn’t BAD per se - but sitting directly across from the Pagani Design, it is outclassed in the $50 Chronograph bracket. This is still not a consumer advice website, but according to this Tame Watch Reviewer, the Rolls got lapped by the Pagani Design