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With the DAVOSA Newton Pilot Rally Chronograph, the Swiss company dedicates itself to motorsport and presents a chronograph that revisits the theme in a classic, timeless way. And DAVOSA wouldn’t be DAVOSA if this model didn’t have any of the brand-typical features that fans love so much. In this test report, I’ll show them to you…
(Still) the price-performance king?
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This is probably the most expensive wristwatch from the Swiss manufacturer DAVOSA that I have ever tested. That’s saying something, as a considerable number of watch reviews have come together over the last few years, all of which have dealt with the Swiss brand. In my mind, the name DAVOSA is always associated with fair pricing. At around 1,000 euros, the models allow us to enter the premium segment. Unlike the price, however, the quality doesn’t just scratch the premium boundary, but can easily keep up with that of significantly more expensive models.
The fact that the DAVOSA Newton Pilot Rally Chronograph is listed at two and a half times the price of a DAVOSA Newton Pilot Automatic (from 2,495.00 euros to be precise) made me sit up and take notice in the run-up to this test report. Has DAVOSA raised its prices on a grand scale and is now losing its image as the eternal price-performance winner? Or is the DAVOSA Newton Pilot Rally Chronograph characterized by things that are not immediately apparent at first glance and which the other models do not have?
At first glance
What you can appreciate at first glance, however, is the successful, fresh design. It is based on the look of classic chronographs with a penchant for motorsport-specific functions. Nothing revolutionary new, but in my opinion very appealing, elegant and timeless. Well – the fact that the DAVOSA Newton Pilot Rally Chronograph has racing DNA is also revealed by the name of the watch.
What else do you need to know about the watch? Certainly, there is the limited edition of 300 pieces per dial variant. DAVOSA therefore produces a total of 900 watches – you can buy the chronograph in a total of 6 versions. Three different dial colors (black, blue, silver) and two different strap designs (stainless steel or leather) give you plenty of options to choose from.
DAVOSA sent me the reference 161.536.55 as part of this watch review. According to the warranty card enclosed in the box, I have the number 277 out of 300, which is a version with a black dial and leather strap. In my opinion, this is the sportiest version, which perfectly reflects the motorsport theme. You can also tell which limited edition number you have by the plaque at 9 o’clock.
The DAVOSA Newton Pilot Rally Chronograph on the wrist
With a diameter of 42 millimeters, hardly anyone should have any difficulty wearing the Newton Pilot Rally Chronograph on their wrist. As briefly mentioned above, my leather strap is just one of two options that DAVOSA offers you to choose from. The cowhide leather makes a high-quality impression and looks particularly sporty thanks to the holes and light-colored stitching. Alternatively, you can opt for the five-link PentaLink bracelet made from conventional stainless steel. It has a folding clasp with pressure release.
Details of the case
The case of the DAVOSA Newton Pilot Rally Chronograph is made from 316L stainless steel. The alternating polished and satin-finished surfaces are finished to the highest standard. The slightly domed sapphire crystal has a classic look. It has an anti-reflective coating to make the dial easier to read.
DAVOSA specifies a water resistance of up to 7 ATM, i.e. a depth of 70 meters. This is an acceptable value for a chronograph. After all, the motorsport-affine watch feels at home behind the wheel, not under water. Predicate: splash-proof.
DAV 3052 and what lies behind this designation
DAVOSA has a long tradition of giving movements their own designations, even if they are not in-house manufactured calibers. In the case of the DAVOSA Newton Pilot Rally Chronograph, the so-called DAV 3052 works under the case and is based on the well-known Sellita SW510 chronograph movement, which has an above-average power reserve of 60 hours.
The Swiss caliber becomes the DAV 3052 by refining the rotor. The beautifully crafted skeletonization made of gun-plated BEYOND STEEL is only visible through the screw-down glass back. It doesn’t take much imagination to recognize a stylized steering wheel in the shape – another small highlight in my eyes. In terms of its capabilities, BEYOND STEEL is indeed beyond steel – or “better than steel”. About as heavy as gold, the hardness of this material can be compared to that of a diamond (9.5 Mohs thickness). This makes BEYOND STEEL and therefore also the Newton Pilot Rally Chronograph virtually indestructible. Rust and nickel-free, BEYOND STEEL can also withstand heat of up to 2,950 degrees Celsius. And no, I have not tested this, but trust DAVOSA completely in this respect.
The dial of the DAVOSA Newton Pilot Rally Chronograph in detail
The Sellita SW510 drives the familiar functions. In addition to the hours, minutes and seconds, the date can be read off at 6 o’clock. Two horizontally positioned totalizers provide a high-contrast reading of the small seconds and 30-minute time. In general, I must emphasize how tidy the dial looks. Everything that serves to read the speed is marked in red: the central second, 5-minute time and the totalizers.
SuperLuminova type BGW9 has been applied to the hand-applied indices and hands, which ensures that you can keep track of the dial even in the dark. A sunburst finish enhances the otherwise simple dial.
A tachymeter is also applied to the rehaut, which can be used to estimate the current speed on a known route fairly accurately.
My conclusion about the DAVOSA Newton Pilot Rally Chronograph
Almost a year ago, I got to know a Pilot from DAVOSA for the first time. The DAVOSA Newton Pilot Rally Chronograph is also part of this Newton called series. However, the chronograph has little in common with the significantly cheaper Newton Pilot Automatic. This is evident from its area of application. Its movement comes from Sellita and, as the SW510, offers numerous chronograph functions that you can definitely have fun with on the racetrack. Basically, we are comparing apples and oranges here.
The Newton Pilot Rally Chronograph is the right choice for anyone who loves motorsport, appreciates timeless elegance and still wants to wear an affordable watch on their wrist.
The DAVOSA Newton Pilot Rally Chronograph is now available from a price of 2,495.00 euros. For this price, you get the watch on a leather strap. With the PentaLink stainless steel bracelet, it costs 100 euros more.
Below you will find the link to the collection in the DAVOSA store and many other interesting reports on the subject.
More about DAVOSA and the Newton Pilot Rally Chronograph
Here you can buy ref. 161.536.55
The entire DAVOSA collection at a glance
Even more DAVOSA watch reviews in my blog
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