Introduction to Circula

If you haven't heard of Circula yet, you might be surprised to learn that this brand has a rich history dating back to 1955. Originally founded by watchmaker Heinz Huber, Circula was revived in 2018 under the stewardship of his grandson, Cornelius Huber. This connection to family heritage brings a unique authenticity to the brand, infusing it with passion and experience. With an already impressive portfolio, Circula has now introduced the Facet, a meticulously crafted timepiece designed by Guy Bove, the former Creative Director at TAG Heuer. This latest release could very well be the brand's most sophisticated offering yet.

Design and Aesthetic

The Facet is a notable example of the current trend favoring smaller watch cases, measuring a compact 38mm in diameter. Its design prominently features sharp angles and clean facets rather than the typical curvaceous style. The brushed bezel draws the eye to polished facets that create an intriguing three-dimensional effect achieved through two intersecting conical surfaces.

Continuing this striking aesthetic, the watch case employs a combination of brushed and polished surfaces, deftly avoiding the commonplace curves in favor of linearity. The only curved element is the lugs, which gracefully conform to the wrist for comfort. The detailed finishing is complemented by Circula's logo, consisting of a series of cogs, reflected in the watch's knurled crown and the embossed logo on the crown's end. An anti-reflective sapphire crystal shields the dial, while an exhibition case back unveils a newly upgraded automatic movement.

Straps and Customization

When it comes to straps, customers have two appealing options: the first is a steel bracelet that skillfully follows the faceted design theme, featuring neatly angled links, with an easy-to-use micro-adjusting clasp. Alternatively, a luxurious suede leather strap is available for a price reduction of EUR 300, making the Facet versatile and customizable.

Dial Design and Hands

The dial's design further sets the Facet apart, showcasing a captivating pattern inspired by the brand's cog logo—resulting in an irregular symmetry of concentric circles that recalls the charm of European cobblestones. This stunning detail is reminiscent of the Seiko SPB259 “Ginza” dial while maintaining its own distinct character. The minute and second track is carefully placed on an angled flange, featuring cutouts for the applied indices, contributing to the overall aesthetic cohesion.

Both the hour and minute hands showcase a six-sided design with Super-LumiNova inserts, enhancing legibility in low-light conditions. Interestingly, the hands utilize a different SLN insert from the hour indices, demonstrating Circula's commitment to thoughtful design. The seconds hand, adorned with an open-worked counterweight, adds a whimsical touch.

Movement and Functionality

At the heart of the Circula Facet beats the robust La Joux-Perret G100 automatic movement, which offers a promising alternative to the often-utilized ETA 2824. This movement is also closely akin to the Miyota 9015 and boasts 24 jewels, operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), and features an impressive 68-hour power reserve—a significant improvement over the standard 38 hours of the ETA. Functionality includes central hours, minutes, hacking seconds, and date display. The bespoke tungston rotor is palladium-plated and designed to reflect the dial's innovative pattern, although this wasn't visible in our sample preview.

Pricing and Availability

Those eager to own the Circula Facet can pre-order it up until December 7th, with prices set at EUR/USD 1,590 for the leather strap variant and EUR/USD 1,890 for the steel bracelet. It is essential to note that all prices include VAT for EU customers and sales tax/import fees for US purchasers. After the pre-order window, prices will rise by EUR/USD 100. Deliveries are set to begin on December 12th. Circula claims this watch embodies the GADA (Go Anywhere, Do Anything) ethos, and it certainly encapsulates versatility, style, and a distinctive flair that represents a significant leap forward for the brand in both quality and design.

Conclusion

Don't miss out on adding this exceptional piece to your collection—it's poised to become a staple for watch enthusiasts and casual wearers alike!