Beads of rice with raw salmon, quite a dish - the Lusitano from Borealis

Salmon dials are everywhere, but among them there are quite a few variations, from pale pinks to intense oranges, a lot of things can be considered when choosing our beautiful and yummy fish palette. This bring us to the next question, why is salmon considered a special dial color in the watch world? Well, many high end brand use it to celebrate special edition, also to my eyes, it’s a color that can blend with plenty sporty outfits but at the same time with an elegant attire.

Just like the fish, salmon dials feel delicate and classy, something that wears easy on the wrist, something that you do not have to think twice.

Today we have one of the best dials I’ve seen from Borealis, and their salmon shade is something else. Borealis is a brand that has 'know how' when it comes to quality watches and enthusiasm in equal measurements. The new Lusitano line makes justice to those beautiful pie pan dials from the 40s and 50s, there is an extra class to them than not even precious metals pieces can deliver.

Join me to discover one of the coolest pieces I’ve enjoyed this year, let’s begin.

The specification 

A pinkish dial might not feel as an everyday watch but the proportions of the Lusitano help a lot to feel that it can be worn daily. At 39mm in diameter with 47mm lug to lug , the stainless steel watch feels outstanding. There is a lot of attention to the finishing, the transitions are well executed adding quality to the overall composition. 

The dial is where the Lusitano really stands out, the matte finish with unique patterns makes the watch feel special, there is always a a texture or a small detail to discover, hard to notice at first glance, but when you do, makes you smile.

I quite enjoy the construction of the dial , the edge is much lower than the center and it creates an effect that is hard to replicate in non vintage watches, it distorts and elevates the Lusitano to a true vintage recreation.

The watch is powered by a Miyota 8315, automatic given the great advantage of 60 hours of power reserve , keeps the watch wound and also affordable, best of 2 worlds.

The screwdown crown also helps the watch to feel more robust, this crown on the Lusitano offers hacking and manual winding, it controls the framed date at 3 o clock, I am not usually a fan of dates but this one is well executed and it’s always convenient.

On the wrist

With dimensions spot on and a thinness under 10mm without the double domed crystal, the Lusitano wears like a joy in my 6.25 inch wrist. There a several factor and not only the height is the cause for the good wearing experience, we can start with the lugs. The lugs of the new Borealis are something else, not only they wrap the watch to your wrist but, the also have this shape that reminds you of a Vacheron Constantin Corne de Vaches mixed with avant garde design, it is a beautiful execution and more noticeable when you take out the watch from the beads of rice bracelet which deserves its own section.

I’ve already handled this particular bracelet but in a prototype version of the Lusitano, it was already good, but this final version feels more refined whit the flow on the links, they just drape on your wrist and then, it includes a new micro adjustment system in the clasp. I am sure that people from the era that the watch is inspired by, would have paid a pretty penny these refinements, looks good and feels good.

I wore the Lusitano mostly at casual events, dinners at pubs and other social gatherings, it never disappoints and because of the dial colour, it’s noticeable in a good way. 

I think with this beautiful chestnut strap I’ve been wearing it , the watch very looks attractive , classy but at the same time funky, not stuffy. A great companion.

Conclusions 

The dress watch is back, there is no denying that more and more people are using casual and more elegant pieces as the knowledge from the enthusiast community becomes higher.

What I like from the Lusitano is that the design details are very subtle and original, it looking at a certain era but it also looks at the future, how those watches would look like today.

The Lusitano is a surprise, not in quality as Borealis has spoiled us with this for a while, but in terms of wearing experience, it’s a watch exudes in class, very hard to take out.

If a bright salmon dial might be too much for you , the Lusitano also comes in grey, blue, black and white varieties and the price is 289 GBP, which I want to highlight. This is the best value I’ve seen on a watch this year, I am struggling to find anything at this price point with this level of refinement including such a good high quality bracelet, it’s a winner.

Technical Specifications 

• Size and Form: The microbrand Borealis Lusitano, with a case diameter of 39mm and a lug-to-lug dimension of 47m, is crafted with distinctive dog-leg style lugs, ensuring a comfortable and elegant presence on the wrist with a thickness including the double domed sapphire crystal of 12.60mm.

• Movement: Powered by a Miyota 8315 automatic movement, it offers a substantial 60-hour power reserve and a hacking feature, ensuring precision and reliability in every tick.

• Crystal and Case: The domed sapphire crystal and 316L stainless steel case not only provide a robust and durable enclosure but also ensure that every glance at the time is a journey through a clear and timeless window.

• Bracelet: The 316L stainless steel "beads of rice" bracelet, with a quick adjustment feature, ensures that the Lusitano is not only a comfortable fit but also a versatile companion for every adventure.