Review: Michel Herbelin Cap Camarat Automatic, Quartz & Chronograph

Independent watch manufacturer Michel Herbelin have added a trio of handsome new models to their iconic Cap Camarat collection. There is an automatic, a quartz and a quartz chronograph to satisfy your every need.

First launched four years ago, the Cap Camarat line combines the allure of the French Riviera with the functionality of a practical sports watch. The look is nautical but not overtly so. Elegant but without being ostentatious. Consequently, Cap Camarat is an ideal daily wear watch – stylish but durable too.

Known for innovative design and attention to detail, Michel Herbelin lives up to their reputation with these new timepieces. Let’s look at each watch in turn.

Cap Camarat Automatic

Firstly, it is the silver dial that strikes you as you look at the Cap Camarat Automatic. In a soft silver tone, it has horizontal lines which are reminiscent of decking on board a yacht. Also, they give the watch a definite 70’s feel. Furthermore, the double hour indexes have faceted edges. Although a small detail, it adds to the overall feeling of refinement. Surrounding the dial there is a minute scale in blue. Additionally, the centre second hand is in red. Combined with the overall whiteness of the silvery dial, it is no coincidence that these are the colours from the French Tricolore. Based in the French Jura mountain village of Charquemont, the company is rightly proud of its 75 Year heritage.

Secondly, the meticulous attention to detail carries through into the case and bracelet. At 40.5mm in diameter, the sculpted case is in a brushed finish. Polished elements on the edges of the bezel and case sides are just enough to create contrast and definition. Furthermore, the bezel is set with six decorative screws. The bracelet is three links wide. The central links alternate between a polished and brushed finish with the larger, brushed links defined by a vertical central groove. Overall, the watch has the weighty feel and refined finish of a luxury timepiece.

Turn the watch over and it is possible toview the Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement inside. With its rotor with gold engraved logo and blued screws, the movement is well worth looking at.

Priced at £710, this is a lot of watch for the money and compares very favourably with similar spec watches from higher ticket Swiss watch brands.

Price and Where to Buy

Model Number: 1645/B42

Price: £710

Available to Buy: here

Cap Camarat Quartz

If your budget is sub £500, then the quartz version of the Cap Camarat offers the solution. Priced at £485, the Cap Camarat Quartz offers all the same good looks as its automatic brother. Equipped with a reliable Swiss Ronda Quartz movement, it is similarly water resistant to 100m with a date function and sapphire crystal.

Price and Where to Buy

Model Number: 12245/B42

Price: £485

Available to Buy: here

Cap Camarat Quartz Chronograph

With its blue sub dials complementing the blue minute track, there is no denying that the Cap Camarat Chronograph is simply a great looking watch. Taking the best elements from its timepiece

counterparts, the chrono has additional detailing including ergonomic pushers. These effortlessly follow the contours of the case. With a Swiss Ronda Chronograph movement, the counters measure the hours, minutes and seconds to 1/10th of a second.

Price and Where to Buy

Model Number: 37645/B42

Price: £675

Available to Buy: here

Whichever Cap Camarat you go for, you can be assured of a quality watch that has been made with great care and will give you many years of enjoyment. At Watch Specialists, we offer the largest selection of in-stock Michel Herbelin watches in the UK. Our website supports Independent Watch Retailers who are all Authorised Stockists of the watches that they sell. Buy with confidence and support the great British High Street!