Charlie Paris GRX EVO-III Mecaquartz Chronograph

Charlie Paris, a French watchmaker, has been making waves in the watch industry since its inception, and their latest release, the GRX EVO-III Mecaquartz Chronograph, is no exception. This timepiece reflects Charlie Paris' commitment to creating functional, stylish, and robust watches that are proudly designed and assembled in France. The GRX collection itself is a reinterpretation of the classic field watch, and this new model adds a layer of sportiness with inspiration drawn from the alpine world.



The company was founded on a strong foundation of traditional watchmaking principles with modern aesthetics and technological advancements. The GRX EVO-III stands as a testament to this, blending elements of classic field watches with a distinct, modern design. It’s crafted to be more than a simple accessory. The watch's roots in the GR collection are clear, maintaining the line's core values of practicality and readability, while at the same time pushing the design in a more contemporary direction.



The GRX EVO-III is housed in a 39mm diameter case made of 316L stainless steel, treated with a black PVD coating. This coating not only gives the watch a sleek, stealthy appearance but also enhances its durability. The case has a length of 45mm and a thickness of 10.9mm (excluding the glass), making it substantial enough to feel solid on the wrist without being overly bulky. The finishing of the case is meticulous, featuring a combination of sandblasted, brushed, and polished surfaces, with a polished bevel that adds a touch of refinement. The case back is screwed down, made of steel, and features the "GRX" crest.



One of the standout features of the GRX EVO-III is its dial. The stark white background is contrasted by vibrant colored details, creating a visual experience that is both striking and functional. The primary time-telling elements—hour markers and hands—are bold and legible. Surrounding the main dial is an outer circle that appears to serve as a timer, adding another layer of functionality to the watch. It's design is one that really catches the eye.



At the heart of the GRX EVO-III is the Seiko VK64 mecaquartz chronograph movement. This hybrid movement combines the accuracy of quartz with the feel of a mechanical chronograph. It offers hour, minute, and date functions, along with a 24-hour counter. The chronograph function provides a mechanical feel with its sweeping second hand, ticking at 5 beats per second, and an instant reset, features usually associated with traditional mechanical chronographs.



The dial’s layout is thoughtfully designed. The main hour markers are large Arabic numerals, ensuring high legibility. The hands are substantial and designed to be easily distinguishable. Sub-dials are positioned at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions, presumably for the chronograph functions, while a date window is subtly placed at the 6 o'clock position, integrating seamlessly into the overall design without disrupting the symmetry. The name "CHARLIE" is desplayed in large, bold font at the top center of the watch.



The slightly domed sapphire crystal protecting the dial is another premium feature. Sapphire crystal is known for its scratch resistance and clarity, and the anti-reflective coating further enhances readability by minimizing glare. This choice of material underscores Charlie Paris’ commitment to using high-quality components that can withstand daily wear and tear. It truly helps the watch look as premium as possible.



The crown, marked with an "X", is another detail that demonstrates attention to design. Its size and markings suggest it is easy to grip and operate, which is essential for a functional tool watch. The watch's water resistance of 10 ATM (100 meters) means it is suitable for swimming and other water activities, further emphasizing its versatility. The water resistence of a watch this sleek looking is truly a marvel.



Charlie Paris offers the GRX EVO-III with a choice of straps: nylon, rubber, or leather. The featured strap is an off-white nylon option, which complements the watch's sporty aesthetic while providing comfort and durability. The straps are interchangeable without the need for tools, thanks to a quick-release system, allowing the wearer to easily switch between different styles to suit various occasions. The straps are 20mm in width and have a length of 110/80mm, fitting a wide range of wrist sizes. The pin buckle is a simple, reliable closure mechanism.



The "GRX – Spectral" variant boasts hands and a dial enriched with Berlaglow® pigment, enhancing readability in low-light conditions. This feature is particularly useful for those who might find themselves in environments where light is scarce, aligning with the watch's tool-oriented design. The Berlaglow® pigment ensures that the watch remains functional, regardless of the time of day.



The Mecaquartz movement, as Charlie Paris highlights, represents a "best of both worlds" approach. It delivers the precision expected of a quartz movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping, while incorporating a mechanical module that offers the tactile satisfaction of a mechanical chronograph. This hybrid nature is a clever solution for those who appreciate the smooth sweep of a mechanical second hand and the crisp, instant reset of the chronograph pushers, but who also value the low-maintenance and reliability of quartz.



Charlie Paris emphasizes that the GRX EVO-III is assembled by hand in their Paris workshop. This "Made in France" aspect is a point of pride for the brand, highlighting their commitment to local craftsmanship and contributing to the legacy of French watchmaking. By keeping production local, Charlie Paris can maintain strict quality control, ensuring that each watch meets their high standards.



The eco-conscious approach taken by Charlie Paris in their packaging is also worth noting. The watch cases are produced by an ISO4001 certified partner, ensuring efficient and environmental management. The materials used—recycled cardboard, recyclable ABS polymer, and FSC certified paper—reflect a commitment to sustainability, which is increasingly important to consumers today.



With a two-year warranty, Charlie Paris demonstrates confidence in the build quality and durability of the GRX EVO-III. This warranty provides added peace of mind for buyers, reinforcing the brand's commitment to customer satisfaction. It will give a user confidence in the watch's ability to keep it's performance consistent.



The design philosophy behind the GRX collection is to take inspiration from the classic field watch and infuse it with an urban, avant-garde spirit. The result is a watch that is both practical and visually striking. The GRX EVO-III, with its technical look and minimalist design, embodies this ethos. It’s a watch that is meant to be worn and used, not just admired.



The GRX EVO-III Mecaquartz Chronograph is priced at $475.00. This positions it competitively within the market, offering substantial value given its features, build quality, and the fact that it is designed and assembled in France. It’s available for purchase directly from Charlie Paris’ boutique and their website, making it easily accessible to customers worldwide.



Case: 316L steel, Black PVD coating. Diameter 39mm, length 45mm, thickness 10.9mm (excluding glass). Sandblasted, brushed, and polished finish, with a polished bevel. Steel screwed down caseback with "GRX" crest. Domed, anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Crown marked "X". Water-resistant to 10 ATM (100 meters).

Movement: Seiko VK64 mecaquartz chronograph. Hour, minute, date, 24-hour counter. Mechanical minute and second chronograph functions (5 beats per second).

Dial: White with colored details. Timer on an outer circle. Hands and dial with Berlaglow® pigment.

Strap: Interchangeable nylon, rubber, or leather. Off-white nylon strap provided. 20mm width, 110/80mm length. Pin buckle.

Price: $475.00

Notes: Designed and assembled in France. Hybrid mecaquartz movement offers quartz precision with mechanical chronograph feel. Eco-responsible packaging.