Techne Instruments Sparrowhawk II chronograph

Some of you might recall my posts concerning the Pulsar PU2005, and perhaps my musings on Méca-Quartz. Long story short, Franck J. of Techné Watches also read them, and contacted me in the waning days of 2011...

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technewatches

I have been reading some of your posts on PMWF.com over the last few years and they all point to your passion for watches and your enthusiasm to share it with others. I followed up a recent conversation on the calibre Seiko VK63, which I chose for my latest collection.

I wanted to know if a seasoned watch enthusiast like yourself would be open to receiving one of my new watches and giving me your opinion.

Well, of course my answer was "Heck yes!" Smile

The Sparrowhawk II is currently available in brushed natural SS fitted with a choice of bracelet, several colors of G10 NATO, khaki canvas, or riveted flieger-style leather strap. There is also a black PVD-coated version which is currently available only with the khaki canvas strap. I chose the natural SS with bracelet (Ref. 436.80), and it arrived on 9 January.

Now, I'm not a fan of "unveiling posts", and generally don't bother with them. But the Techné is packaged so nicely and in such a unique manner that I feel obliged to give it a go. However, one of my objections to unveiling posts is that it takes so long to get to the actual watch, so I'm gonna do it "inside out". Wink

Techne Instruments Sparrowhawk II chronograph

Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
The watch ships in a well-made zippered nylon case with fitted foam inserts. The watch is protected against scratches with copious Polymide Tape applied to crystal, caseback, endlinks, and clasp. The entire watch head is then given a final sheath of film. I hope I may be excused, but I had already removed the Polymide Tape before I got around to shooting photos. Oops!

Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
With the case shut, the crisply applied

logo is evident. This goes into..

Techne Instruments Sparrowhawk II chronograph

Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
..an unassuming box which is printed in a military style. That, in turn, goes into..

Techne Instruments Sparrowhawk II chronograph

Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
..a

Practical box. Note the instruction booklet, which rides in a document flap built into the lid. A few words about the instruction booklet, or Design Department Technical Manual/Field Manual as Techné calls it. It's printed in a military style in keeping with the rest of the packaging, and the aesthetic of the watch itself. It is basically a hardcopy of the online operation manual, and is written in a certain style of military-speak that may cause some head-scratching. Smile

Techné tends to use non-standard terms and units of measurement. For instance, battery life is specified as "Autonomy (hours) 26'000" while Seiko specifies "Approx. 3 years". Techné lists accuracy as "Accuracy (minutes per year) ±0h02" vs. "± 20 seconds per month at normal temperature range" for Seiko. Seiko's "1/5th sec. chrono" becomes "Smallest unit displayed 5 Hz" in Techné's words. And so forth and so on. While I personally enjoyed the read, and I think it fits the military theme of the watch, some might find it a wee bit pretentious. Smile

Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
But enough about packaging and presentation! On to the watch itself!

Techne Instruments Sparrowhawk II chronograph

Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
The case is all stainless steel, 41.5mm x 49.5mm x 11.7mm thick, with 20mm lugs. The finish is mainly a very fine brushed matte. Though there are a few polished areas, you must look long and hard to find them: a decorative ring and the TE logo on the face of the crown, the back sides of the lugs, and a portion of the caseback. The crown is a screwdown type, signed with the

logo and very crisply knurled. The thread action is butter-smooth, with 2-1/4 turns of engagement from free to full lock.

Techne Instruments Sparrowhawk II chronograph

Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
Techne Instruments Sparrowhawk II chronograph

Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
The bracelet is likewise SS, with solid links and endlinks, and a nicely machined pushbutton-release butterfly deployant. The links pivot on split-pins, and attachment is via standard springbars. The bracelet finish is also a brushed matte, even finer and a bit shinier than the watch head. Call it micro-brushed matte, I suppose. Here, too, the finish does include some polished areas: the sides of the bracelet links, the release buttons, and interior portions of the deployant. The action of the deployant is worth mention - when the release is activated the clasp jumps open, almost as if it were spring-loaded. Yet for all that it feels secure and solid. Nice!

Techne Instruments Sparrowhawk II chronograph

Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
The

logo is repeated on the last link, at the clasp.

Techne Instruments Sparrowhawk II chronograph

Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
The caseback is a screwdown, very nicely etched, with extra-deep spanner notches, smooth thread engagement, and a robust O-ring seal.

Techne Instruments Sparrowhawk II chronograph

Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
Of course the movement is a major draw, as evidenced by "Meca-Quartz Japan Chronograph VK63" displayed on the caseback and "Meca-Quartz" repeated on the dial.

Techne Instruments Sparrowhawk II chronograph

Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
The VK63 is part of SII's Premium Chronograph Series (along with the VK67, VK73, and VK83). The "Meca-Quartz" aspect means simply that, rather than the central chrono seconds and minutes totalizer at 9 being powered by separate stepper motors, as in a conventional quartz chrono, they are both powered by a single stepper motor, joined via a mechanical geartrain.

Aside from "bragging rights" a Meca-Quartz offers several advantages vs. a conventional quartz chrono. First, it allows an "instant chrono reset" function where the hands snap back to zero rather than "gliding" to zero. Indeed, the feel of the chrono in action is superlative, and feels exactly like a high-quality mechanical chrono to this reviewer.

Another benefit is that it enables the chrono seconds to sweep at 5 Hz (5 beats/sec) without compromising battery life. The practical difference may not be huge, but there's no doubt that it is a more efficient design.

Third, it allows the time to be re-set while the chronograph is running. On every other quartz chrono I have tried, pulling the crown to set position results in the chrono returning to zero and stopping. Why should you care? Well, with a bit of forethought it allows one to re-set the watch to a different timezone, maintaining the seconds exactly as it was set before adjustment. Handy!

Fourth.. well, those Bragging Rights shouldn't be dismissed entirely! Laughing

Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
Techne Instruments Sparrowhawk II chronograph

Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
I've been over every square millimeter of the watch with loupes of varying power up to and including 20X, and the finish is very, very good. Of course anything starts to look a little jagged at 20X, but the Techné compares favorably with my Mido Multifort, a watch of more than 4 times the street price. At 10X everything looks quite crisp indeed! The dial shows a distinct "grain" but it is uniform and precise and is, of course, by design. My camera won't do a proper super-macro, but perhaps the following photo will show the essence of it...

Techne Instruments Sparrowhawk II chronograph

This is matte finishing at its best, and will not throw off undesirable reflections under any circumstances. The hands show the same "grain", and are a perfect match to the dial.

The crystal is flat mineral glass, approx. 36.25 mm in diameter, and features an internal anti-reflective coating. The AR coating does its job well, but from certain angles and under certain lighting conditions will cause the dial to take on a blue-ish cast. Legibility is excellent under all conditions.

One thing that I was initially lukewarm on is the black-on-white date ring. At first I thought that the watch would be more pleasing with a white-on-black date. However, after comparing it side-by-side with the Pulsar PU2005, which does have white-on-black date, I must admit that Techné's color choice greatly enhances at-a-glance date readability. It's a matter of personal taste, of course, but I've come to appreciate the black-on-white date.

Techne Instruments Sparrowhawk II chronograph

Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
The dial and hands are fully lumed, and the lume "pops" very well initially. Longevity is not top-class, but does remain legible for 2 to 4 hours, depending on state of charge, how acclimated ones eyes are to the darkness, etc. The running seconds and the hash marks on the chrono subdials are the first to fade, of course, and this is to be expected since their surface area is so small.

Techne Instruments Sparrowhawk II chronograph

Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
The bracelet is supple, comfortable, and not a hair-puller. There is no fine adjustment, but two half-links are provided. Well.. 7/10th-links might be more accurate. The full-sized links are 10 mm long, and the "half-links" are 7 mm long. I was fortunate in that the bracelet fits me spot-on with one additional full-link, but the limited range of adjustability might mean a compromised fit for some, depending on the wrist.

I also sampled Techné's optional G10 NATO strap. It's a stiff-weave nylon, of a slightly thinner gauge than the WatchRick.com units to which I'm most accustomed. However, it's well made and, while I don't have an actual NATO-issue example to compare, it's my understanding that the "Nylon 6" used here is an exact match to NATO mil-spec. It is laser-etched with the Techné logo on the first keeper, a nice touch.

Techne Instruments Sparrowhawk II chronograph

Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
Techne Instruments Sparrowhawk II chronograph

Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
Whether equipped with bracelet or NATO, the Sparrowhawk II wears great! Thumbs up!

Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
To wrap up, lets look at the strengths and weaknesses of the watch, in no particular order.

Pros:

Superlative finish

Excellent ergonomics and "feel"

Hits the size "sweet spot" - not too big, not too small

Authentic military styling

Excellent legibility

Innovative and unusual movement

Chrono interface provides superb "feedback"

Good value

Cons:

Limited bracelet adjustability may compromise fit for some

Some may miss tachymeter function

Lume could be longer-lasting

White date ring may not be the first choice for some

In short, I am most impressed with the watch, and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality, high-value chronograph with military styling.

The Sparrowhawk II on SS bracelet (Ref. 436.80) currently sells for US $294.11 tax excluded at technewatches.biz, while the 66-47 NATO strap is $14.29 tax excl.

Cheers!

-Ricky

Supplementary reading:

Techné Instruments official web site

Techné Instruments online User Manual

Techné Instruments online watch store

SII VK63 User Instruction manual (PDF format)

SII VK63 Movement Specifications (PDF format)

SII VK63 Technical Guide and Parts Catalog(PDF format)

youtube video showing operation of a similar VK63 chronograph

"A watch should be worth looking at even when you already know the time" - vintage Omega ad

Messages In This Thread

Techné Instruments Sparrowhawk II Méca-Quartz Chronograph	Ricky Lee	662	January 14, 2012 11:30AM
Great review of a cool watch! I do agree with your first instinct that the watch would look better with a white on black date wheel. To me, the black on white date wheel is the first place my eyes go when I look at that watch. Draws too much attention IMO. Apart from that looks like a fantastic watch!	Dre	36	January 15, 2012 08:25AM
Re: I do agree with your first instinct that the watch would look better with a white on black date wheel. Honestly, I'm still "on the fence" there, too. While it's true that "I've come to appreciate the black-on-white date", I can't help but think the watch would look more tightly integrated, more "of a piece" with the date colors reversed. However, on the other side of the coin.. Quote Dre To me, the black on white date wheel is the first place my eyes go when I look at that watch. Draws too much attention IMO. Exactly! And that's precisely why I say that it "greatly enhances at-a-glance date readability". Your eyes are immediately drawn to it. So, looked at a certain way, it's a Good Thing. No deal-breaker either way, for me.	Ricky Lee	32	January 15, 2012 08:49AM
That's where our opinions differ, my friend. To me, the primary purpose of the watch is to tell time, not the date. If my eyes are drawn to the date first, it's taking away from it's primary function - telling time. Plus visually it just disrupts the dial.	Dre	29	January 15, 2012 09:44AM
I do see your point. Again, I'm of two minds on that detail.. IOW I have TWO opinions, and conflicting ones at that. (n/t)	Ricky Lee	28	January 15, 2012 10:39AM
Great Review of a great watch Bro Ricky!!!! Now more than ever, I'm jonesing for a Mecaquartz!!!!!	dano0	38	January 14, 2012 10:23PM
Re: Now more than ever, I'm jonesing for a Mecaquartz!!!!! Well start savin' them pennies! You won't go wrong with either the or the , as far as I am concerned. That being said, the Sparrowhawk II is a whole level beyond the Pulsar in fit & finish, not to mention overall Cool.	Ricky Lee	39	January 15, 2012 08:19AM
Great review of a very interesting watch, well done (n/t)	Reto	27	January 14, 2012 08:53PM
Thanks Boss! Your writings and photos on your Calibre 631 MécaQuartz chronos were a help and an inspiration. (n/t)	Ricky Lee	25	January 15, 2012 08:15AM
Great review (n/t)	pumpkin2001	26	January 14, 2012 08:34PM
Bro. punkin'. (n/t)	Ricky Lee	19	January 15, 2012 08:12AM
I dig it! And excellent review. (n/t)	DJM	24	January 14, 2012 06:46PM
Thanks Bro. Dan! I just wish.. ..the photos were up to your standards.	Ricky Lee	26	January 14, 2012 07:02PM
Thank you, Ricky! GReat job (n/t)	Julio	29	January 14, 2012 06:32PM
Bro Julio. Glad you enjoyed it! (n/t)	Ricky Lee	26	January 14, 2012 06:59PM
Nice review Ricky. I like that watch, but I just got one with that movement! Doh!	Timemiser	30	January 14, 2012 05:29PM
Yes, I know. You and I, for the nonce, form the entire PMWF 6T63 / VK63 Owners Club as fas as I know. I predict that we won't maintain our exclusivity for long. But ! No photo?! 'ere, I'll fix it for ye. I highly approve, of course. Looks to be about the same size as the ..? Quote Timemiser Doh! You know it is allowed to own two Méca-Quartz chronos with the same movement.	Ricky Lee	53	January 14, 2012 05:43PM
Field Manual? That's one serious watch. Super nice, enjoy. (n/t)	Robmks	30	January 14, 2012 04:18PM
Yup, an honest-to-gosh Field Manual. Quote Robmks That's one serious watch. Super nice, enjoy. It is! Thanks Bro. Makus!	Ricky Lee	26	January 14, 2012 05:14PM
Seems like a very good one! I like the design too and also the '' military'' orientation! Besides that, you already know that you gave us an excellent review!	IF	27	January 14, 2012 04:12PM
It's a nice all-around package, for sure. I hate to compare it.. ..to another watch, because I do think it easily stands on its own. However, I got to say, the Sparrowhawk II succeeds in making me forget my lust for.. (Photo borrowed from Bro. EdH.) ..an RAF-issued chrono. Quote IF Besides that, you already know that you gave us an excellent review! Well. I doubt Bro. MCV is shaking in his boots. But I always try to do me best for my Brothers. Thanks Bro. Yannis.	Ricky Lee	36	January 14, 2012 05:11PM
Nice watch and excellent review! It's a bit small for me, and lacks a rotating bezel, but is cool. (n/t)	JY	24	January 14, 2012 04:06PM
Being sans Whacking Great Rotating Bezel is a plus, for me personally. As for the size.. well, again, it's just about perfect IMHO! But to each their own, sure. for the kind words.	Ricky Lee	23	January 14, 2012 04:54PM
Looks great!!!! (n/t)	Mark C.	22	January 14, 2012 04:01PM
Bro. Mark! (n/t)	Ricky Lee	28	January 14, 2012 04:51PM
Excellent review and congrats! I like how it says Japanese Movement at six >>> It's a nice touch.	Need_Omega	34	January 14, 2012 03:33PM
Re: It's a nice touch. I agree! Especially from a company based in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Talk about your Truth In Advertising.	Ricky Lee	22	January 14, 2012 04:49PM
Really good review Ricky! You made me want one. I am saving up now..must sell some other pieces. (n/t)	poywatch	29	January 14, 2012 03:17PM
Well, get 'em while they're hot! Thanks Bro. Jim!	Ricky Lee	31	January 14, 2012 04:46PM
Good work (n/t)	wodo	21	January 14, 2012 01:50PM
This watch made the job easy. Thanks mate!	Ricky Lee	21	January 14, 2012 04:40PM
Nice! (n/t)	Micha	18	January 14, 2012 12:42PM
Thanks Micha! (n/t)	Ricky Lee	22	January 14, 2012 04:38PM
Nice job, RL! (n/t)	MCV	28	January 14, 2012 11:55AM
High praise indeed, coming from yourself. Thanks Bro. Marc, I do appreciate it!	Ricky Lee	28	January 14, 2012 04:37PM