Méraud Bonaire Review - Perfect First Time? | Armand The Watch Guy

[@WillyMcCoy50]

It took many months for me to track down a grey Méraud Bonaire. In the meantime I ordered the Baltic Aquascaphe Blue Gilt. The sunbursting on my Bonaire doesn't need much coaxing to display its aura. The lume is very strong. Great review of this watch!

[@meraud-watches]

Many thanks for the work involved in making this video Armand! It's very much appreciated! Great thorough review! Thanks again.

[@schiangsc]

Hello, out of curiosity, can you tell us where the parts are made and where they are assembled?

[@gregalonzo747]

I finally decided on the blue dial with the blue strap. In a word, stunning. Armand, you mentioned Squale and Zodiac. I have both and the Maraud is totally on par. Considering the unique factor, I would go with the Maraud.

[@chrismenes4995]

Beautiful watch. I didn't realize that it was there first model. I picked up the blue dial.

[@jasonkeith1725]

Beautiful watch. I always look forward to your reviews because you often present brands that get very little coverage.

[@noelmurphy3450]

Another super review Armand. Thank you so much, a really interesting watch. Best Noel

[@edwardcrater3591]

I am impressed. I just added a Meraud to my wishlist.

[@klausoff]

Great review. It has helped me to pull the trigger on this one. If the final product really comes like the prototypes, I disagree with some that say the price tag is above expected. In today’s world is not easy to be an enterpreneur and you can see there has been a lot of time invested to get the final product, I really respect that.

[@meraud-watches]

Thanks a lot. You're correct about the time that has been invested, hehe. I'm looking forward to everyone's feedback when they receive their watch.

[@shafahj]

Nice review! Love the in depth look. To me the design of the lugs and alternating finishes (including on the bezel edge) set this above others in this space. Getting three straps and the tool is a lot of value and I personally feel the STP movement is above the sellita and eta options in the extended power reserve while being technically similar. Looking forward to more reviews and subscribed!

[@meraud-watches]

Thanks a lot for the kind words about the Méraud Bonaire!

[@tomnowakovski6315]

Great video Armand and this one seems to be just perfect. Pricing seems to be right for the package one gets. Very tempted to buy one now! Need to check with my wife 😂😅

[@snarkishly]

There are three interesting divers from microbrands recently announced that are all of interest to me. The Meraud Bonaire, the Baltic Aquascaphe and the Maen Hudson, which has a bit more of a mix of modern and retro. Out of all those the Aquascaphe most appeals to me but I'd like to see all three in person to really judge, something that is not really possible :/

[@meraud-watches]

It depends where you're based? I have a couple of sets flying around the world!

[@snarkishly]

@@meraud-watches In Spain, I'll send you a DM on Instagram, we follow each other :)

[@meraud-watches]

Ok @snarkishly let me know!

[@maenwatches]

Hi @snarkishly - We have a 14 day return policy on our products. So if you decide that you do not like it, you can just let us know and we schedule a pickup :)

[@snarkishly]

@@maenwatches Thanks! I'm taking a serious look at that 42mm blue dial!

[@jensjorssen7191]

Very happy to have seen this review! Thanks for discovering the Méraud. As you said it, looks like a perfect first attempt. The straps look amazing, reminds me of the Hermès leather straps. The clasp suits the rivet bracelet. Feels like a good value for money! I dare to say that it even looks better than the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms MilSpec re-edition. The narrow bezel makes it look very elegant yet sporty! Thanks!

[@meraud-watches]

Thank you.

[@adrianmcnally6006]

Nice... If only it had the 3, 6, 9 as well I'd buy it!

[@jimbegin6554]

It does look the part Armand. Sixties appears to be a popular era for dive watches at present. Good price point, plus a nice box with extras.

[@meraud-watches]

Thanks Jim!

[@marcusallen99]

One of the best reviews ever

[@Andy-ih5kh]

Another great in-depth review Armand. Thank you. The watch is certainly a clean looking, attractive piece and it sounds like the quality is there also. Sadly the price is beyond my current reach. Will definitely be keeping an eye on the brand for further releases.

[@meraud-watches]

Many thanks Andy!

[@thomasmelodie]

Great find and thank you for another super review. This watch ticks all the right boxes, and it is refreshing to see a modern diver (albeit vintage inspired) under 40mm. It has a classic design - maybe almost too perfect ? or possibly lacking a bit of originality ? A splash of colour, a small Belgian flag or the MannekenPis as a logo could make it pop just a little more. As a serious tool watch it competes with good quality homage-type divers (the likes of Ginault, Squale) as well as established Swiss, German and English brands who have come-up with a retro-design following the commercial success of the Oris 65, (priced over 1K but typically retailing for the same price as the Meraud). There are also so many new micro-brands entering this exact space...I feel it's a tight space and a great product may not suffice. A great watch, maybe not the best value proposition for a diver nor the wisest investment... but I get why it can be a real coup de coeur for some. Did you run a precision test on the mvt and is it as easy to service as a standard selleta or eta ? It would be great to see a focus on vintage style divers between 400$ to 1200$ as the selection has become huge over the past few years, with the happy return of more reasonable dimensions.

[@meraud-watches]

Thanks for the kind words on my watches Thomas. The MannekenPis was funny to read, hehe. It's a tight space indeed between $400 - $1200 and a difficult space to enter as well. But a dive watch had to be my first as I am a diver myself, have a history in surfing, grew up by the sea, been a lifeguard, etc. A strong bond with the sea that resulted in a dive watch. The best combo of my two passions. Hehe. The main reason to pick the STP vs the ETA or Sellita was the fact that the communication was best with them and they were really willing to help concerning the modification of the movement. The fact that the power reserve is a bit longer was a nice plus.

[@massivemikeh]

Very classy, well designed piece you have here. Cheers

[@eva2k0]

This is everything a watch should be. Amazing watch, amazing review. Now if they would just produce a GMT of the same quality and price point.

[@meraud-watches]

Thanks a lot! A gmt, maybe, later on! We're focussing on something else right now.

[@brunocalver2968]

Great review as always, thank you. I agree with other comments that the nearest competitor is the Christopher Ward C65 Trident. However, this watch appears less fussy, with a cleaner dial, better branding and out of the box strap choice. Great size at 39mm and could have maybe been 1 or 2 mm thinner, but I’m probably splitting hairs here. It will be interesting to see the production quality. Very tempting, I must stop watching all your videos :)

[@meraud-watches]

Thanks a lot for the kind words! The thickness is a concious decision, I wanted the profile to be like the very first dive watches and I felt it had to have some wrist presence due to the smaller size of 39mm. The bezel makes it very elegant, so do the lugs so the height of the case had to give it some more "masculinity". Not sure if that is the right word but I think you'll understand!

[@gasparghent9383]

I agree, Bruno. I too wish it was 1mm or 2mm thinner. I fear the 12mm thickness - while maybe period accurate for '60s divers (an era of watch design I really love) - will reduce its flexibility for wearing with different outfits. As Armand mentioned in his review, the excellent dial proportions mean it already wears large for its 39mm width and is not lacking in 'masculinity' as Menaud calls it. Its circumference certainly doesn't look small on Armand's larger wrist. If I purchased this watch I would definitely take it diving, but I would also love to wear it out and about.

[@gregalonzo747]

Most impressive. Definitely a timepiece to consider.

[@meraud-watches]

Thanks Gregory!

[@cdb7876]

He's right! Cheap clasp, end links are not solid, both the bracelet and the leather band are cheap. For 800 pounds? Come now. Have you become a salesman or a real reviewer. No hate,just fact.

[@secularpilgrim1372]

It seems to me that most watch enthusiasts ( including me) prefer a watch that is well made, easier to service, likeable and as unique as possible. All history and heritage has to start somewhere. Maybe having this watch in 60 years could be quite an achievement.

[@meraud-watches]

Thanks a lot!!!

[@eleon2136]

Secular Pilgrim my thoughts exactly.

[@markplayford5836]

A really lovely watch. Great review too.

[@allthestroke88]

Very good review, but at that price point I'd be hard pressed to pass up a Zodiac Sea Wolf.

[@khronokraze]

Thanks for another great closer look and review of this particular watch. It's a handsome watch, but it is VERY similar to the about to release Baltic Aquascaphe. The dimensions are near identical as well, with this Meraud Bonaire being just a little thicker and longer L2L. Also, interesting enough, both are coming out from nearly the same region. France & Belgium. Still, a very nice and compelling package and alternative to itself. I think the main difference I can spot off hand, other than what I had mentioned, are that this watch has a sapphire bezel where as the Baltic has a metal one. And, although the Baltic has a prouder crystal that stands above the case more than the Meraud Bonaire, the Bonaire is still 0.5mm thicker. Under the glass, what beats inside the 2 watches are different.. A Miyota in the Baltic and a STP in the Bonaire.. which I feel I'm starting to see more and more brands start to use STP movements alternatively it seems. Both watches do at least take care in using a movement that is specifically without date complication so you do not get the ghost 1st position you often get with other watches that just use a more typical movement that still has a date adjusting position although the watch may be without a date window.

[@meraud-watches]

Thanks Wing, and yes you are right. The Baltic is very similar to my creation. Although I feel Baltic (the brand) has a whole different direction. I wanted my watch to be a great value for money package as that was often what I missed with many brands (small or big). There often is a compromise on movement, straps, packaging, finishing, etc. Stuff that is super important to me. Many are good but just not good enough I feel. People tend to settle often with "good enough". I didn't want that. I hand picked the leather from the tanneries, produced 11 prototypes of my tropic straps (which are now the best modern ones out there, in my opinion, hehe), hand finished leather straps, etc. The devil is in the details. I'm really looking forward to receive all the feedback when the watches have been delivered. Feedback can only help me to improve!

[@khronokraze]

@@meraud-watches I would say from what I'm seeing between the two, yours exhibits a more premium feel and experience.

[@meraud-watches]

Thanks Wing.

[@timothythomas1626]

When the watch review starts with a talk about the packaging. You better get ready $$$$$$$$$

[@denniskwok7613]

Getting a little bit annoyed at sub 40mm watches being released, but with lug to lug dimensions of 48mm+. This makes them unwearable for those of us with wrists under 6.5''.

[@meraud-watches]

Thanks, there are a few photos of the Bonaire on a 6.5" wrist. If your size is smaller than 6.5" wrist then 39mm might be too big indeed. The lug to lug seems long but it's curved. I would advise you to choose a smaller sized diameter watch.

[@denniskwok7613]

@@meraud-watches Thanks for the reply. My wrist is a flat 6'' and I'm able to wear up to 40mm watches, as long as the lug to lug is under 48mm. I've also tried on a Seiko Mini Turtle which has a diameter of over 42mm and it fitted my wrist really well. Again, due to it's sub 43mm lug to lug. The resurgence of sub 40mm diameter watches is a godsend for smaller-wristed guys like me, but not if their lug to lug is the same as the average 40mm design. Even a single mm smaller to 47mm would make a large difference to folks like me. On another note, I think your watch looks great!

[@jorgklatt396]

I want those straps 😍👍

[@meraud-watches]

They'll be available in the webshop later on!

[@Watchatete]

Baltic have done a much better looking and priced version of their Aquascaphe. Essentially the same idea bit all markers, bezel numbers are better proportioned. Also Baltic is a much better established microbrand with a perfectly executed Kickstarter campaign and at least 4 models that are fully sold out.

[@andrew_owens7680]

Looks like a fifty fathom. Which is to say beautiful.

[@shlemp5183]

not sure what about this cost 700$+ , subpar movement, case finishing. nice simple dial and strap though

[@TheBadGuy1974]

You wouldn't expect a $20 watch box on a $1000 watch?

[@danielashleybaker]

Was this a paid review?

[@RubyMarkLindMilly]

Prefer my Oris divers 65 to this

[@phmwu7368]

Back-play in the bezel ? Yet another watch make with over a century heritage... Yawn

[@whathappendnext5887]

Why do you keep saying ‘one has...’ when referring to the watch? 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ramirezzz1000]

Ахуенный обзор! Часы очень хорошие!

[@vedadrokkor]

Brand name sound like Fraud to me

[@RickDeckardMemories]

At first, these gigantic boxes appear to be some sort of an awesome bonus. But if one's collection is growing (fast) they become nothing but a ridiculous nuisance. Some people do actually live in rather small apartments in cities, you know? Closet space is finite. 😕 Also, saying that you are not being paid is somewhat insufficient transparency, me thinks. Where do you get the watches? Do manufacturers send watches to you at no charge? Or did you buy these three (and hundred others) with your own coin? Do manufacturers let you keep the watches? Do you get ad money from KZbin for these videos? Do you constantly NEED new watches sent to you by manufacturers in order to make these videos so that ad revenue keeps flowing? Wouldn't there be a VERY STRONG insensitive for you to produce favorable review videos if you are interested in keeping that arrangement (free review watches, Google ad revenue) going? I would like to point out that I am a subscriber and I mostly enjoy your content. I also generally like Capitalism. But that whole "influencer" thing seems to me shady as fu**. Because rather obvious advertising is being camouflaged as "honest unbiased opinion" or "hobby". I would very much prefer to know that this is your buisness, and you earn money by making pleasant informative... well, INFOMERCIALS. Because that's exactly what these videos are.

[@meraud-watches]

The box might be gigantic but you forget that there are also people who don't collect watches and just buy this one. Those customers would be offended by just a pouch for example. I have to do good for anyone. The middle tray can be taken out so you can use the box for storage as well. Armand is not getting paid at all. I requested Armand to do a review because I felt he is a good fit for Méraud. The watches are being sent back to me.

[@RickDeckardMemories]

@@meraud-watches Thank you very much for explaining. I understand now. All the countless reviews (between 20 and 30 min each, on average) on this channel are done absolutely FOR FREE, without ANY FINANCIAL INCENTIVE whatsoever. All this impressive body of work pays absolutely nothing - there are never any perks from watch manufacturers or any ad revenue checks from Google. Cool. So any relationships between you (the manufacturer) and the "influencers" are based on pure altruism and carry zero financial gain for any party involved. 😁😂🤣😃😄😅😆

[@WillyMcCoy50]

@@RickDeckardMemories lay off the hormone blockers. You are starting to sound like my neighbors wife. Womanly.