Akribos is a mysterious name in the watch industry. No one knows much about them, which is why we had to change that with our Akribos watch review. What’s stopping you from reading ahead?
Truth be told, we didn’t know who Akribos was. Like many watch enthusiasts, we scratched our heads at the name. This is strange considering their sister company is a brand that watch enthusiasts know a lot about, Sturhling.
This might give you an idea about the type of watches they produce. Their watches just scream luxury on a budget. But are they any good? Yes, if you’re on a budget.
That being said, if you’re looking for a watch that comes with heritage, Akribos is not for you. Not only are they not well-known, but they’ve also only been in the game for 5 years.
So far so good.
You could dive right in, but the best move would be to give the below table a read. It will introduce you to the cream of the crop, Akribos’ very best.
Our Pick
Whether you’re wearing jeans or a suit, the AK622 will polish off your outfit. It’s one of the chicest looking watches we’ve ever seen, and this is reason enough to buy it. Spoiler alert, although it looks jaw-dropping, there are watches equally good looking below.
The timepiece has the easiest-to-use crown on our list. We even think that it’s one of the easiest crowns we’ve ever dealt with. Alongside the crown, you’ll see two buttons. They aren’t there just to spice things up. They work the watch’s chronographs. The sub-dials are 60 seconds, 60 minutes, and 24-hour chronographs. How neat is it to see such a feature on a budget device?
There are large Roman numerals. They’re in your face, so reading a watch has never been so easy. That being said, not everyone is a fan of Roman numerals. No need to fret, there’s an inner ring that has a 24-hour clock in Arabic numerals.
Like any good watch, its hands are enormous. They’re covered in luminous paint. There’s paint on the markers too, which as you can imagine, makes the watch even easier to read.
Being so luminous, you might be wondering if you can use it underwater. The answer is, yes. The 622 can handle a 165 foot (50 metre) dip underwater.
Its gunmetal body is stunning, but its body losing its shine is a very real possibility. Akribos promises that high-quality stainless steel was used in the timepiece’s production. For its price, it holds up well, but it certainly can’t handle a thorough beating.
We’re kind of iffy about its calendar, however. Don’t get me wrong, a calendar feature is always useful, but not when you have to turn your head at awkward angles to read it. That’s exactly what you’ll be doing with the AK622. Its calendar is in the 4-o’clock position.
You’re probably wondering what type of movement it has. The gunmetal beauty is a quartz delight. It carries the TMI VX9J movement. Being a TMI, if you haven’t guessed it yet, it’s Japanese.
How could we forget about its display? You get a mineral window in your device. Although this is great, we’re not too excited about this as Sapphire is where it’s at. Then again, you can’t forget the watch’s price.
What makes it special:
Its gun-metal body.
When we said that the watches following the AK622 looked just as good, we weren’t lying. The AK751 is stunning and oozes luxury. This is mainly due to its dial. You don’t usually see emerald green on watches, and let me tell you, it’s something we need more of.
The calfskin strap helps the illusion as well. After all, leather isn’t associated with budget things, but here it is! The fact that the leather has hand-stitched white pattens is the icing on top.
Other than that, you’ll see a chronograph feature. This explains the buttons along with the timepiece’s crown. They’re 60 seconds, 60 minutes, and 24-hour chronographs, similar to the AK622.
Speaking of the AK622, how did you feel about the Roman numerals on it? We loved them, which is why we were disappointed that they’re not on the 751. You get a 24-hour clock instead. Although it’s not as cool looking, truth be told, Arabic numerals are easier to read. You won’t be deciphering anything in your head.
We have some bad news. If you’re looking for a luminous watch, the 751 is not for you. With one look at its dial, you’ll see that its hands are really small. They barely carry any lume.
What type of movement do you think the 751 has? We love Swiss quartz, so we were thrilled to find out that the 751 boasts of a Swiss movement. Then again, the watch is pretty cheap, so is it really Swiss? We’ve answered this in the latter part of our article.
Moving on:
Who wouldn’t want a pretty watch that’s water-resistant? Before you get your hopes up, the Akribos timepiece is not a Submariner. It can’t handle extreme depths, just the basics. It’s resistant up to 33 feet (10.05 meters) underwater.
Did we mention that its dial is mineral? You already know that this doesn’t impress us. It’s still a great crystal though, just don’t slam it into anything.
What makes it special:
Its emerald green dial.
Best Looking AND the Most Durable
So far, we’ve had 2 stunning watches on our list, but the Akribos AK868 takes the cake. You’ll fool anyone into thinking you sold your kidney for it. The funny thing about this is the fact that it’s one of the cheaper watches on our list.
Just to put into perspective how opulent it is, you get a Swarovski crystal-embellished bezel. Although this sounds great, remember that the watch is insanely cheap. There’s no way that they’re real. They’re a nice touch though.
Its domed crystal helps sell the luxury illusion too. Only the most expensive watches come with such a display. The domed window also makes the watch easy on the eyes. It magnifies its dial, after all.
In terms of reading the timepiece, we’re happy. The AK868 would’ve ruined its luxury feel if it came with Arabic numerals. Instead, you get an assortment of Roman numerals. However, some may find it hard to read. This is especially true as the ones on the 868 have a mix of baton markers in them.
Thankfully, the watch’s hands are thick, making things easier to read. Their thickness makes for a great canvas for the lume. If you’re anticipating the paint to be on the numerals as well, get ready to be disappointed.
We just love the sapphire blue dial. It wraps everything up, and you can never go wrong with a good blue. The stainless-steel bracelet helps as well. Akribos says that high-quality steel was used in the timepiece’s design. You already know what we think about it.
But can it handle a beating? Kind of. It does a better job than the two watches above. Its domed mineral gives it an extra layer of protection. The fact that it’s sapphire coated just makes things better.
In terms of water resistance, the 868 is swim-ready. It can handle a 100 feet (30 meters) underwater.
Of course, it comes with a chronograph as well, you even get a tachymeter. We feel spoilt.
That being said:
We found its crown a bit hard to use. It’s not as easy to wind as the AK622.
And before we forget, the AK868 is Swiss quartz.
What makes it special:
It has an embellished bezel.
Looking for a Submariner dupe? If you are, the AK1002 is right up your alley. Seriously, place the two side-by-side, you’ll barely see a difference.
Akribos calls the AK1002 a dive watch. It’s built like one. There is a screwed-down crown and case. This makes it impossible for water to seep in. You even get a rotating bezel. If you aren’t familiar with rotating bezels, they’re lifesavers as they tick as they turn, preventing you from staying underwater too long. You don’t want to waste your oxygen supply, now do you?
The timepiece comes in high-quality stainless steel, which isn’t a surprise. However, the inclusion of an additional nylon strap is. We weren’t expecting this, making us appreciate Akribos even more. However, you might not be reaching for it that much. Stainless steel doesn’t corrode and most importantly, does not get wet.
You’d expect the AK1002 to come with quite a bit of lume. After all, it can get pretty dark underwater. No surprise, it rocks orange luminous paint all over its hands and markers. The fact that its markers are pretty thick give the paint an excellent canvas to shine on. Akribos went the extra mile and painted the seconds’ hand as well.
In case you weren’t a fan of its rhomboid markers, know that its bezel comes with Arabic numerals plastered on. So, you’ll always find the AK1002 easy to read.
We have some bad news. The watch checks all the dive watch boxes except for something really important, it can’t go underwater. The timepiece can only handle 165 feet (50 meters) underwater. We’re as confused as you. Then again, the brand isn’t the most recognized, so it does have its flaws.
With that surprise out of the way, what type of movement does the watch have? You get a Japanese quartz device.
What makes it special:
It’s a Rolex Submariner dupe.
Is there such a thing as too much in watches? If there is, we think that the AK727 fits the bill. It’s not an ugly watch, it’s pretty good looking. However, it has too much going on. Ask yourself if you’re into that before you make your purchase.
This doesn’t stop it from being comfortable to have on. Its leather strap is velvet-like, making you feel like you have a cloud on your wrist.
This is great as the watch isn’t the lightest. You also don’t get just any leather strap. No, the Akribos spoils you with genuine leather on your wrist.
To our delight, the 727 comes with a gigantic crown. It gives the one on the AK622 a run for its money. It’s so easy that you could grip it with your eyes closed.
As there are 3 sub-dials on its display, it’s clear that the watch comes with a chronograph feature. They are 60 seconds, 60 minutes, and 24-hour chronographs. You get a tachymeter as well, which is the cherry on top.
Without a doubt, the Akribos is easy to read. It not only comes with gigantic Arabic numerals, but they’re full of lume too. This is true for its large hands as well.
Wondering how water resistant it is? The AK727 is nothing special. It can only handle a 100 feet (30 m) underwater. I don’t know about you, but I’m not going to be diving with it on, so this isn’t an issue.
Before we move onto our next review, we have to say, the gold and black combo are pretty cool. The textured dial is great as well. There’s too much going on, but this is subjective. You might think otherwise.
What makes it special:
Its loud appearance.
Cheapest
Want a hardy looking watch? The AK1024 is right up your alley. Its colour combination is classic, letting it do any outfit up. No doubt about it, the watch looks great, but it isn’t the most eye-catching. From our assortment, it has some pretty stunning competitors.
Being simpler, the watch has a dial that’s the bare minimum. You’d think that since it’s so minimalistic, this would make the watch easy to read, but it’s quite the opposite. All you get are Arabic numerals, marking the minutes in an hour, not in a day.
As it doesn’t tell you the time in a 24-hour format, you’re left doing math on your fingers. There’s an outer ring with a 24-hour clock, making things easier.
If it’s any condolence, reading the watch’s calendar is effortless. You won’t be turning at awkward angles trying to read it. It’s in the 3-o’clock position and comes with a bold font. That being said, it’s only the day’s date, but you can’t always have everything you want.
Like the rest, Akribos says that quality stainless steel was used in the timepiece. As mentioned earlier, for its price it’s pretty durable, but remember that you’re not paying much. Unfortunately, its window isn’t anything special, you’re getting a mineral device. If it were domed, we’d let this go.
The AK1024 comes with a genuine leather strap. You will feel like a million bucks. We also have to say, the leather’s especially comfortable. It didn’t make us sweat as other leather watches do.
Is it water-resistant? Of course, it is. You’ll be able to withstand depths of 165 feet (50 meters) underwater. It’s not a dive watch, but the AK1024’s on par with the other timepieces on our list.
What makes it special:
It’s very classic looking.
Bauhaus inspired watches are sought after. The minimalistic feel is present in the most expensive Swiss watches. You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for one, however. The AK945 comes with a Bauhaus dial that rivals some of the most expensive Swiss watches on the market.
As it’s so minimalistic, you wouldn’t expect to see any lume on its dial. The AK945 surprised us, coming with luminous paint all over its hands. Yes, it’s present, but it’s not as intense as in the other watches on our list. We aren’t complaining though.
Being so minimalistic, you wouldn’t expect a calendar either. There’s one, gobsmack in the 3-o’clock position. To be frank, we don’t know how to feel about it. Having a calendar is useful, but the AK945’s is so small that you’ll be straining your eyes trying to read it.
To spice things up, you get a sunray dial. Is this something to write home about, however? The majority of the AK945’s contenders came with the dial too. Now, if you have no idea what a sunray dial is, let me educate you. It’s a dial that has a metallic sheen to it. You have to admit, this sounds pretty neat.
What’s also neat is its strap. We’re met with another genuine leather band that we love. We have to say, Akribos knows what they’re doing when it comes to comfort, the AK945 is a dream to have on. Being a simplistic watch, its strap doesn’t have any embossing. This is a bold choice, but we’re not too mad.
Continuing with the trend, you’re getting a water-resistant timepiece. However, it can’t handle extreme depths. If you’re planning on going for a light swim, you can have the 945 by your side. It’s resistant up to 100 feet (30 meters) underwater.
Compared to the rest, we found its crown the hardest to use. Then again, this isn’t the end of the world.
We’ve established that Akribos loves their quartz watches. To put you out of your misery, the timepiece is Japanese quartz. When compared with Swiss devices, they’re more accurate. But as you’re about to find out, Akribos’ Swiss mechanisms aren’t swiss.
What makes it special:
Its minimalistic look.
Which Akribos watch piqued your interest? Tell us in the comments below! In the meantime, let’s run through a couple of questions, and answer what you’re wondering about its Swiss movement.
First, let’s get the elephant out of the room. You’re wondering why akribos watches are so affordable. This is due to the name it carries. After all, heritage is a pretty big deal in the watch world.
The watches’ quality also affects their price tag. By no means are their devices bad, but when you compare them to timepieces from expensive brands, even a brand like Timex, you’ll realize that they’re not as thorough.
Their Swiss watches are almost entirely swiss. Notice how we said almost? About 60% of it is Swiss-made parts. This seems questionable, but this is a loop-hole that many watch manufacturers use. At the end of the day, you’re not spending a lot on an Akribos timepiece, so you can’t expect a genuine swiss product.
No, they’re not made in Japan. Hong Kong is their base.
Let’s wrap up our akribos watches review.
We think that the brand produces some great budget-friendly watches. They are some of the cheapest you’ll find but look amazing. You’ll agree that the watches on our list were stunning.
So, are akribos watches good? They’re great watches, but when compared to more expensive timepieces, you’ll easily be able to tell the difference in quality. To be honest, if you’re on a budget and need a good-looking watch, don’t be shy, take the leap.
