The Drift Racer has a sporty look, but still maintains a sleek, luxe feel worthy of a luxury timepiece. Photo: Qi Group
For guys, the timepiece you have on your wrist can really define your style. Any one design you strap on says a lot about your personal aesthetic and way of life.
The Drift Racer from Bernhard H. Mayer for example, denotes a wearer who is active yet has a discerning eye for fashion.
This new model from the luxury Swiss watchmaker stands out even at first glance. It has a bold look with contrasting colours of black, white and red. The 44mm face is slightly on the bigger side, but still not too large for thinner wrists.
Just to point out, oversized or extra large watches between the sizes of 45-48mm were a big thing (pun unintended) in the 2000s. Since then, newer models have returned to their mid-size glory, so to speak.
Back to the Bernhard H. Mayer Drift Racer, it has an immediately noticeable sporty look. This will, of course, please most men. After all, we guys tend to gravitate towards watches that can be worn for all occasions.
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Think of it as something you will be able to wear with a sports jacket for dressier events, or to complete a casual chic polo T-shirt and chinos ensemble.
Take a closer look and you will notice details that make the watch further stand out.
It has a black textured dial. A textured watch face is seen as part of a growing trend in watchmaking, which emerged since the start of last year.
More than that, the crown has a surprising trait: a red top. This really accentuates the contrast of the overall colourway, tying in with the whole black, white and red theme.
As for the watch’s face, it is clean and uncluttered. There is just a dial displaying the hour and minutes, plus a sub-dial tracking the seconds.
It has white luminous-applied indexes that make for easy reading in the dark. The 5ATM water resistant specification means that it can withstand pressures equivalent to about 50 metres.
Photo: Bernhard H. Mayer
Additionally, the strap is made from rubber, and again, it comes with a textured look and feel. Most people would find this to be more luxe in feel – which adds to the versatility of an otherwise sporty timepiece.
“Bernhard H. Mayer’s Drift Racer wearers are judged by their qualities – from their edgy style to the appreciation of their confidence and power when taking life’s corners,” reads the watch’s description.
“Savour the rush of excitement as you charge through life with confidence and style. Inspired by today’s energetic and active lifestyles, this vibrant collection boasts of bold patterns and colours that radiate a zest for life.”
Indeed, any guy would feel as such. The watch is sleek, but still has an edgy feel to it.
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Bernhard H. Mayer’s Drift Racer feels very much like a quartz-movement watch that you can wear everyday – or rather, something you would want to strap on each time you head out of the house.
As a refreshed iteration of the original Drift Glider, another sporty model by the watchmaker, it manages to balance between being young and cool, but still demure enough to not be a turn-off for genteel sensibilities.
If you are wondering, Bernhard H. Mayer has a long heritage as a watchmaker. The brand celebrated its 150th anniversary last year.
Today, it has come a long way from its origins in the town of Pforzeim, Germany, that has been associated for over 200 years with jewellery and watchmaking.
In 2000, Bernhard H. Mayer entered into a strategic partnership with Asian conglomerate Qi Group and moved its base to Switzerland, the heart of watchmaking. Since then, it has continued pushing the boundaries of horology by releasing exciting new watch models.
All that said, the fourth generation of the Mayer family at the head of the brand – also named Bernhard – still believes in upholding the same rich tradition pioneered by master craftsmen since 1871.
