A PMWF Exclusive - Introducing the IDENT NAV-01 Chronograph Ricky Lee December 04, 2010 04:36PM

Registered: April 2005 Posts: 12,214 (2011-05)

That's right, a new model from a new marque, revealed for the first time anywhere right here on The .

So without further ado, the first "official" photo of the IDENT NAV-01 chronograph:



Look familiar? Like perhaps it shares DNA with the Trintec ZULU-05 prototypes I've shown you in the past, HERE, HERE, and HERE? Well, there's good reason for that! IDENT is a private label created by Trintec owner Brendon Nunes. As such, I believe it's appropriate to recycle the disclaimer from my ZULU-01 review:

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Brendon Nunes
IDENT which is a brand I created for Ebay so it will not be confused as a Trintec. Not to play games but to try to differentiate it from Trintec so we have a little more freedom with pricing movements etc. I intend to create a separate ebay line if this one does well.

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Brendon Nunes
Naturally, I wanted something Aviation related. When flying in radar controlled airspace a pilot or aircraft is asked to identify itself to the controller by dialing in a 4 digit code and then Pressing the IDENT Button on the Transponder. The Transponder is a special type of transmitter, and the 4 digit code it broadcasts can be seen on the radar screen by the controller. Immediately upon activating the IDENT button, a blip appears on the radar screen to highlight the aircraft. Once the controlled sees the blip he confirms to the pilot that the aircraft has been Radar identified. The controller usually asks the pilot to Squark a code and in addition to IDENT if he cannot see the aircraft because of a cluttered radar screen. So a definite aviation twist and, I think, a unique Brand Name.

The OEM strap is a black genuine leather number of good quality. The buckle is especially nice, having a sort modified pre-V silhouette, nicely etched with the IDENT logo. Very nicely etched, one of the best etching jobs I've seen, at any price. The strap will accommodate an approx. 8-inch wrist which, alas, means that it is only useful to me as a tourniquet. But that's OK! I always keep plenty of NATO straps on hand for just such an eventuality!

The case is full SS, measuring 42mm w/o the crown (47mm across the crown), 52mm across the lugs, and 15mm thick. The crown is 7.5mm in diameter, and features a double row of crisply executed knurling. It's a screwdown crown and the action is silky smooth, with plenty of thread engagement. The lug width is 22mm, using functional 2mm hex socket screwbars for strap affixment. The eight screws around the dial are best thought of as semi-functional: they are sure-enough screws, but are purely decorative. IOW this is not a split case, so the screws serve no structural purpose. I'm not sure of the exact composition of the black PVD coating, whether it is DLC or actual PCD diamond, but I can tell you that it is uniformly and flawlessly applied. Nor, of course, can I yet vouch for the durability of the coating. However, if it is in a league with the Trintec ZULU-01, then that would be "very durable indeed"! The ZULU-01 has been subjected to some fearful knocks , and shows nary a scratch or nick.

The caseback is a natural color, matte-finished screwdown, crisply machined and with more than average thread engagement. One nice touch is that it uses circular, full-contact spanner recesses. These offer great purchase for the caseback wrench, and are much more slip-resistant than the typical open-ended notches. The inside of the caseback is sterile, with no indication of company or country of origin. Claimed water resistance is 10 ATM, and after scrutinizing the details, I'd say that's conservative. Some might prefer a 200M or more rating but, after all, this is an aviation watch, not a diver.

The movement is a Miyota OS21, a 2-eye, 13-1/2 ligne chrono with date. It's a mostly-metal movement with no-jewels. It uses a central chrono seconds hand, with the subdial at 9 being the 60-minute chrono totalizer. The subdial at 3 is a 24-hour indicator. This leads to what I believe will be perceived as a negative by many, perhaps a serious one: no running seconds. I admit that I myself saw it as a negative at first, but after living with the watch for a few days I find that I don't miss running seconds at all. Indeed, looked at in a certain way, it's a plus - no running seconds de-emphasizes the fact that the movement is a quartz one. Until you activate the chrono, that is - the central chrono seconds steps in the normal 1-second intervals. Also worthy of mention is the wide date window. I've never owned one, and was a bit skeptical. Feared that I might not "get along" with that feature, frankly. But turns out it's not a problem for me at all and, indeed, I rather like the "different look" it gives the watch.

In conclusion - this watch gets a solid 4-1/2 stars from me! The size is nigh-on perfect, being large enough to impart a commanding presence on the wrist, but not so large as to be absurd or "cartoonish." More importantly, the fit & finish are superb, easily on a par with some I've handled. The dial and case details hold up even under scrutiny with my 14X loupe, and it is a "clean build" with no dust or debris evident. Likewise the function is top-notch, with everything working as it should, and no annoying quirks whatsoever.

Sure 'tis no secret that I'm a big fan of the style, as a long-time fan of The Original Cockpit Watch, the Trintec 9060W. This piece takes the concept to a whole new level! Keep your eyes on . In fact, I recommend a saved search using "IDENT NAV-01" as the appropriate keywords.

, dear Constant Reader, for your time and attention.