Not everyone will say they have heard of the Ebel watches, but it doesn’t change the fact that they are not a new brand in the game. Ebel is a Swiss watch brand created by a couple, Eugene Blum and Alice Levy in 1911. They coined the company name “Ebel” from “Eugene Blum et Levy”. In this Ebel Watches review, we will deep dive into the details of the brand. Since the late 1990s, the company has launched several sports and dress watches.
Certainly, the Ebel watches are not mass-produced, nor will you find them in every discounted store. This explains why they are not on par with brands like Omega and Rolex, but their market status has nothing on the quality. As a matter of fact, every other true horological aficionado that comes across these watches can bear witness to their awesome value.
To give you a better idea of the Ebel watches, and also ignite your interest in them, I will discuss Ebel further as a brand. There is more to read about the features, both the good side and the bad ones in the paragraphs below.
Pros – Ebel watches
- Well-constructed
- Affordable Luxury
- Reputable Brand
- Reliable timepiece
Cons – Ebel Watches
- Weak resale value
- Not suitable for dive
Benefits / Drawbacks – Ebel watches
Designed with a balanced point of view, the Ebel watches are given enough focus right from the making to the packaging stage. Still, let’s proceed by discussing further as I offer my opinions on the brand.
Remarkable Construction Quality
Let nothing deceive you when you want a well-constructed watch – Go for the Ebel watches! They are not limited to having a lifespan of one or two years. Each model is made originally to last for years and can even be passed down from one person to the next.
More than having only a beautiful design, the detail on the watches included in the crown, pushers, and bezel can get you hooked. The bracelets are either made of polished stainless steel or flexible, comfortable leather attached to a buckle or clasp hold. Some Ebel watches have subdial functions, in case you want it all.
In my opinion, seeing the Ebel watches alone is a pure convincing element to appreciating the Brand. The aim is not to exaggerate the quality of the Ebel watches, but you may not have to purchase another watch after this one.
Affordable Luxury
Let’s get right to it – Ebel is not on par with Rolex, Omega, or Breitling. According to the market, the prices reveal a considerable difference. Don’t get it wrong, the Ebel watches are not inexpensive neither are they cheap; but they often fall in the penumbra of luxury timepieces.
If you are looking to move into another quality of the watch, other than the regular Timex, you need to look no farther than the Ebel watches. They are designed nicely and totally worth their price. The finishing alone is enough to communicate the watch’s luxury status.
Offering a wide choice ranging from very simple to exotic models; the Ebel watches are the right epitome of cool. The Ebel 1216201 Men’s watch has an attractive, simple dial, for classy minimalists. But if you love your watch with a little bit of complication, you can go for the Ebel Classic Chronograph 1911 or Ebel 1216120.
The watches are not solely for men alone; there are types for women. Ebel X-1 with Uni-directional rotating stainless steel bezel, 18kt rose gold ring, and Ebel wave automatic, pink galvanic diamond dial are fantastic picks for a female watch.
Impressive Dial design
Ebel offers styles with all kinds of dials. One of my favorites is the Ebel Classic Hexagon GMT watch, typified by five screws on the case, faceted hands, and a simple dial. I so much like the integration of the second time zone display and the big date window.
It is like having another watch in your watch, especially when you need to keep track of time on a travel in a different time zone. Of course, this is not the first dial made this way, but the Ebel GMT is pleasant and legible – you should try it out.
If you are starting to think all models look the same, think again. Another unique watch, the Ebel 1911 BTR Dial Chronograph watch on the other hands, looks a bit more out there. It features three subdials with a date function. Both designs look good and appealing.
Reputable Brand
For most of the general public, the main attraction to watches rests on the brand name. From the history of the Ebel watches, it is easy to prove that even back then they have always been extremely cool. Even the Great American Donald Wayne Johnson was wearing the Ebel Classic 100 chronograph in the late 1980s and early 1990s television series Miami Vice.
Well-known brands like TAG, Omega, Rolex, and the likes, spark up more interest with their big-budget ad campaigns and celebrity endorsements. The Ebel watches, on the other hand, have never had these resources as much as the previous mentions. But this has nothing on their reputation as classy and exotic timepieces.
Also, Ebel watches celebrated their great history in 2011 with the impressive Special Edition Ebel Classic 100 to marks the 100th Anniversary of the brand. Ebel Classic 100 and some other new exciting watches birth a revitalization period for this Swiss watch after being a bit staid for some years.
However, the good looks of the Ebel timepieces combined with several new exciting models, and some serious marketing efforts have finally helped them get back out.
Reliable timepiece
Recognized for an excellent experience, Ebel watches are durable and wearable both day and night. As sleek as you move, a few banging cannot be avoided. But the sapphire crystal covering the round face ensures that there is no scratching on it at all.
Aside from changing the batteries every few years, most long-term users claim that their Ebel watches have served them for over 20 years. Surely, the last and continue to be reliable for a lifetime. Ebel watches have always excelled in terms of their polished bezels and case designs. The cases are available in polished steel with white or black faces. Most importantly, they still maintain their awesome appearance for years to come.
Well, if you are more of a retro, vintage, classic, heritage, or original watch kind of person, the Ebel Classic 100 will impress you. It was the simplest Ebel watches with a great deal of historic look to it. Well, that was before the introduction of the 1911 BTR Chronograph with caliber 139 movements.
All Ebel users continue to bear witness to the reliability of the watch and how the sentimental value increases over the years.
Pricing and resale value
Most watch pieces have poor resale value regardless of quality and reliability. The high-end watch brands get the exception since the popularity ratings of the product drive most buyers. You don’t see many places selling the Ebel watches these days, making them quite scarce. Or you can say in other words, stands the wearer out of the crowd.
But one sure thing is that when it comes it monetary value, the Ebel watches exceed its flashier cousins. You get equal quality at a lesser price instead of paying for a brand name. Ebel did well by balancing the quality and price of each watch alongside decent service.
The Ebel watch serves for several years as a perfect sentimental piece. Although it is quite sad that an innovative company like Ebel is not a good investment in terms of resale. It can result in a huge loss. Once they leave the retail shop, their price can be worth as low as almost a quarter of the original price.
Regardless, it is quite solid and considered more firmly than any of these other crappy watches.
Water resistance
The best aspect of the Ebel watch is the classy look. Also, the fact that they can go anywhere and match any outfit. Before you go too far, they are suitable for beaching, boating, and snorkeling expeditions, depending on the model. They have the capability to resist water to a depth of 50 or 100 meters. However, I don’t suggest them for a dive watch.
Should you get the Ebel watches?
Asides from the drastically reduced resale value, you will probably not find another disadvantage with this watch. But if you have to be a critic, the worst you can say is that some models have aging designs. Looking from a modern perspective, it’s agreeable. Some watch enthusiasts feel the retro aspect needs a more subtle touch.
There can be lots of speculations and talks about innovation and contemporary designs. But it’s not new knowledge that most recently-made watches are based on past inspirations from older watches. Regardless of their types, sizes, or brand.
Left to me, they are lovely vintage retro-inspired, and I have nothing against the style. So if you are the type of person that prefers a high-quality watch that is a bit different from what everyone is wearing. Then the Ebel watches are for you.
Bottom Line
To wrap it up, most models have a date feature. So you never have to be concerned with what time it is or wonder about having the correct date of the month.
These treasures sit in the grey area between serious watches and flashy fashion watches. Just to say the least, quality performance at reasonable prices backed with remarkable construction is something to look out for.
The Ebel watches are far different from most of the others you’re likely to see on the market today. With look great inside and out, they are versatile and easy to use without seasonal boundaries. Now I’m sure you know enough about the Ebel watches!
