We have written about watches for over a decade at The WatchGecko Magazine. In that time, we have seen models that cover technically just about every subject and element of timekeeping. However, when we met Adley Watches, whose core design is inspired by high-performance bicycle mechanics, we thought, "This is new".
Adley's portfolio is collectively called the FIXI-T1, which we have since learned refers to the type of bike raced by professionals in a velodrome. These class-leading machines have no gears and cannot freewheel and Adley collaborated on the watch design with Hartley Cycles who are well known for making bespoke bicycles for professionals. Three models of the watch are available (we were lucky to have all three), designated the Champion White, Twilight Grey and Midnight Black. Alternate finishes, colours and styles differentiate models in the range to the dial, hand, rehaut and strap.
Unboxing your new Adley is a good start to the experience with watches delivered in a presentation box with a recycled vinyl travel wallet, your manufacturer's warranty card, a microfiber watch pouch and additional straps. It is slick and professional.
Adley FIXI-T1 - Credit WatchGecko
Even after years in the industry, sometimes a new watch has the power to surprise, and the FIXI-T1 is such a case. The design is based on an old-school stopwatch with the crown at the top of the case in place of the start/stop pusher. The dials are compelling with a multi-layer design, which adds depth and has themed references to the world of sport cycling. These visual accents are not glaringly obvious, which suggests a thoughtful design process as opposed to something more blatant.
Dials with a generous amount of real estate are circled by small hour batons sitting on a grooved design which bears more than a passing resemblance to a banked oval racing track. Central to the watch are colour-coordinated hour and minute hands and a brightly offset colour seconds hand, which really stands out, despite being short. A welcome spartan amount of text on the dial is small and discreet. Sitting under the hands is a bicycle wheel design.
Adley FIXI-T1 - Credit Adley
Technically, Adley's will deliver all that you need. They share common dimensions, which give a strong presence on the wrist. Case diameters are 40mm, height is 13.5mm and the lug width is a standard 20mm, allowing for easy strap swapping, which is handy as each watch comes with two straps. Interestingly, we measured the lug-to-lug at just 37mm, illustrating how short the lugs are. This feature gives the impression that the watch sits higher than it does. The upper mounted crown prevents that part from digging into your hand during activity. Indices and hands are coated with Super Luminova for legibility in low light.
Inside each FIXI-T1 beats a Seiko NH35 automatic movement. This venerable heart operates at 21,600 vph, has a power reserve of 41 hours, bi-directional and hand-winding capability and 24 jewels. Whilst identical in dimension, the three cases offer different finishes. The Champion White 316L steel is brushed and polished steel, the Twilight Grey is matte, and the Midnight Black is PVD coated.
Adley FIXI-T1 - Credit Adley
The watch has double-domed sapphire crystal and 100m water resistance. This rating is engraved on the case back along with a stylised drop handle sport bike and a chequered flag design.
The watches were all presented on proprietary rubber straps with branded matte gunmetal black buckles. This matched especially well with the Midnight Black watch. The watches are cost-effective, with a retail price of £340 for each model.
You don't have to be into cycling to like Adley watches. They are engaging and well-made with a quirky, interesting design ethos. If you are into cycling, then they will resonate all the more and no doubt become part of your sports kit very quickly. It is surprisingly hard to be very innovative in the watch industry. Inevitably, when you have an idea, it has been done before. However, Adley has come up with something new here, so we applaud them. Check out the full range of watches at the Adley website and pop over to our YouTube site for a short video we made of the watches.
Adley FIXI-T1 Technical Specs
- Brand: Adley
- Model: FIXI-T1
- Price: £340
- Material: 316 L Stainless Steel
- Movement: NH35
- Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal
- Size: 40mm diameter, 37mm lug-to-lug, 13.5mm thick, 20mm lug
- When the reviewer would personally wear it: I’m not a cyclist so anywhere. The FIXI-T1 is a versatile watch that benefits from an alternative design. It is not restrictive in any way.
- Best characteristics of the watch: Innovative design with clever use of bike imagery throughout.
- The worst characteristics of the watch: Oddly placed crown could divide opinion as it's far from the norm. But that’s also probably a good thing.
