This is my fourth Bernhardt watch. Like all of the others, the Anchor III looks better in person than in the photos, and it was the photos that drew me to this watch. The watch has vibes of a Rolex Explorer with the colors of a Milgauss. The bracelet is easily the best stock bracelet on any watch I have ever purchased: the milled clasp is flawless and functions perfectly, screwed links make it easy to adjust, and blends perfectly with the shrouded lugs. While I love the orange strap that was included, the bracelet is so perfect, it will likely never be changed out. The size is perfect - proportionally the dial diameter and lug to lug length is spot on, and the watch curves comfortably to the wrist with a natural feel. The weight is enough to give you confidence that this can take abuse, but with the flawless for on the wrist, you forget it is there. The dial is star of the show- the applied indices and numerals are thick and outlined in black, enhancing the depth and interest. The Mercedes style hands serve the white dial well, as the baton hands on the newer models would make the face too stark. The anchor seconds hand in orange matches the second marks on the dial and really provides the right amount of character to complete the look. Lume is, for me, ideal - not a distracting torch that so many modern watches aim to be, but enough to always be visible in low light. Sapphire crystal and screw down crown complete the piece. The 8215 movement is bombproof and perfect for a watch that really is a go anywhere, do anything time piece.
So happy to have discovered Bernhardt watches - after years of seeing rave reviews on watch forums, I took the plunge when I discovered the company was from the town I grew up in (gotta support local!) They are so well crafted that they are really the only watches I find myself wearing anymore. Best value proposition in watchmaking out there!