Watch: Melbourne Watch Company Portsea Calendar Classic (Rose)
Movement: Miyota Cal. 9120*
Width: 40mm
Lug Width: 21mm*
Crystal: Sapphire
How long owned: ~ 4 months
Used price estimate (June 2020): ~$210 (aren’t listed often)
New price estimate (June 2020): ~$600 (USD) list; has been offered at 30% off (~$470) in the past.
* Subsequent versions of the watch use the Cal. 9122 and have a lug width of 20mm.
When I bought a used Melbourne Portsea Calendar Classic in mid-2018, I was wanting to add a deck watch to my collection, attracted by the stylings inspired by marine chronometers, as well as the history of the chronometers themselves. The Portsea Calendar Classic certainly followed the design cues — railroad-track minutes index, blued hands, and arabic numerals. On top of these traditional elements, the Portsea Calendar Classic also added a fantastic ceramic dial that was formed to resemble the planks of a ship’s deck. I also was interested in trying a triple calendar to see how I liked the complication.
The detailing of the dial was beautiful, as was the caseback. While I usually try to avoid PVD and gold-colored watches, the color of this watch, especially paired with the dark blue croc-print strap, was very attractive. I probably would have bought a steel version had it been available used, but it was nice to give the rose-gold version a try, even though it ultimately probably contributed to my decision to move on from the watch.
Besides the color, there were a few other factors that led to me parting with the watch. Despite its dress styling, the 13mm width of the watch didn’t lend it to easily sliding under a shirt cuff. For me, the slightly rough finishing of the hands and mis-alignment of the month hand on my particular watch were inconsistent with the otherwise fantastic finishing of the watch. Finally, without a watch winder at that point, having to set the time, day, date, and month each time it wound down was more work than I wanted. Thus, when I came across a good price on a used Hamilton Navy Pioneer a few months later, I bought it to fill the deck watch spot in my collection (and it’s been a favorite ever since).
While the Portsea Calendar Classic didn’t wind up being a keeper for my collection, it would be a great option for anyone who likes the styling, can get it in a preferred color, and can keep it on a winder (or doesn’t mind re-setting it when necessary). Especially at used prices, the quality of the case and the unique ceramic dial are a high value.
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