Within the micro-brand space, I find that there?s still a dearth of mechanical chronographs. That?s largely contingent on the price ? most mechanical chronograph movements are expensive, and popping a 7750 inside a watch case isn?t always feasible for brands who feel more secure operating on the lower end of the pricing spectrum. So when a mechanical chrono hits my inbox, and it?s appropriately priced, solidly specced, and objectively attractive, I pay attention.
Soldat is a young company out of Indonesia operated by a one Mr. Jesse Prawiro, a watch enthusiast who, like many before him in the micro-brand world, wanted to turn his hobby into a career. Soldat?s freshman collection, dubbed Promessa, is made up of three chronographs, all designed in Switzerland by Studio Divine and manufactured in Japan and powered by Seiko?s NE 88 automatic chronograph caliber. While certainly vintage-inspired ? and Mr. Prawiro readily admits his love for vintage sports chronographs, specifically the Heuer 1153 ? the Promessa manages to avoid feeling too derivative at a time when derivation is all to common from brands both big and small. Let?s take a closer look at the Promessa collection.
Soldat Promessa Chronograph

Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial: Green Forty Nine, Red Comet, and True Blue
Dimensions: 42mm x 50mm x 14mm
Crystal: Sapphire
Water Resistance: 50mm
Movement: Seiko NE 88 chronograph
Strap/Bracelet: 20mm leather rally strap
Price: $1,350
Expected Release: Available now
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