Discover the Bausele Elemental: A Sporty Australian Watch with Unique Charm
As a watch enthusiast from Australia, I was thrilled to get my hands on the Bausele Elemental, a remarkable timepiece from an Australian brand. When my managing editor, Nacho, asked me to provide an in-depth review, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to explore this brand’s unique approach to watchmaking.
Bridging Two Worlds: Australian Craftsmanship Meets European Elegance
Bausele is rooted in Australia, specializing in sports watches, yet it has a distinctly European flair. Founded by a French entrepreneur, Bausele’s timepieces incorporate Swiss-made Sellita calibers while striving to capture the essence of Australian design. This blend is something I absolutely appreciate.
Value Meets Quality in the Bausele Elemental
Today, we’re diving into the Elemental—Bausele’s take on the integrated-bracelet sports watch. Right out of the box, I was impressed with its fit and finish. This brand clearly pays attention to detail. Priced at A$1,200, or US$750 / €650 / £590 (excluding taxes) as per their website, this watch offers great value. With a robust Swiss-made Sellita SW200 movement, a 200m water resistance, and a distinct screw-down crown placed at 4 o’clock, there’s a lot to love about Bausele’s craftsmanship.
A Versatile Bezel Design
One notable feature is the unique dual bezel rings. The outer ring tracks elapsed minutes with a matte black finish, while the inner ring showcases a metallic gray 12-hour scale. This functional design choice is a clever nod to versatility. It’s reminiscent of innovative designs from brands like Serica.
Unique Crown Design with Local Sand
Now, let’s talk about that intriguing crown. It contains actual sand from Manly Beach, an iconic surfing location in Sydney. This unusual design choice was inspired by Bausele’s founder, Christophe Hoppé, who wanted to create a stronger connection to Australia beyond just the dial. It’s a refreshing touch that adds a layer of storytelling to the watch.
Original Design Elements Combined
Initially, I wasn’t immediately drawn to the overall design of the Elemental; it’s quite bold. However, over time, I grew to appreciate its originality. The textured dial resembles waves under sunlight, complementing the dual-colored bezel and unique handset design without competing for attention. It stands out in an often homogeneous integrated-bracelet category—an impressive feat!
Competing in the Integrated-Bracelet Market
In this space, I would definitely prefer the Elemental over something like a Tissot PRX. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with Tissot; it’s just that the Elemental offers a unique blend of craftsmanship and character that’s hard to resist.
One standout feature is the impeccable fit and finish. The watch feels solid and well-made. The bezel slightly overhangs the case, making it easy to grip—think modern Rolex dive watch. It’s surprisingly easier to handle than the coin-edge bezel on my Tudor Black Bay 58, which sits flush against the case.
Built to Last
For the asking price, I’m genuinely impressed by the build quality of the Elemental. As an Australian watch writer, it’s especially satisfying to see a homegrown brand producing such a solidly crafted timepiece. The Elemental offers an exceptional interpretation of the integrated-bracelet sports watch at a competitive price.
Key Specifications of the Bausele Elemental
Now, let’s unpack the specifications. The Bausele Elemental features a 40mm case with a compact 46mm length and 12.2mm thickness. However, integrated-bracelet watches often wear larger than their dimensions suggest, and I can confidently say that this one feels more akin to a 42mm watch on the wrist.
For my taste, a 38mm case would be ideal. I feel the same about the 40mm IWC Ingenieur. However, with smaller-than-average wrists, I believe anyone with a wrist size of 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) or larger will find a comfortable fit.
A Striking Mix of Design Languages
The case design is intriguing, featuring a polished mid-case paired with a textured case back reminiscent of elephant skin or the sandy edges of a beach—Bausele calls this its “underwater sand” texture. Inside, it has an antimagnetic Faraday cage—an essential feature in today’s magnetic-dominated world.
The bracelet itself is well-constructed, offering a comfortable fit without pulling arm hairs (a big plus during my two weeks of testing). The center links have a design that resembles ship portholes, adding flair to the traditional band structure. The bracelet begins with wide 26mm links at the case and tapers down to 18mm at the clasp, which features a well-crafted push-button folding design and an easy-to-use micro-adjustment mechanism.
A Flagship Offering from a Young Brand
Positioned as Bausele’s flagship model, the Elemental showcases the brand’s potential. While they’ve previously released collaborations, such as one with the Royal Australian Air Force, the Elemental stands out with impressive confidence. There’s an ‘underdog’ charm about owning a watch from a relatively young brand on the other side of the world.
If I were on the hunt for an integrated-bracelet sports watch under €2,500, I would consider various contenders. Notables include the Ollech & Wajs ref. 8001 (though it’s pricier), the Tissot PRX, and potentially a Christopher Ward Twelve or Nivada Grenchen F77. That said, the Bausele Elemental would be my top pick. It offers a bespoke quality that’s distinctively different from many competitors, and its quirky charm has certainly captured my heart.
Final Thoughts on the Bausele Elemental
The Elemental is currently available as a made-to-order piece in the Coorong Mist colorway, alongside the turquoise and black Oceanic Blue. They even recently released an orange edition for the Bathurst 12-hour race. The Coorong Mist version I got to review is my personal favorite, boasting a beautifully earthy, sandy hue. Spending time with this timepiece has been a rewarding experience, and its design has truly grown on me.
What do you think, fellow watch aficionados? Would you consider adding the Bausele Elemental to your collection? Share your thoughts in the comments; I’m eager to hear your opinions. A special thanks to the Bausele team for letting me experience this fantastic watch!