Beaucroft Element: A Stunning British-Made GADA Watch with Serious Charm

Article by Marc Levesque; photography by Brent Robillard

Objectivity

What is objectivity? The Merriam-Webster dictionary describes it as the lack of favouritism toward one side or another, the freedom from bias. According to the Cambridge dictionary, it is the quality of being able to make a decision or judgment in a fair way that is not influenced by personal feelings or beliefs. Well… you can chuck all that right out the window. Subjectively, I like this watch. I liked it the minute I saw it online, and enjoyed it more when I had it in hand.

The Beaucroft Element is not without its faults; no watch is inherently perfect, and I will do my best to point these out as I go along. However, I want to establish from the very beginning that I am biased. Not only do I really like the watch, but I also consider the two guys who run the company, Matt and Karim, to be great individuals and friends. I also want to clarify that this is not a paid endorsement; we are not receiving any compensation for writing this review (and never do!).

Beaucroft Element GADA Watch — ^{Beaucroft Element @calibre321}

Now that we’ve addressed that, let’s start, shall we? Although Beaucroft was established in Bristol, UK, in 2020, I was first introduced to the brand when I was asked to cover their Limited Edition watch created for British Watchmakers’ Day in January for Worn & Wound. It was based on their latest line, the Element, which featured a dial created by a local artist named Tim Gresham, better known as Penfold. That is when I noticed the attention to detail and craftsmanship.

When Karim contacted me through our Time 2 Calibrate Instagram account and offered to send one for review, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see it in the metal. I chose the Glacial Blue version of the watch, but I genuinely believe I wouldn’t have gone wrong with any of the colours. This was especially apparent after seeing them all at the Vancouver Timepiece Show. To say that this watch is photogenic is an enormous understatement. It looks incredible from every angle, and you can tell that a lot of thought has gone into each detail.

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Key Features of the Beaucroft Element

Case & Dimensions

According to my calipers, the diameter measures 39.5mm, with a thickness of 11.6mm and a lug-to-lug distance of 46.5mm. These dimensions can be somewhat deceptive, as it feels much more compact on the wrist. This watch could rival the Christopher Ward light catcher case in terms of its illusion of thinness. It even features a profile reminiscent of the classic Bremont trip-tick design, further enhancing this effect. It features multiple finishes: brushing on most flat surfaces, polishing on the chamfered bezel edge and sides of the case, and media blasting on the lower half.

The screw-down case back has a polished beveled edge and a shallow engraving of the logo at the center, accompanied by a circular design. Encircling this design are the brand and model names, highlighting its UK-based design and assembly and its 200-meter water resistance rating. The screw-down crown is securely fastened and displays its logo embossed on a media-blasted background (Little details!). The space between the lugs measures 20mm, a favourite size for watch collectors, as it offers limitless strap options.

Dial & Bezel

The bezel measures only 2.5mm in width, allowing the domed sapphire crystal to have a full diameter of 33mm. And now here’s where the Element shines. The dial features a 2mm wide angled rehaut with a printed minute track. Below that is a 3mm wide flat and beveled ring with elegant cut-outs similar to those found on the Tudor Pelagos, designed for the applied hour markers. Notably, there are twin markers at the twelve o’clock position. The 3D effect of all these elements (pun intended) is striking—the dial colour transitions from darker to lighter blue, all within a glacial range.

Beneath the twin markers is the applied Beaucroft logo, and below the center pinion, you’ll find the brand name and “Cambridge” in tiny print. The hour and minute hands are diamond-cut and faceted to reflect beautifully, while the second hand is painted dark blue and features a small circle at its tail, along with a lume plot extending to the inner ring’s edge. All the hands and markers are filled with Swiss SuperLuminova BGW9, which glows a bright blue. To see it all glow against the background of this dial is pure magic. You would think BGW9 was created for this watch.

Movement

The Beaucroft Element is powered by the Japanese Miyota 9039 automatic mechanical movement. This movement is part of Miyota’s 9-series of calibers and does not include a date display. Designed as a premium option, it competes with similar movements from other brands, like the ETA 2824 and Sellita SW200. The Miyota 9039 operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, features 24 jewels, and has a power reserve of 42 hours. Our test sample has been operating at -4 seconds per day, which is outstanding.

Bracelet

Now, onto my favourite part of the watch: the bracelet! It tapers from 20mm at the lugs down to a sleek 16mm at the clasp. As some of you may know, I recently acquired a 43.5mm Omega Planet Ocean, which is a substantial watch. After wearing that timepiece for several consecutive days, I was amazed at how comfortable the Beaucroft felt. It was as if I wasn’t wearing anything at all.

All the links are independent and articulated; their drape and suppleness resemble that of a watch costing significantly more. Each link features a polished beveled edge that mirrors the finish on the side of the case, highlighting the attention to detail. Sizing is accomplished through single-sided screws, making it easy to adjust the length. Additionally, the clasp includes a push-button sliding micro-adjustment system for precise fitting. Twin triggers are used to activate the clasp for opening.

I understand everyone wants and brands need a micro-adjusting clasp, which is perfectly fine. However, consider this: the closed clasp measures 42mm long and is almost 8mm thick. It essentially adds the bulk of another watch to the overall profile. This clasp is quite common. While it doesn’t always have the same high-quality finish as this Beaucroft, which is exceptional with circular graining on the swing arms, it remains a frequent choice. Do I have a solution to improve it? Not really. I only wish it were less bulky. However, despite its size, it does not compromise comfort, though it is noticeable.

Specs

Case	316L Stainless Steel 39.5mm Diameter 46.5mm Lug to Lug 20mm Lug width 11.6mm Thick (with Crystal) Screwed Crown & Case Back 200m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Box Sapphire Crystal Multi-layered Sector Dial Applied Markers Baton Hands Hands BGW9 Swiss Super-LumiNova®
Movement	Miyota 9039 24 Jewels 28 800vph 42-hour Power Reserve
Strap	Stainless Steel Bracelet /w Comfort-Adjusting Clasp

Beaucroft Element

Final Thoughts and Pricing

Will the GADA (Go Anywhere Do Anything) watch surpass the dive watch in popularity? Many brands are competing in this space, and I must admit that GADA watches are generally much more comfortable to wear. The Beaucroft Element is a prime example; with a dive watch depth rating, it perfectly fits the GADA lifestyle. However, there is much more to this watch than just being another sports watch.

It radiates charm and sophistication well beyond its $675 USD price tag. Depending on the colour, this watch would be equally suited for the boardroom or skin diving in the Caribbean. Meh… Forget those stuck-up businesspeople; wear the bright orange one with your suit! You deserve it! In fact, I challenge you to do so! If you think the pictures look good, wait until you have one in your hands; you will be as subjectively sold as I am.

Um… Matt, Karim? I think I might have lost the shipping box, and your mailing details… oh well… 😋

About the author

Based in Montreal, Quebec, Marc has been an enthusiastic watch collector for well over three decades. Having witnessed and participated in the birth of the internet watch community, he has played a role on multiple watch forums and his articles have appeared on-line and in print since the late 1990s. Today his passion for all things horological is as pronounced as it has ever been, while he continues his never-ending search for watch next. You can follow him on Instagram.

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