Updated date:

Nov 2, 2019

Review of a Corgeut 1527 Mechanical Watch

Author:

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

Corgeut 1527 mechanical watch with Asian 6498 movement
Walter B Shillington

I’ve been on a Panerai kick for the last year, spending my time frantically searching for inexpensive watches that imitate the style of my favorite brand. Lately, however, my philosophy has changed. My attention has become focused on uncomplicated, easy-to-read timepieces. Undoubtedly, this is a function of degraded eyesight and approaching senility.

Whilst browsing eBay, I came across an elegant but simply designed Corgeut with an Asian 6498 mechanical movement. No one seemed to want it, so I put in a bid. Two days later, this timepiece was mine.

Description

At 75 grams (2.66 ounces), this Corgeut mechanical watch can be considered lightweight. It is 44 millimeters in diameter and 12 millimeters thick.

The Corgeut 1527’s bezel and caseback are composed of bright and shiny 316L-grade stainless steel. To provide contrast, a brushed stainless-steel finish was applied to the watch’s case. A large, onion-shaped crown protrudes from its right edge.

This timepiece features a black dial with bright silver hands. A simply designed subdial, placed at the six o’clock position, is used to keep track of passing seconds. The outer edge of the dial is circled by a green ring and numbers representing three, nine, and twelve o’clock are clearly marked. While these indications do glow in the dark, the luminous coating is of poor quality.

The caseback is of the screw-off variety, with a narrow rim that allows generous space for the viewing window. Beneath this, a large Asian 6498 movement can be observed.

Corgeut chose to attach a crocodile-patterned, black leather strap to this timepiece.

The Manufacturer

Corgeut has been manufacturing timepieces for several years, but it was not until February of 2017 that this company was trademarked by Zhang, Gong Wei of Hubei Province.

While they do not share the same ownership, it is likely that Corgeut and Parnis are closely associated. Their designs are similar, and both companies utilize high-quality components. E-commerce websites that sell one of these brands usually sell both and, quite possibly, they are manufactured in the same factory.

Specifications

Brand: Corgeut

Model: 1527

Condition: New

Place of Origin: China

Gender: Male

Display: Analog

Movement: Asian hand-winding 6498

Style: Pilot

Visual Appeal

Corgeut made subtle but effective use of contrast by sandwiching a brushed stainless-steel case between mirror-finished bezel and caseback.

A green line of luminous paint rings the dial’s rim. Combined with an unobtrusive subdial and limited numbering, the timepiece appears remarkably uncluttered.

The black-colored dial seems to turn blue, depending on how light strikes it. This effect is caused by the design of the watch’s crystal.

Like the Parnis timepiece I reviewed last week, this Corgeut is fitted with a large, onion-shaped crown.

Through the caseback’s observation window, the operation of a large mechanical movement can be monitored.

Corgeut 1527 mechanical watch with Asian 6498 movement. Unlike most movements of this type, there is no adjustment lever attached to the balance wheel.
Walter B Shillington

Accuracy

I tested this Corgeut pilot watch for one week. During this period, the timepiece gained an average of 20 seconds per day. While not out of line for a watch in this price category, the overall perceived quality of the timepiece had led me to expect better accuracy.

Reserve power is 44 hours.

Durability

This Corgeut’s movement is secured within a stainless-steel case composed of grade 316L stainless steel. A large, onion-shaped crown provides excellent grip.

The heart of the Corgeut 1527 is its movement; an Asian version of the ETA 6498 pocket watch mechanism. This movement appears to be well-made.

I’ve reviewed a number of watches with excellent leather straps, lately. Corgeut equipped this timepiece with a watchband, which, while good, does not reach this standard.

This timepiece is rated 3ATM and should not be worn while swimming.

Overall Impression

The Corgeut 1527 is a well-designed wind-up watch, assembled from quality components. While not the most accurate timepiece I possess, I appreciate its styling and wear it quite often. If you like the design, this pilot watch is worthy of consideration.

Most of the watches I review inhabit the under-$100.00 range. Their cases are generally composed of plastic, alloy, or stainless steel graded either 201 or 304L. Lately, however, I have come across several manufacturers who utilize 316L stainless steel in the production of their watches. This material is highly resistant against corrosion due to the incorporation of the element molybdenum. This material is sometimes referred to as surgical- or marine-grade stainless steel.

In the following survey, I am attempting to determine how important the use of high-grade steel is to potential customers.

Comments

Anonymous on June 24, 2020:

I have become familiar with grades of stainless steel through my diving/fishing hoby. The amount of rust I see leads me to appreciate higher grade stainless steel. It's great to see other people take notice of this. Also, for me I don't wish to purchase anymore watches with only polished stainless steel. They need to be brushed in teh highest contact areas. A brushed/polished combination can also work really well depending on where teh polishing occurs.

Jim Rees on March 21, 2018:

Hi Walter,

This is the first I have heard of this brand. From your reviews, it seems like this watch is almost the same as the Parnis Pilot, with the Parnis having just a bit better quality and accuracy. It is strange that an adjustment arm was not included on this model. Regardless, another great watch review my friend, keep up the good work.