Updated date:

Nov 2, 2019

Review of the Parnis H2110 Chronograph

Author:

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

Parnis H2110 Chronograph
Walter B Shillington

While checking out the eBay auction site, I came across the Parnis H2210 chronograph. I have no practical use for that particular feature but found the timepiece’s style to be both attractive and unique. I submitted a lowball bid before shutting down my computer and heading off to work.

To my surprise, no one else bothered to bid, and I picked up a cool timepiece for just over a third of the normal selling price. Either my taste in watches is terrible—I do like them flashy—or I got lucky.

Description

I purchased the Parnis H2110 chronograph from eBay. It arrived well packed and on schedule. These watches range in price from $75 to $120.00.

This timepiece is quite heavy, weighing in at 144 grams (5.1 ounces). Its diameter measures 48mm, and this unit is 16mm thick. The H2110 comes equipped with a thick, 24mm leather band.

The case is composed of stainless steel. The caseback—perhaps better described as a backplate—is attached to the case by six tiny screws. There are cut-outs on both sides of the backplate, which, in an interesting quirk of design, are intended to accommodate and secure the watch’s strap.

A flat, scratch-proof mineral glass crystal hovers above a sandwich-style dial. The upper dial is colored red. It is pierced by four large holes, allowing a view of the lower dial. The hour hand, minute hand, and elapsed seconds indicator sweep across this dial.

The lower dial is colored black and supports three subdials. One subdial functions as the second hand, another displays elapsed time in minutes, and the third is a twelve-hour timer. The top-right cut-out displays branding information.

This timepiece’s crown is flanked by two push buttons. The upper button stops and starts the timer. The lower button returns all chronometer indicators to the start position.

In an effort to provide a pleasing effect and provide additional strength, both sections of the leather strap are secured to the watch case by two pins. To accommodate this, the strap loops are larger than normal. Stuffing is added to maintain the loop’s shape and provide additional security.

The Parnis H2110 is powered by a Miyota 0S10 quartz movement. A Sony SR927W battery was included.

Parnis H2110 Chronograph alongside it's sibling, the Parnis P523
Walter B Shillington

The Manufacturer

Parnis is a small Chinese watch company, trademarked by Xiao Jiam Hong of Guangzhou.

Parnis designs their own timepieces and assembles them at their manufacturing facility at Tong De Wei, Guangzhou. The various components are contracted out from companies such as Seagull, Miyota, and Dixmount. Fu Yuan Xin manufacturers their cases.

Parnis produces both mechanical and quartz driven timepieces. Some of these watches are intended to closely resemble their Swiss competitors’ more expensive luxury timepieces. Other designs, such as that of the H2110, are fresh and original.

Parnis has acquired a good reputation due to its use of superior components and respectable quality control.

Specifications

Brand: Parnis

Model: H2110

Condition: New

Visual Appeal

The sandwich-style dial works effectively, adding depth to the timepiece. The black subdials show well against the red foreground, creating a dramatic effect.

Probably unintentionally, the plastic gears fitted snugly around each crown add a whimsical flavor reminiscent of steampunk.

The strap, which is thick and luxurious, fits into slots cut into the base plate. This provides a touch of elegance without sacrificing comfort.

Accuracy

The Parnis H2110 is controlled by a quartz movement and is very accurate.

The pointer for elapsed seconds is positioned where the second hand is normally located. This allows the user to maintain a precise account of passing seconds. The minute and hour elapsed time subdials, while perfectly functional, are more designed for beauty than for practicality.

The Parnis H2110 Chronograph features a Miyota quartz movement

The Parnis H2110 Chronograph features a Miyota quartz movement

Durability

As expected, considering the reputation of the original manufacturer, the timepiece’s movement reacts smoothly when being adjusted and appears to be of high quality.

Parnis utilizes conventional machine processes rather than metal injection molding in the construction of their watch cases. In addition, this manufacturer makes use of 316L marine-grade stainless steel. According to my sources, if you desire a stronger case, your sole option is Rolex.

While quality control is generally high, I did come across a silly mistake. One section of the strap had been installed inside out.

I also experienced sizing problems when tightening the watch’s strap. One position was slightly too loose, allowing the heavy timepiece to slip. The next position proved very tight. I like a snug fit but, eventually, the stitching that secured one of the strap’s end loops gave way, and the watch fell to the floor.

I replaced the strap with a heavy-duty HENGRC unit. I was unsure how securely the new strap would fit the timepiece because I could only make use of the outer pin sockets of the watch case. The experiment proved successful. Aftermarket straps can be safely attached to this timepiece.

This watch is rated 3 ATM. It is splash-proof only.

Overall Impression

While few people require a chronograph, this timepiece features innovative styling that will attract favorable attention. The H2110 and its siblings are intended for those who crave a luxury watch but, financially, are not in the position to purchase one. The Parnis H2110 chronometer is recommended.

The chronograph function is a feature that can greatly increase the cost of a timepiece. In the survey below, I am attempting to determine how important the ability to time events is to the average purchaser of a watch.