Just in time for summer, Dutch microbrand Batavi Watches has unveiled their latest creation: the Marina Chronograaf, a fresh mechanical chronograph with bold colors, compact sizing, and a very approachable price tag. It’s a watch that feels tailor-made for the microbrand community—vintage-inspired, thoughtfully specced, and packed with playful personality.

The Marina Chronograaf officially launched on July 1st, 2025, and is already available through the brand’s webshop. After handling previous Batavi models like the Kosmopoliet and Geograaf, the Marina feels like a natural evolution—one that leans further into design creativity and tactile charm. And from first impressions, this one might just be their most well-rounded release yet.

A Closer Look at the Marina

The Marina Chronograaf introduces a new case design for Batavi: a 38mm stainless steel chronograph powered by the hand-wound Seagull ST1901 movement. This layout is a fan favorite among enthusiasts, offering a vintage aesthetic and slim profile without going quartz. But where Batavi sets themselves apart is in the execution and finishing—not just functionally, but visually.

Available in four vivid colorways—Sunrise, Sand, Mist, and Night—each version of the Marina has a distinct personality. The dials use a layered sandwich construction, with cutout numerals revealing the contrasting lower layer. Subdials are neatly balanced, with a bicompax layout at 3 and 9 o’clock. The result is clean and legible, yet full of texture and depth.

Adding to the charm is a polished bezel, brushed case sides, and a sculpted profile that keeps the 13.5mm height from ever feeling bulky. The 46mm lug-to-lug distance is also a key factor in wearability—it hugs the wrist beautifully and looks great on smaller or mid-sized wrists.

Color Options That Pop

Each colorway has its own vibe:

• Sunrise – a warm and vibrant combination of coral-red and sand tones, almost tropical.
• Mist – subtle and airy, with light blues and greys that feel refined and calm.
• Sand – soft beige and warm accents, with almost desert-like palette.
• Night – deep navy tones with golden-yellow highlights—sporty, stealthy, and striking.

All versions come on a solid stainless steel bracelet featuring tool-less micro-adjustment. That’s a surprising bonus at this price, and it seriously enhances everyday comfort.

Movement and Mechanics

The Marina Chronograaf is powered by the ST1901, a hand-wound mechanical chronograph movement originally based on the Swiss Venus 175 architecture. While the ST1901 isn’t new to the microbrand world, Batavi’s implementation feels solid and thoughtful. Through the exhibition caseback, you can view the nicely decorated movement—including blued screws and Geneva striping. It’s not haute horlogerie, but at this price point, it’s delightful to see.

As a hand-wound chrono, there’s no rotor to block the view, and the tactile experience of winding the watch each morning adds to the charm.

Water resistance is a modest 50 meters, which is more than enough for daily wear, but maybe not something you’ll want to swim in. Still, for a dressy-sport chronograph, it fits the bill just fine.

On the Wrist

Despite the specs, the Marina wears smaller than expected thanks to the short lugs and slim case sides. That 38mm size hits a sweet spot for many collectors looking for vintage proportions but modern build quality. The domed sapphire crystal adds a bit of distortion at the edges, enhancing the retro feel without hurting legibility.

The included bracelet is well-executed—solid links, snug end links, and that tool-free adjustable clasp make it especially practical. This kind of feature is often missing in watches double the price.

Overall, it’s a watch that feels lively, confident, and extremely wearable. Whether you dress it up or throw it on a NATO strap, the Marina easily shifts between casual and refined.

A Watch That Smells Like Summer?

In a surprising and creative twist, Batavi has gone beyond the wrist with this release—introducing “Marina,” their own signature fragrance, made to pair with the watch. That’s right: the Marina Chronograaf comes with its own custom scent, making Batavi the first microbrand (as far as we know) to unite horology and fragrance in a single release.

The scent is inspired by long days at sea and golden afternoons ashore, aiming to evoke the feeling of freedom. Notes include bergamot, grapefruit, and lemon on top, a heart of sandalwood, and a warm base of musk, ambergris, and cedar. It’s meant to smell like sea salt, sweet sunscreen, and sun-warmed wood—nostalgic, playful, and perfect for summer.

While it’s a bold move, it ties nicely into the identity Batavi is building: watches that don’t just tell time, but also tell stories—and now, even set moods.

Final Thoughts

Batavi has found their rhythm. The Marina Chronograaf brings together many of the things microbrand fans love: vintage inspiration, mechanical charm, bold design, and real-world practicality. At a launch price of €649 (regularly €699), it’s also one of the most accessible hand-wound chronographs with this level of finish and personality.

This isn’t just a safe release—it’s a fun one. Batavi could’ve played it safe with monochrome dials or a generic case, but instead, they’ve delivered something genuinely fresh. It’s hard not to smile when strapping one on.

Marina Chronograaf – Specs:

• Case diameter: 38mm
• Lug-to-lug: 46mm
• Thickness: 13.5mm
• Movement: Seagull ST1901 (manual-wind)
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Crystal: Domed sapphire
• Caseback: Exhibition, sapphire
• Water resistance: 50m
• Bracelet: Stainless steel with tool-free micro-adjust
• Colorways: Sunrise, Sand, Mist, Night
• Price: €649 (launch) / €699 regular