The H992 H1 automatic watch is the first Swiss Made watch designed and developed by H992’s independent watch architects. Born in 2022 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the H992 watch takes its name and inspiration from its hometown. It draws on its energy, its precision qualities and its passion for fine watchmaking mechanics.
The “H” can stand for Horlogerie, Heure, Humanité or Hauteur, like the 992 meters of La Chaux-de-Fonds. The H992 team has worked with some of the biggest names in watchmaking. The H992 H1 watch wants to play in the big league of Swiss watchmaking. But the brand is discreet and prefers to devote its energy to designing incredible watches rather than gargling as others know so well how to do.
More than just another watch, the H992 H1 timekeeper is a Swiss watch with a contemporary, pure and timeless design. But above all, it’s proof that you can find a COSC-certified watch, with exemplary finishing, and great looks for less than €1,000! Limited to 992 pieces for the entire H1 collection, this H992 watch has all the qualities to be my 2022 favorite.
First of all, the case of the H992 H1 automatic watch measures 42 mm in diameter and 10.8 mm thick. Designed in black PVD steel, the dimensions are perfect for a modern sport chic watch. The slimness of the H992 watch is an undeniable asset, providing comfort and elegance.
A fixed bezel adds volume to the watch. 12 notches cut into the bezel mark the hours. As with the case, a light vertical brushing adds texture to the bezel. A screw-down crown marked with an H is used to set the time and date, and to wind the automatic caliber. The shape of the crown, while not identical, is reminiscent of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak crown.
Finally, a case back secured by 4 screws ensures that the H992 H1 automatic watch is water-resistant to100 meters. This is appreciated for everyday use, without any headaches. The transparent caseback reveals the SW260 automatic movement, which is engraved with “H992”, “Sapphire Crystal”, “10 ATM Water Resistant” and “Limited Edition”. The watch number also appears on the caseback.
Firstly, the dial of the H992 H1 is black with silver indexes. The H992 logo, also in silver, is positioned at 12 o’clock. Underneath it discreetly reads “Officially Certified Chronometer” to emphasize that this Swiss automatic watch is COSC-certified.
Secondly, a small seconds hand at 6 o’clock energizes the dial. The original use of a small second on this sporty chic watch sets it apart from its competitors. The silver bezel of this small second stands out beautifully against the black dial. Thirdly, a date window at 3 o’clock discreetly displays the date painted in white on a black background. Its integration is clean without clashing with the dial. The hands are simple, two-sided and stick-shaped.
As you’d expect, the H992 watch is extremely easy to read, except in low light conditions. In fact, the absence of luminescent material makes it impossible to read the time in the dark. Finally, a sapphire crystal protects the dial and hands. It has a double anti-reflective coating on the AR43 inner surface and measures 1.40 mm.
The Swiss H992 H1 watch houses a Sellita SW260-1 automatic caliber with COSC certification. This movement features a small seconds hand. It features 31 jewels and oscillates at 28800 bph. Its 38-hour power reserve is a little short of current market standards. But the watch’s precision is such as to make us forget this little detail :-p
This high-precision Swiss watch therefore boasts the quality and precision envied by many watch brands. What’s more, the caliber is beautifully decorated: circular graining, decorated weight, etc. The H992 logo is found on the oscillating weight, which is discreet when the watch is worn.
After being impressed by the exemplary finishing of the H992 H1 watch, the integrated bracelet confirms the high standards set by the watch’s creators.
Made of black rubber, the strap is supple enough to fit the shape of the case. When worn on the wrist, it hugs the curves perfectly, providing excellent support for the watch on the forearm. The aesthetics of the rubber strap are not to be outdone, recalling the links of the H992 steel bracelet. A signature pin buckle secures the watch. Quite imposing, I would have appreciated a more modest buckle.
In terms of wearing comfort, the H992 H1 sits perfectly on the wrist. The shape of the case, its thickness and the supple strap ensure optimum comfort.
The H992 H1 watch comes in a black cardboard box flocked with the words “H992 Architecte Horloger”. Simple, the box presents the watch without going overboard with luxury, which would have a direct impact on the watch’s price.
Inside the box, a presentation pad highlights the watch. The warranty card and limited edition card are also included. On the other hand, you won’t find a user’s manual, which isn’t too bad since we never read them :-p. As for pricing, the H992 H1 watch is sold on the official website site at the eye-catching price of 992€ (how’s that for a brand name)! It’s simply incredible (and improbable) to market a watch of this level of finish, with this COSC-certified Swiss caliber at less than €1,000.
We can only congratulate the architects of the H992 timepiece for bringing this sporty chic watch to market at such a competitive price, where other Swiss brands offer watches that are more expensive and, above all, lack this level of sophistication.
When you buy a watch from a young brand, you’re always a little apprehensive. This could have been the case with this H992 H1 watch. But as soon as you unpack it, apprehension turns to amazement. Once the watch is in hand, the joy and satisfaction of owning a superb timepiece erase any doubts and confirm our choice.
Elegant, chic and sporty, this COSC-certified Swiss watch shines through its choice of components, its perfectly executed assembly and its enticing price tag. And that’s where this H992 watch raises a whole host of questions. And yes, if a young brand is capable of designing and marketing a watch of this level of quality at less than 1000€, then why do other, larger watchmaking houses, with more resources, offer watches that are inferior in terms of quality but above it in terms of price? H992 impresses me, and this young Swiss watch brand has brought me back into contact with emerging watchmaking houses. Congratulations H992 Architectes Horloger!
