Not long ago, I reviewed the very first wristwatch from revived German luxury brand Lobner, the Lobner Steelracer chronograph. Today, I am going to look at Lobner’s second major model collection, the Lobner Sledge. Both the Steelracer and Sledge share a unique Lobner brand element, which is a sliding lever over the crown that Lobner calls its “sledge.” Hence the name of this simple yet attractive three-hand automatic Lobner Sledge, which comes in a few dial colors (black, silver, blue, and green) and either with a matching steel metal bracelet or a custom black rubber strap. This particular version of the Lobner Sledge is the reference L67180, and it has a black dial with gold-toned hands (all the versions have the gold-toned hands), and is on a comfortable and stylish yet simple black rubber strap.
The Lobner Sledge has some quirks to it and is also expensive. That said, the Sledge is overall a really good-looking and useful timepiece. Like the Steelracer, the Lobner Sledge was designed by the well-known watch designer Emmanuel Dietrich. The Sledge is meant to be a simpler and smaller companion to the Steelracer chronograph. I think he did a brilliant job with the look and feel (as well as originality) of the two debut Lobner models. The German company has a long history of precision timing, which is why it made sense for the modern Lobner timepiece brand to debut with a chronograph model. Yes, the interesting design DNA of the brand lends itself to a number of styles, including this sporty three-hander with an elegant rotating inner bezel system.
While at first it might not appear as though the Sledge’s bezel turns, it does with a turning action that feels very similar to the slide rule bezel moving on a Breitling Navitimer. Turning the outer knurled bezel moves the inner 60-minute timing ring, which sits on the periphery of the main dial. One feature I really like is a small notch that the bezel “rests” at when it is at the “0” mark. This just helps you line up the bezel easily and without fuss. The style of the rotating bezel and timing system means that the hands look shorter. This is because the actual dial for the time is smaller than the overall face and set towards the center of it. The hands are the correct size given the dial, but at a glance, they might appear to be short. With that said, the short-hand effect is dramatically mitigated by two additional design components. First is the fact that the center dial for the time is slightly lower than the rest of the face. Second, the dial for the time is bordered by a thick, polished, angled line that visually separates the inner part of the face from the outer part. The hour and minute hands are also painted with SuperLumiNova luminant for viewing the time in the dark.
Having gold-toned hands on an otherwise black and white dial also helps. This small design decision helps round out an otherwise really pretty dial design. Even though this watch doesn’t have a chronograph, the rotating timing bezel does keep it within Lobner’s thematic universe of precision German timekeeping. What also connects the Sledge to the larger legacy of Lobner is that the entire style of the dial looks as though it was inspired by classic analog timing instruments. Lobner did its task well, making the Sledge feel both like an instrument but also a jewelry-style object.
The sliding “sledge” that covers the crown of the watch is another fun feature, but isn’t as utility-based. It is mostly there to cover up the crown and create an interesting left flank that can play off the right flank (even though the left flank is wider). With that said, Lobner can certainly make the argument that the sledge does indeed provide additional durability (and not just aesthetics) by protecting the crown from potential damage. In fact, they have made this argument, which is why the sledge sliding crown protection feature is patented by the company.
On the wrist, the Sledge is very comfortable. I haven’t worn it on the matching steel bracelet, but I can guess as to its comfort given that the bracelet is the same as that on the Lobner Steelracer (which I wore and reviewed above). I don’t understand why the watch is sold either on the steel bracelet or the rubber strap. There is the fact that the strap and bracelet are not on quick-release spring bars, but that still doesn’t explain why, for this kind of money, Lobner can’t just sell the Sledge on the matching steel bracelet and offer the rubber strap as part of the kit.
Lobner points out that the “Inner Circle Lock” rotating bezel system has more than just good looks. They claim it is the first bezel system of its type in a watch that has 100 meters of water resistance. True enough, many watches that have a bezel that is connected to the dial in this manner have much less water resistance. 100 meters is just fine for most sports purposes, and I like that despite looking simple, a watch like the Lobner Sledge is original-looking, and also has some novel technical elements, too.
The Lobner Sledge wears slim on the wrist and is 40.5mm wide, 9.8mm thick, and has a roughly 47mm long lug-to-lug distance. Over the dial is a flat AR-coated sapphire crystal. The steel is very nicely polished and detailed with a complex shape that has both polished and brushed surfaces. The Sledge also doesn’t have many sharp edges (and is thus nicer to touch), despite the modern lines and angles which typify its architecture. The caseback is simple, but not boring.
Inside the Lobner Sledge is a Swiss automatic movement (even though this is a “Made In Germany” watch). The movement is known as their caliber L6717, and is a base La Joux-Perret caliber G101 automatic movement. The movement operates at 4Hz with a longer power reserve of nearly three days. The movement is a capable performer and is thin in size, but the Sledge is currently among the most expensive timepieces I am familiar with that features this movement. Given the cost and nature of the company, I would have liked for the Lonber Sledge watch to be certified as a German Chronometer (slightly different, and arguably better, than a Swiss Chronometer). Perhaps that is coming as the Lobner brand continues to evolve.
The best compliment I can give the Lobner Sledge is that wearing it becomes habit-forming. It isn’t the perfect watch for all situations, but it has a really nice combination of pretty design, versatile fashionability, sporty sensibility, and wearing comfort that you’ll notice by wearing it. If you like a more lightweight feel and tend to be more active, then the tapering rubber strap on the steel deployant clasp is probably for you. If you are thinking about wearing the Sledge more as a suit or social watch, then the bracelet is probably going to be the right choice. If you like timing devices and German brands, then Lobner’s Sledge “Automatik Zeitmesser” is likely going to appeal to you. The watch is not inexpensive, but Lobner will likely continue to flesh out and explain its particular brand value proposition and personality in due course. What I can say is that their watches are nice-looking and comfortable from the start, which is more than many brands can claim. Price for the Lobner Sledge Black Rubber is 8,600 Euros. Price for the Sledge Black on the matching steel bracelet is 9,600 Euros. Learn more at the Lobner website.
