EDC: Detomaso Sorpasso Chronograph in Minty Blue

Detomaso watch  company was founded in 1993, when the owner Richard, an IT entrepreneur, took a roadtrip around Italy. He was inspired by the freedom and impression from the trip and he begin to imagine how to translate this into a watch. The plan was to capture the essence of classic sports cars and the lightness of a roadtrip, with the goal “To spark inspirations and spawn new impulses in the face of the hectic pace of everyday life.” The website describes the brand as “Mediterranean soul on your wrist: wind in your hair, salt on your skin, sun on the dial—and a Negroni in the early afternoon. Our watches blend the effortless "La Dolce Vita" with technical precision and a powerful character. For every day. For real moments. For your momentum.

Last year, Detomaso ran a contest on their Instagram page at the end of the year and I was lucky enough to win a model of my choice. I chose the Sorpasso Chorno in Minty Blue and I thought I would do a review of this watch to bring more awareness to the brand. Thank you Detomaso for the contest and this amazing watch, it has barely left my wrist over the last 6 months.

Packaging: The watch comes in a simple heavy black cardstock slipcover box. The outer box has the company’s logo stamped and the inner box has “Detomaso” imprinted. Inside, there is a black insert covering the watch with a cutout for the face with “Live the momentum” imprinted. Under this is the watch and a small card with a warranty QR code and user manual QR code. I love the design of the packaging. To me the simplicity of it allows the watch to do the speaking, which is how it should be. Also, the packaging is recyclable which is in line with the company’s sustainability desires.

First Thoughts: This watch is gorgeous! The mint blue color of the dial compliments the stainless steel of the case and the mesh bracelet. The layout of the dial, second hand subdial, date, and chronograph subdial balance well.

Design: I chose to have the mesh stainless steel bracelet on my model. I hadn’t had this type of closure before, but it was very simple to adjust to fit my large wrist. The adjustment mechanism is very secure and the bracelet closes with a solid hook and snap closure and has a secondary clasp closure as well. The snap closure has the Detomaso logo engraved and the clasp has “Detomaso” engraved. Over the past six months I haven’t had any issues with sizing slipping or the clasp opening. The mesh bracelet has quick release pins holding it to the case. (ignore the scratches in the photos, 6 months of wear in a manufacturing job)

The mint blue dial is clean and simple with no numerals, but has black indicator marks for the minutes and white luminescent indicators for the hours and hands of the subdials and chronograph second hand. The hour and minute hands are white luminescent with black trim, which I think pulls everything together on the face. Below the 12 o’clock position is “Detomaso” in black lettering and below the date window at the 6 o’clock position  is “Live The Momentum.” There are two subdials at the 9 o’clock position and the 3 o'clock position. The 9 o'clock position is the minutes for the chronograph and the 3 o'clock position is the second hand.

The caseback is held closed with four screws. The company logo is engraved in the middle and circling around it is “Detomaso Watches,” “All Stainless Steel,” “Live The Momentum,” the model number “D21-01,” G2506,” and “5ATM.”

Like most chronographs, there is a start/stop button and reset button or either side of the crown which also has the Detomaso logo on it. The buttons have a very satisfying click as they are engaged, and the mechanism is firm enough that I have not had any accidental engagement over the past six months. Pulling the crown out to the first position sets the date and the second position sets the time. I have not had any loss or gain of time since setting it.

Price: $219 USD

Overall: This is a phenomenal watch and to me is worth every dollar at this price point. It can be worn for any occasion, and I have gotten compliments on it while traveling, at work, and even grocery shopping. The best measures of a watch for me are reliability, readability, comfort, and durability. This model checks all of these boxes for me and has replaced most of my watches.

Specs:

Name: Sorpasso Chronograph- Minty Blue

Design: Chronograph with a quartz movement, arched dial and lowered chronograph eyes

Caliber: 6S21 with date display (Miyota Movement)

Case size: 42mm (Height 12mm)

Water Resistance: Up to 5 bar (50m)

Crystal: Sapphire hardened mineral glass

Weight: 99g (3.49 oz)

Strap: Leather, vegan apple leather, 316L surgical steel mesh, or recycled ocean plastic

Closure: Sliding buckle

Strap Length: Adjustable between 16cm and 22cm