I am an ardent horological enthusiast and have collected many time-pieces over the years. I buy what appeals to me after studying the fundamentals which should range from satisfactory to strong.
I had seen a review about the MEGIR drum roller watch and was fascinated by the concept. For those who would like to see a review of the watch before purchase, here is one : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzjoB3K2wqY
While the case was metal alloy (not a strong point for me), the mechanism was widely used across various brands also producing drum roller watches. The latter was one positive to add this watch to my collection. But it used TWO batteries and so I was a bit put-off till I checked prices of reputed battery brands and found that put together, they cost as much as a single good quality battery for a gents' chronograph watch! I heaved a sigh of relief! This watch would not be a 'gas-guzzler', unlike some dual-time, analogue watches also powered by two batteries.
When I came upon tempoqwatch.com, I was very pleased to observe that they had this watch for sale at a very reasonable price! And I pulled the proverbial trigger!
Coming to the watch - it is quite a large watch with a case dia of 43mm at the bezel and 45mm including pushers, thickness of 17mm lug-to-lug of 53mm, and a lug width of 22mm (measurements rounded off). With the stock leather strap 225mm in length, it weighs approximately 82 grams.
There is a choice of dial colours and a mesh strap option overseas. The dial has a rough concrete wall finish with applied indices which are really there just for cosmetic reasons as there are no conventional pointers on this watch. However, the indices do add some aesthetic value to the dial which otherwise would be rather blank. I don't know why they mention 'CHRONOGRAPH' below the brand name 'MEGIR' at the 12 o'clock position as this watch does not have that function. Also, the words 'TIME' and 'LINE' at the 3 o'clock position are rather unnecessary as there are printed arrows for the point of time reference.
Topping the case is a domed mineral crystal which does tend to distort reading the time beyond a certain viewing angle. A box crystal would have been a better option for both readability and also to reduce the thickness of the watch on the wrist.
The press-fit stainless steel back cover has a guide for time setting, but I used the enclosed diagram from one of the reviews (attached here) to set it very quickly and easily.
You may need to set the home position to 12-00 when you first receive the watch, only if you find that the minutes are being displayed beyond 59. For that, refer to this video from (9:29): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhodxMsTUAw&t=20s
The three-drum roller movement is a Chinese Bao Jie quartz unit (??) model Q2382, powered by two LR44 batteries, which are rated with an 18-month life-span. Although the two drum rollers for minutes are graduated to ninety-nine, the first of the two only displays from 0 to 5. On completion of the 59th minute of the hour, it rolls directly to 0, skipping 6 to 9, once the reference point setting has been done.
Although thick, the watch wears well chiefly due to its downward sloping lugs and a very supple leather strap. With a velour feel on the upper side of the strap, it feels very premium. The robust, brushed, stainless steel buckle is stamped with the brand name 'MEGIR' on par with the convention of expensive watch brands. This watch will be best suited for a minimum wrist size of 7-inches.
Although the manufacturers certify the watch for 3ATM water resistance, the pushers are not of the screw-down type and the water resistance seals within will not be designed for swimming. The watch should stand up to regular water splashes. A reviewer immersed the watch in a glass of water and it showed no seepage.
I am very satisfied with my purchase, primarily due to the quick and effective communication with Mr. Shyam Sundar with whom I was in touch. He was very prompt in attending to every request or clarification I had, pre- and post-sales.
The watch was received in good order though it was most probably rifled by Indian Customs and was displaced in its box on arrival. But there was no damage so I guess I should be happy.
I strongly recommend anyone looking for attractive everyday watches to buy from tempoqwatches.com. They have a wide range at attractive prices. Most important, I am sure you can count on their prompt communication.