I recently bought a Megir Mesh Chrono M2011 from seller "Watch Me!" on Lazada. I've been wanting to get a cheap but reliable watch to put into my daily wear rotation. I initially set my sights on an automatic Winner watch, but I saw that the Megirs were on sale. I remember researching on a watch forum a couple of months back and saw some favorable reviews for this brand, so I decided to postpone getting my first automatic watch. My dream watch is the Panerai Luminor Marina, so I wanted to get the Megir Low Fly Chrono. However, the local sellers on Lazada didn't have it on stock, so I ordered the Mesh Chrono instead.
Panerai Luminor Marina. My Dream Watch
Megir's tribute to the Pam: Low Fly Chrono
I was apprehensive about getting a Chinese watch online, especially since you can't inspect it or hold it in your hand, but I was willing to take the risk. I wouldn't lose too much sleep over 800 pesos...as long as the watch works. Fast forward three days later, and what I received was almost certainly life changing.
A brief background before I move on with the story: I used to be a watch snob, thinking that the only watches worth lusting for were the ones made in Switzerland. Growing up, I've had my share of entry-level Swiss watches: Swatch, Swiss Army, Bulova, etc. My most used watch in my daily rotation is a beat-up Tag Heuer 1500. I've also had some Fossil, Ice, Timex, and Casio watches which are totally reliable, but I've never loved them as much as my Swiss ones. They usually end up as a workout or beater watch. Recently, my Mom started sending me fashion watches. In the past few years, she's sent me Lacoste, Zoo York, and Ted Baker watches. I didn't have a high opinion of fashion watches due to my experience with Guess watches during my younger years, and the Lacoste and Zoo York watches confirmed that. The Lacoste watch's faux-crocodile leather peeled off, while the Zoo York's bronze-plated finish wore off and the metal underneath corroded. The Ted Baker watch totally changed my opinion, however. It was exquisitely made; the finish is at par with the more well-known fashion watches like Michael Kors. It felt sturdy and expensive. Even after being my daily watch for the past few months, it still looks as shiny as the first day I got it.
Now, back to the Megir. Buoyed by the positive Megir reviews, I had high hopes for the Mesh Chrono. Let's just say that all my expectations were exceeded when I held the watch in my hands for the first time. The Megir Mesh Chrono is a tribute to Skagen watches, using a Milanese loop strap as popularized by the brand. I do not know how long the Megir strap's finish will last, but I'll update this post if ever discoloration occurs.
The face is made of mineral glass, but it protrudes above the bezel, so extra care should be taken. The dial has a sunburst finish and all the markers/indices are aligned properly. The lume on the sword-shaped hands glow dimly in the dark. The crown is push-type, first indent when pulling is to adjust the date, another pull to adjust time. The date window is a circular cutout. What's amazing to me is that the chronograph works. I still can't believe that you can get a chronograph at this price range. The top pusher starts and stops the timer, while the bottom pusher resets the hands back to their original position. I read that the watch uses a Sunon movement, which is supposedly pretty reliable.
One thing I don't like about the watch is that the case back protrudes from the case, which makes it look like the watch is floating above your wrist. Another minor niggle is the folding grip clasp, which is a bit fiddly. Strapping on your watch requires three things. First, you must hook the clasp to provide initial closure. Next, you'll have to push down on the lock. It's a bit tight right now, but it might settle down after a few weeks of use. It's kind of scary because I'm afraid to push down too hard. Last, push down on the flip lock to secure everything.
The case looks like its floating above my wrist.
In conclusion, the Megir Mesh Chrono is a really good deal. It looks and feels way more expensive than the price leads you to believe. I'll be purchasing more Megirs in the near future before their price goes up.
