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Delugs CTS Rubber Strap (Navy) – https://delugs.com/collections/rubber-straps/products/blue-rubber-cts-strap
Video
Review
The Tornek-Rayville Type 7B “Blakjak” is the latest brainchild from Tornek-Rayville / MK II Watches founder Bill Yao. It pays homage to a 1990s military watch, the Type 6 SANDY 660, which, despite its promise, did not see action. This reference design is a mix of various influences with design cues that you might find familiar. After more than two decades of contemplation, Yao, with the support of Steve Laughlin from Raven Watches, finalized the design of Blakjak in 2021 and launched production in 2022. And the Raven Watches DNA is particularly noticeable in the case design, which has echoes of the Raven Solitude. This watch has a retail price of $895.00 and ships in a wonderful tactical carrying case, with a NATO strap, rubber strap and fitted bracelet.
Case
This stainless steel case distinguishes itself through an updated design that diverges from its Type 6 Sandy 660 predecessor, while also subtly referencing the Raven Solitude, with some design modifications that highlight their case manufacturer’s exceptional case finishing abilities. The case dimensions are measured at 42.5mm in width at the bezel, slightly larger at the case body, with a thickness of 13.25mm and a lug-to-lug distance of 49mm, and a 22mm lug width. The finishing of the case is notably high-quality, featuring polished bevels and surfaces on the mid-case flowing into the crown guard, that are reminiscent of the detail and style found on high end Seiko and Grand Seiko pieces. The unsigned crown is designed for ease of use, offering easy grip and operation. The 120-click uni-directional bezel is characterized by its height and a polished knurling with a two-step design, which is easy to use. The bezel action is excellent, and feels a lot more refined than a lot of watches 2-3x the price. The bezel insert is made out of DLC coated engraved stainless, with a lumed pip at 12 o’clock. The design of the case-back focuses on a more sculpted appearance, featuring rounded corners and a finely brushed finish. The watch is rated for 200m of water resistance, and is advertised as a dive-capable field watch.
Dial
The dial more accurately pays homage to its predecessor, the Type 6 Sandy 660, mirroring its aesthetic more closely than the case does. However, it uses SuperLumiNova BGW9 for lume, instead of the tritium gas tubes found in the original Type 6 Sandy, enhancing visibility without the use of radioactive materials. Additionally, the TR ‘Blakjak’ introduces a day and date complication, expanding on the original’s date-only feature. The most distinctive aspect of this dial is the convex chapter ring, which features unique intermediate cutouts that reveal lumed markers. These markers serve dual purposes as hour indicators alongside the printed numerals, contributing to a dial layout that embraces a traditional field watch design with two rings of numbers from 1-24.
The Tornek-Rayville logo is discreetly positioned below the 6 o’clock position and replaces the original’s radiation symbol with a no-radiation symbol at the 10 o’clock. While the dial printing is generally clean, the presence of some stray paint particles is noticeable under magnification, a characteristic often seen in more entry-level watches with printed dials. The hands of the watch are adequately lumed, and are easy to read under low-light and no-light conditions. Overall, the dial faithfully reflects its inspiration with thoughtful updates and enhancements. However, it maintains a certain simplicity, and despite these improvements, it doesn’t quite capture my attention and imagination like the distinctive personality of the TR-900 MIL-W-22176A (SHIPS) inspired TR-660.
Lume
The dial uses SuperLumiNova BGW9 for its luminous elements, a modern “no-radiation” alternative to the tritium tubes commonly used in vintage models. Although the lume application might seem reserved, especially considering that the 1-12 hour markers could have benefited from lume too, the strategically lumed components present emit a very bright glow. The watch remains legible throughout the night, so I don’t think anyone will find this to be lacking. In my opinion, the luminous elements integrated into the chapter ring not only enhance visibility but also significantly contribute to the watch’s character, offering a unique visual appeal that distinguishes it from other watches in this category.
Movement
The ‘Blakjak’ is powered by the Seiko NH36, a movement that represents the more entry-level spectrum of Seiko’s offerings. This choice contrasts the Seiko NE15 / 6R15 found in the TR-660, which is generally regarded as a more superior movement. While Tornek-Rayville takes the step of regulating these movements in three positions – an effort to improve daily accuracy – the factory specifications of -20 to +40 seconds per day (according to Caliber Corner) still leave much to be desired. Personally, I find the inclusion of such an entry-level movement in a watch nearing the $1000 mark somewhat disheartening, especially considering the overall higher quality of the rest of the watch.
The operational feel of the NH36 does little to help its cause, further highlighting the gap between the movement and the watch’s price point. However, it’s worth noting that the NH36’s redeeming feature lies in its robustness and the relatively low cost of replacement, around $60, should the need arise. While I aim to approach these articles with an open mind, here trying to avoid the micro-brand collector’s fixation on movement-based value, the disparity between the NH36’s performance and the elevated quality and cost of this watch presents a challenging contradiction to reconcile.
On The Wrist
The watch ships with a high-quality Maratac™ “Mil Series” black nylon strap, a rubber strap, and a fitted steel bracelet, offering a range of wearability options. I found myself gravitating towards the FKM rubber strap, which has a noticeably premium feel. I also wore it with a Delugs CTS Rubber Strap, for a pop of color. The watch has a significant presence on the wrist, its dimensions and design contributing to a noticeable heft and visual impact. I would advise against this watch for wrist sizes smaller than 6.5 inches. Although I didn’t extensively wear the steel bracelet, I think that the fitted and articulating end links contribute to a perception of the watch as more compact compared to when it’s worn with the strap options. The quality of the bracelet is commendable, but the lack of an on-the-fly adjustment feature on the clasp could be a drawback for some. Overall, the watch is likely to be a comfortable wear for those with the wrist size to accommodate it. It sits relatively flat against the wrist, embodying a solid, steel construction that resonates with its military-inspired design ethos.
Wrapping Up
This watch stands out with its military aesthetics, excellent build quality, and finishing, maintaining the high standard of presentation that fans expect from Tornek-Rayville and MKII Watches. The dial is a highlight, with its traditional and clean design, excellent lume, and a few distinct features. The inclusion of both strap and bracelet options adds value, enhancing the overall package and helps to justify the watch’s price point. However, simultaneously, the watch’s use of a rather basic movement somewhat detracts from its allure. Personally, I might have preferred a quartz movement, similar to my CWC RN300, although I acknowledge that this preference likely places me in the minority.
