If you don’t know who Roland Sands is, then … well, you are probably like me. You see, Roland Sands is a former moto GOP racer who now owns a Roland Sands Design (RSD), a motorcycle, product, and apparel company in California. While I have a passing familiarity with the world of two-wheeled motorsport, I’ve always been a four-wheeled guy myself. I did tool around on an old Kawasaki KZ305 for a while back in the 90s, but to be honest, that was mostly to justify buying the leather jacket. Still, browsing the RSD site reveals some mighty cool stuff: parts for Harleys, BMWs, and other bikes; a whole range of clothing, both leather and otherwise; some mind-blowing custom bikes; oh, and a line of watches by Szanto, three of which I sampled for this review.
The very long-named Szanto ICON Roland Sands Signature series includes both three-hand (Miyota 2415) and chronograph (Miyota 6S21) models. Both share the same 43mm wide, 51mm long, and 11mm thick case topped with a K1 mineral crystal and sealed for 100m water resistance. Even within its modest thickness, it cuts an imposing figure, but while I worried it would wear like a hockey puck on my 6.75″ wrist, it actually fits rather well. Those wire-style lugs are pretty beefy but they still take up less space than conventional lugs, making this large watch far more manageable than its dimensions might suggest.
Three case finishes are offered and not one of them is bare stainless steel. Instead, you have the choice of IP Black, Antique Gold, or Gun Metal. The black is the only one without a faux patina to lend a weathered look. As I have said about Szantos before, I wish they would try a brass or bronze case and let oxidation takes its toll, but I do understand that is not a desirable look for everyone. IP antiquing is more predictable and also has the distinct advantage of being hypoallergenic.
It is not hard to see the motorcycle influence on the ICON. It’s not that it looks like a motorcycle or any particular component. It just has that feel to it. The round case, the circles within the dials, and the ringed crown all suggest motion. The convex bezel with its drilled hour markers takes on a distinctly mechanical look while the fat lugs remind me of spaceframe tubing. Of course, the dial is pure vintage speedometer, particularly on the three-hander.
While the watch is a collaboration, it is Roland Sands who takes all the prime spots. The RSD logo is right up top on the dial as well as the crown. The full brand name in a handwriting typeface at the bottom of the dial. RSD appears on the case back as well, this time as a monogram. Szanto takes a much smaller position on the case back, smaller than even the ICON marking.
Both dial layouts are attractive and well balanced. Squared numbers suggest those in racing roundels. The handset is properly sized and the minute and sports an interesting lollipop counterweight. I found the Gray dial to be the most appealing of the group, although the Black and sunray Blue had their charms. I did puzzle over two quirks though. The first is the disk covering the pinion on the three-hander. It is matched to the case but I don’t believe it adds anything. As it is absent on the chronos, I don’t believe it has a function. While not unpleasant, it is a little odd.
The second issue was the lume. Not the quality, that was nice and strong just as it should be. My issue was the way it frames the date windows. On the one hand, I always like an inventive use of the glowy stuff, and getting such a fine line of it to appear as bright and even as the broader areas of the application shows commendable attention. They are just so … empty. Had the date been lumed as well, it would have been a showstopper, but an empty frame in the dark just highlights the void. At night, that poor dial dwells on an emptiness it just cannot fill. (Sigh) I’m probably reading too much into it. I chose the French display and it now has me questioning existence.
A good way to take your mind off the maudlin longing of the date is the check out the straps because they are excellent. Made from Horween leather, they are 22mm wide tapering to a signed 20mm buckle. Six rows of horizontal stitching bring to mind the puffy rolls of old motorcycle seats (like that on my KZ305, now that I think of it). They are comfortable right out of the box and should weather beautifully.
The ICON series is available from RolandSands.com and ranges from $225-350, or from TimeConcepts.net where selected versions are on sale for as low as $195, you can take 20% off with code TIMEBUM20, and the affiliate link helps a Bum out. All in all, it’s a fun piece. My choice would be the Gray dial in a gold case on a brown strap. Head over to either site to choose yours.
