An “On-the-wrist” Review of the St. Gallen PVD Disinfectable “Rescue” Watch

By Anthony Tsai & Dr. Mitch Katz

© March 2008

In today’s world of watches, black watches seem to be the latest “hot” trend - Audemars Piguet recently released its all forged carbon Team Alinghi, IWC debuted its ceramic cased Pilot’s double chronograph last year, and the square Bell & Ross PVD BR01 is becoming a common watch to see at watch enthusiast events.  If you are hunting for a black watch and don’t have $5k, $15k, or $40k to spend, then you might want to take a look at the St. Gallen PVD Disinfectable “Rescue” watch.  Not only is it affordable and easy on the wallet, the “Rescue” is a rugged, entertaining, and functional timepiece.

St. Gallen PVD Disinfectable “Rescue” watch

BACKGROUND

Ever since the first outbreak of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) in 2002, the world that we all live in has become more vigilant and ‘on guard’ against infectious diseases, germs, and bacteria.  St. Gallen is a Swiss company with international investors that produces Swiss Made watches.  It is known for a line of of “disinfectable” watches, referred to as “The World’s First Hygienic Watch” that can be immersed into the harsh cleansers used at hospitals for disinfecting and killing bacteria and germs.  

Many of today’s household products target sterilization and hygiene, and pretty much every home has antibacterial soap, Lysol spray, and even disinfectant wipes.  Furthermore, many of us even take multi-vitamins daily to give our bodies the essentials they need to ward off infection and keep our immune systems in tiptop shape.

The battle against germs, disease, and infection is a never-ending constant battle, whether or not we realize it. 

DISSECTION OF WATCH

Enough talk about disease and sterilization (I think I feel I have to go wash my hands now with antibacterial soap   ), let's take a look at St. Gallen's Disinfectable "Rescue" watch.  I will dissect the watch first, and then later on Dr. Mitch Katz will explain how one can measure your pulse and respiratory rates with this watch.  

Please take note that the “Rescue” watch we are dissecting today has been well worn for over a year so you may see signs of normal wear and tear.

The “Rescue” consists of 4 parts – the watchcase, 2 rubber straps, and buckle – as shown in the picture below. 

4-piece construction

Case

The “Rescue” 42mm PVD coated steel case houses an ETA 2824-2 automatic movement that has a power reserve of 38 hours.  The case is a seamless single block of 316L stainless steel, which has strong oxidation tolerance and is perfect to use as a daily beater watch even in medical sites.   The bezel is part of the watchcase, so there are no crevices or uneven surfaces that can hide germs.   The case is totally submersible and has the feel of, and is, a solidly constructed watch. 

Single block case construction including bezel & “Disinfectable” etched into left side of the case

The PVD coating of the case seems “abuse proof” and less likely to suffer the small dings that daily wear and tear seems to attract.  I’ve even advertently banged the bezel against my wood table several times with substantial force, and I can’t see any dings or scratches with my naked eye.  My wood table has some battle scars now, and I’m fairly positive that my stainless steel Panerai’s would share the same fate as well!

Dial

The dial is very attractive with a Carbon Fiber Weave Pattern, highly legible and easy to read.  The date window is between 4 and 5 o’clock; and if you look at the dial at an angle, you will notice that there is depth to the dial.  The Carbon Fiber Weave Pattern layer is beneath the printing on the dial creating an interesting 3-D / floating type of effect.

Carbon Fiber Weave Pattern of the “Rescue”