Trematic T-Five Beigua Maris Shadow: Expert Watch Review

It is known that micro and small independent brands often offer more value than most mass manufacturers.

This is not only about the so-called 'spec-monsters' - watches with standard features (sapphire glass, good luminescence, and water resistance) for a few hundred euros, but also about more expensive models that provide access to rare materials, superb finishing, and quality components at a more affordable price. The situation is such that the old watchmaking houses can no longer compete with young and independent manufacturers, and we, enthusiasts, only benefit. Now we have the opportunity to get acquainted with brands like Trematic and their model T-Five Beigua Maris 'Shadow', which combines an impressive list of technical specifications, unique design, and reasonable cost.

Case

Let's start with the most interesting part - the case and the material it's made from. It may not be obvious at first glance, but the case is made from grade 5 titanium. Compared to the more common grade 2 titanium, this alloy, containing aluminum and vanadium, offers increased corrosion resistance and strength while remaining lightweight. It's an excellent choice for tool watches that you want to wear daily, not just on weekends or holidays.

The case features two types of finishes: fine sandblasting on most surfaces, including the crown, and several polished accents on the chamfers of the mid-case and the outer ring of the octagonal screw-down crown. The crown and case have a screw-down construction, providing respectable water resistance rated at 300 meters - a figure that certainly exceeds the needs of most users. All of this is enclosed in a case with a diameter of 39 mm, a lug-to-lug length of 45.5 mm, and a thickness of 13.8 mm. The watch weighs only 77 grams on a hybrid strap made of FKM rubber and waterproof material.

Grade 5 titanium exhibits a darker shade compared to grade 2, giving the case a tactical character. Despite the prevalence of matte surfaces, the brand added long and expressive polished chamfers on the upper and lower parts of the mid-section, visually reducing the dimensions and giving the watch an aggressive yet sophisticated look. The lugs curve sharply downwards, enhancing wrist fit, while polished accents emphasize the dynamic shape.

Undoubtedly, the T-Five Beigua Maris model has a striking character that continues on the bezel. The latter is made of grade 5 titanium with military-style knurling, polished outer pads, and matte recesses. The bezel insert is matte ceramic with large luminescent markers. The construction is completed by a beautifully decorated case back with mirror-polished elements and engraving of key technical specifications surrounding the brand logo.

Dial

The dial of the watch continues the uniqueness theme of the case. It looks masculine, purposeful, and aggressive - visual characteristics that immediately draw attention. The design is based on the 502 Archivio model, which Trematic introduced over a year ago. This is a vintage and more elegant version, the older brother of the T-Five. The Beigua Maris model is available in three variants: smokey gray 'Shadow', blue-green 'Marina', and sandy yellow 'Desert'.

The hands, hour markers, and central minute scale from the Archivio model have been borrowed, but Trematic significantly reworked their design, making them larger and sportier. The hands retained the 'Dauphine' shape but now have wider bodies and less pronounced tapering towards the tips. All the hands - hour, minute, and second - are polished and coated with luminescent material, being the only polished element on the matte dial, creating contrast and enhancing readability.

The dial is equipped with a coherent set of hour markers and a fully graduated minute scale, clearly visible through the ultra-domed sapphire crystal with triple anti-reflective coating on both sides. In the center of the dial is a light area with the brand logo and water resistance indication, surrounded by a Type B flieger-style minute scale with luminescent rectangles every five minutes.

The dark smokey finish creates the perfect backdrop for the three-dimensional applied hour markers made of SuperLuminova: round vintage Arabic numerals mark the even hours, and flint-shaped markers the odd. At the '6 o'clock' position is the 'Swiss Made' inscription, with the traditional minute scale omitted, simplifying the perception of the hour indices.

Strap

Modern dive watches are often equipped with straps with various fastening systems, most commonly FKM rubber or nylon straps with pass-through fastening. Brands rarely experiment with this element, and new developments are more often seen from independent manufacturers.

Trematic approached straps with the same attention as the case and dial. The T-Five Beigua Maris model is equipped with two FKM rubber straps: one with an upper layer mimicking sailcloth and a double-trigger clasp, the other a classic with a Tropic pattern and buckle.

Movement

It's no surprise that Trematic didn't skimp on the movement. Inside the grade 5 titanium case, with excellent luminescence and ultra-domed sapphire glass, is the automatic caliber La Joux-Perret G101 with a frequency of 4 Hz and an impressive power reserve of 68 hours. This movement has become a popular choice among many micro and independent brands due to its reliability and accuracy.

Conclusion

The compact size for a dive watch and expressive design that sets the model apart from many similar options make the Trematic T-Five Beigua Maris 'Shadow' an attractive choice in terms of technical specifications and price. The case thickness of 13.8 mm doesn't seem excessive, while the 39 mm diameter and 45.5 mm lug-to-lug length fit most wrists. The grade 5 titanium case and reliable Swiss movement form a solid foundation for a watch priced at €1,200. The question is more about how the model's aesthetics align with personal preferences.

Prices and Availability of Trematic T-Five Beigua Maris ‘Shadow’

The Trematic T-Five Beigua Maris ‘Shadow’ model is available for purchase today.

Price: €1,200 / A$1,974

This review demonstrates that the Trematic T-Five Beigua Maris ‘Shadow’ is a watch with thoughtful design and quality technical specifications that will appeal to both dive watch enthusiasts and those who appreciate independent watchmaking.