As I mentioned in the review of the recently released Honda Space Shuttle Watch, the most popular article on the StrapHabit blog has been the review of the Honda Speedometer Watch that I originally learned about on The Drive. As a result, hondawatch.com sent me not only that Space Shuttle watch, but also the Honda Speedometer Watch Version II to review. The new version looks the same at first glance, but features a number of fun upgrades (the new one is on the right).
First Impressions of the Honda Speedometer Watch Version II
Compared to the original, this one uses a wider, taller case (though it is slightly thinner). The dashboard appearance is also different, with the indicator lights recessed below the crystal.
Honda Speedometer Watch Version II Details
In the review of the V1 Honda Speedometer watch, I mentioned how, unlike my Casio Honda Type-R watch, the needles were purely decorative. That is the biggest upgrade to Version 2. If you press the upper-right button, the watch puts on a show! First, the indicator lights start flashing, alternating the turn signals and TOP GEAR lamps.
Then, the fuel and speedometer needles dance back and forth across the dial. It's quite a novelty and a fun show.
Wearing the Honda Speedometer Watch Version II
I prefer the larger case size of Version 1. It's still a modest 38.9mm wide, and 43.7mm tall, so it's still compact enough to fit on most wrists. The LCD on Version II is very slightly larger, and thus slightly easier to read. It's not much better than the original, though, and I'd prefer to see it even larger.
The LCD screen is backlit green as on the original; however, the LED that illuminates the dial is white.
Some of the markings are lumed on this version, too! I'm not really sure why, other than it looks cool.
Honda Speedometer Watch Version II Bracelet and Strap
The black stainless steel bracelet appears unchanged. It has folded links and a flip lock clasp that reminds me of the bracelet on a Q Timex.
It also comes with a black resin strap and a tiny strap-changing tool for installing it.
18mm lugs mean that StrapHabit TQ18 straps are a great fit. They also line up nicely with the edges of the case. I've been wearing it on a black one, but other colors complement it well, too.
TQ18 FKM Rubber:
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Honda Speedometer Watch Version II Movement
The operation of the new module is slightly different, but it maintains functions similar to those of the V1 version as well as Casio's F91W, A158, or Farr & Swit Mixtape. This means that it offers the time (displayed in 12 or 24-hour format), date, stopwatch, alarm, and hourly chime (unlike the original, I was able to figure out how to disable the hourly chime on V2).
On the first watch that the brand sent me, the speedometer needle was non-functional. After some troubleshooting attempts, they sent me another one that works as intended.
Honda Speedometer Watch Version II Conclusion
Although it's a novelty, the extra gimmicks of Version 2 complete the watch. This is how V1 should have been, as it was a bit of a letdown to find that the needles didn't do anything. I'm still not sure of this watch's actual connection to Honda, but if you're a fan of the brand (or specifically the Dream EX5), or just of novelty watches, this is certainly a fun watch to wear.
Honda Speedometer Watch Version II Specifications:
Name: Honda Watch Version II
Reference Number: N/A
MSRP: $TBD (currently on sale for $259)
Width: 38.9mm
Height: 43.7mm
Thickness: 10.7mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Water Resistance: 30m
Weight: 72g (with bracelet)
Movement: Digital quartz
Battery Life: Unknown
Crystal: Unknown (likely mineral)
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel bracelet/resin strap