For many users, Asian and European watch brands are the most famous. However, there are also interesting references across the Atlantic. Hoffman is one of them. Present in the watch industry since 2016, this company is therefore relatively new. However, this has not prevented it from conquering a wide audience thanks to its varied models. But what exactly are the strengths of this brand? Before discussing that, let's discover its history!
Hoffman : a watch brand born in New York
Will Hoffman, the founder of the eponymous brand, wanted to reinvent classic watch models that already existed. So, our man created a timepiece for himself in 2016: the Racing 40 Midnight . Surprisingly, this model was very well received by his friends and family.
Building on his success, Hoffman decided to establish his company in New York that same year. His philosophy is simple: create modern watches, while giving a nod to the past. This strategic orientation has allowed him to seduce thousands of users. In addition, Hoffman's timepieces do not play on extravagance. On the contrary, they focus more on minimalism and practicality, with a touch of elegance that is always welcome. Hoffman has limited edition models, chronographs, mechanical movements with manual wind, and much more.
A consistent design across the Racing 40 range
The New York brand has chosen to standardize the aesthetics of its Racing 40 watches. To start, you will be entitled to a leather strap with crocodile patterns. A black tachymeter will be present on all models. As for the dial, it will benefit from the same components, but with a differentiation in terms of the color scheme.
The materials used are the same. You will therefore benefit from stainless steel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment.
The Racing 40 Midnight RQ-01 : Will Hoffman's first born
If the term “Midnight” isn’t enough of a statement for you, it refers to a dark model. This choice by Will Hoffman in 2012 made it a very elegant watch. After all, black is one of the colors that evokes luxury and elegance.
The previously mentioned tachometer also follows this trend. The American manufacturer decided to dress it in matte black, just like the case. Unlike the lacquered colors, this style is certainly more elegant and sober. A crucial detail therefore for people who like minimalist accessories. The numbers and indexes are white for optimal readability.
Inside, the aesthetic choices are a little more “sophisticated.” The dial is anthracite gray, while its edges (which house indexes – no numbers, therefore) are lacquered black. Since this is a Racing 40 Chronograph, you have two sub-dials. The one on the left indicates the minutes and the one on the right, the hour. Finally, the hands are lacquered black with white inserts. So you will have no trouble reading the time.
Finally, you have three adjustment buttons. The winder is located in the center, at 3 o'clock. The buttons (located at 2 o'clock and 4 o'clock) allow you to manage the sub-dials.
To enjoy the first watch marketed by Hoffman, you will need to pay 269 euros.
The Racing 40 All BlackRQ-02 : we take the same and we start again
Understand here the same components that made the success of the first Racing Chronograph. However, this “All Black” version fully embraces black. This means that you will no longer be entitled to an anthracite gray on the dial, but rather matte black. For this version, the company has therefore ensured that the case and dial match. For the rest, you will find identical elements.
Like the Racing 40 Midnight , the price is also 269 euros.
The Racing 40 Panda RQ-11 and Reverse RQ-07
For these two models, Hoffman has slightly revised the design part. This time, the horn is in brushed gray. On the other hand, the bezel housing the tachymeter has retained its matte black appearance. For their part, the three adjustment buttons are in lacquered gray. Suffice to say that the manufacturer wanted to design a less refined and much more versatile timepiece.
But it's at the dial level that you'll see the real special feature of these Panda and Reverse Panda models. As their name suggests, Hoffman has highlighted black and white here. For the Panda RQ-11 version, it's the dial that is white. On the other hand, its edges remain black, as do the two sub-dials. As for the Reverse Panda RQ-07, the manufacturer has done the opposite. Just note that the black part of the dial is actually anthracite gray.
Want to buy one of these Panda watches ? In that case, you will have to pay 229 euros.
Ultimately, these four models are not fundamentally different. Hoffman has just played on cosmetic elements to make each of them stand out. Of course, the Midnight and All Black versions seem more elegant at first glance and considering their price. But if you prefer watches with brighter colors, then the Panda and Reverse Panda will suit you better. In any case, all these timepieces are water resistant up to 50 m, so you won't have to worry about splashes of water and swimming sessions.