Feynman One or Cove?
A comparison review of the Feynman Timekeepers One and Cove models. Instead of a typical review for already heavily reviewed watches, I decided to put myself in the position of having to choose one to keep. The watches and characteristics are summarized below, but the video contains the finer details.
I previously did an extended review of the Feynman One, specifically the One Eye Panda and Eclipse models. Though I liked all of the color-ways, including the Wine and Olive, I chose the Panda. What would I choose if deciding between the One and Cove models?
Details:
- Models: Feynman Timekeepers One and Cove
- Diameter: 39-40mm (The Cove looks bigger because of the case design)
- Height: 12.8mm (The One looks taller because of the case design)
- Lug Width: 20mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 46-47mm
- Weight: ~80-90g depending on strap
- Case: Stainless Steel
- Crystal: Sapphire w/AR
The Video
https://youtu.be/XZbgy3WZc-4
Timeline:
- The Watches: 0:55
- How many watches per brand? 1:33
- Style: 4:23
- Case: 6:42
- Crown(s): 9:22
- Dial: 10:23
- Hands: 11:38
- Movement: 11:56
- Caseback: 13:35
- Cost: 15:37
- Water Resistance: 16:29
- Straps: 17:16
- Winner? 18:00
- Final Thoughts: 18:31
The rotation of the movement can be seen with the crown shifted from 3 to 4, and the small seconds from 6 to 7.
Characteristics:
- Style: Dress vs. Dive – Draw – Both styles vie for dominance in my collection.
- Case – Cove – Slimmer profile and feels better on the wrist.
- Crown – One – I like the crown style better on the Cove, but I always prefer a single crown look.
- Dial – One – I find the simpler design more attractive.
- Hands – Draw – Each serve their purpose for the style of watch.
- Movement – One – Handwound over automatic, love seeing the whole movement, plus the ETA 7001 is Top Grade.
- Caseback – One – Visually simpler, unique glass over steel design, draws attention to the movement.
- Cost – Draw – They are all around $1,000 give or take.
- Water Resistance – Cove – Being a dive watch the Cove wins, but the One has a good rating for a dress watch.
- Winner – One – Suits my preferences overall, but that’s just me!
Final Thought
It was a good exercise to consider the Feynman Timekeepers One and Cove models in a comparative way, as opposed to a typical review of just the Cove. A forced choice of one staying and one going is something watch collectors and enthusiasts consider on a regular basis. I personally like the One better and I am glad to have it in the collection.
If you want a Feynman One, you will probably only find them second hand at this point, so watch the sales forums and FaceBook groups. At the time of publication, a handful of the Cove “Shadow” model were still available, but I doubt they last long!
I would be disappointed if anyone gave me either watch for a gift. Too far out there with the design.
Yeah some people have that reaction to these. I think it pushes the boundary a bit, but I also like that it’s different, not the same old stuff that usually gets put out there. The Cove certainly isn’t my thing, but the One is alright in my opinion. Thanks for commenting.
Both beautiful pieces. I eventually chose the Cove. It was my first step down the Feynman path and I have never looked backed. The Ones, The Coves, The Coalesce Collection, the Fjords and now the New Ones, They are all unique and amazing pieces.
They certainly have their own design language, which is appreciated. I have a new video coming soon on the 2022/2023 versions of the One. I eventually sold the panda, the coin edge just didn’t click with me much. Seems to be one thing with each model that drives me nuts and if done differently I’d probably keep one. 🙂