In a crowded microbrand watch landscape—often populated by offerings from Asian manufacturers—Charlie Paris has carved out a unique and confident identity. Proudly designed and assembled in France, the brand stands out for its thoughtful integration of traditional watchmaking values with modern design sensibilities and technical refinement. As someone who has reviewed and owned multiple pieces from the brand, I’ve come to appreciate Charlie Paris not just for what they create, but for how consistently they execute their vision. Their latest release, the GRX EVO-III Mecaquartz Chronograph, is a compelling expression of this philosophy. Positioned at the intersection of field watch heritage, sporty versatility, and the precision of mecaquartz technology, the GRX EVO-III isn’t just another mid-range chronograph—it’s a purposeful, well-balanced timepiece designed with both aesthetics and real-world function in mind. Priced at 398€ , it enters a highly competitive segment, but manages to stand out with its premium materials, striking design language, and French-made pedigree. For both seasoned enthusiasts and those new to collecting, this watch offers strong value and distinctive character.
The GRX EVO-III is an evolution of the brand’s existing GR collection, which traditionally leaned toward classic, understated field watch designs. However, this new model injects a more dynamic, youthful energy—clearly aimed at a more active and style-conscious audience. It’s sportier, bolder, and more contemporary in its presentation, while still maintaining the practical roots of its predecessors. Charlie Paris also offers a variety of strap options for the GRX EVO-III, including white, grey, and black nylon, black leather, black rubber, and an eye-catching orange rubber strap, which is the configuration featured in this review. The watch arrives in a minimalist clamshell-style black cardboard box, accompanied by a warranty card, instructions, and the watch itself. I appreciate the brand’s choice to keep the packaging straightforward and eco-conscious—it’s a smart, intentional move that places the spotlight exactly where it belongs: on the watch.
The 39mm case of the GRX EVO-III is crafted from 316L stainless steel. What gives this watch its edge, though, is the black PVD coating—adding not only a stealthy aesthetic but also extra protection against scratches and wear as the coating is applied very generously, where it almost resembles ceramic. The case measures 45.5mm lug-to-lug and 12.5mm thick (including the glass), making it highly wearable for a variety of wrist sizes without feeling too chunky. Where the GRX EVO-III really shines is in its finishing. Charlie Paris went the extra mile with a combination of sandblasted, brushed, and polished surfaces, accented by a polished bevel that adds just the right amount of flair. These nuanced touches elevate the case from functional to luxurious, all while maintaining the tool-watch character. At 3 o’clock we have a “GRX” crest signed push pull crown. Crown has a nice grip and it is easy to set time or date. The screw-down circular brushed caseback is engraved with the “GRX” crest, contributes to the watch’s 100m (10ATM) water resistance which is ok for rain or handwash, but not for swimming as it is a chronograph and it lacks the screw down crown. On top of the watch sits a domed sapphire crystal with ar coating. To be honest the GRX EVO-III has one of the best cases I have seen at this price segment with finishing that rivals even luxury brands that has price tags of 5 figures. It is crazy to see how Charlie Paris has grown over the years and overall how microbrands nowadays can achieve such quality of machining and finishing.
The dial of the GRX EVO-III is a strong example of design serving both aesthetics and functionality. Set against a crisp white backdrop, the layout prioritizes legibility with bold Arabic numerals and contrasting sub-dials that immediately draw the eye. It’s a dial built with purpose—highly readable at a glance, in keeping with the watch’s tool-oriented character. Positioned at 3 and 9 o’clock are two distinct sub-dials: the orange-yellow register on the left serves as a chronograph minute counter, while the blue-toned register on the right displays a 24-hour indicator. The layout is symmetrical and thoughtfully executed, with a neatly integrated date window at 6 o’clock. The date aperture is unobtrusive and does not break the visual balance, a subtle design choice that adds to the overall cohesion of the dial. One of the dial’s most distinctive features is its recessed outer ring in blue, which sits below the main dial surface and hosts the printed minute track. This layered construction adds depth and dimensionality to the dial, enhancing its visual intrigue without sacrificing clarity. Accents in yellow along the outer scale and on the chronograph seconds hand contribute to a vibrant, sporty aesthetic that feels contemporary and intentional.
For low-light visibility, Charlie Paris uses its proprietary Berlaglow® lume on the hands and indices. When fully charged, it emits a bright glow that ensures the dial remains legible in dark conditions. However, it’s worth noting that the lume duration is somewhat limited, offering around 20 to 25 minutes of visibility in complete darkness—adequate for quick checks, though not long-lasting by professional dive watch standards. Branding is assertively presented with a bold “CHARLIE” logo placed at 12 o’clock. It’s large, unmissable, and confidently modern—underscoring the urban, design-forward identity of the watch. Overall, the dial is exceptionally well-executed. The interplay of white, blue, yellow, and orange tones adds energy and character, while the layout remains clean and legible. The mix of textures, depths, and colors gives the GRX EVO-III a distinctive visual identity that stands out in the crowded chronograph segment. Charlie Paris has clearly paid attention to both the form and the function here, and the result is a dial that not only looks sharp but performs exactly as intended.
Inside the GRX EVO-III is the Seiko VK64 mecaquartz chronograph movement, which is one of those hidden gems in the watch world that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves. It’s a hybrid movement—basically the lovechild of quartz reliability and mechanical chronograph charm. What makes it special? You get the accuracy and low-maintenance perks of a quartz watch, but with a chronograph that feels way more mechanical than it has any right to at this price point. Start the chronograph, and instead of the usual choppy tick of a quartz second hand, the VK64 sweeps at 1/5th of a second. It’s not quite buttery like a high-end automatic, but it’s smooth enough to turn heads. Hit reset, and boom—it snaps right back to zero like a proper mechanica l chrono. It’s super satisfying and never gets old. It features a 60-minute counter at 9 o’clock, a 24-hour indicator at 3, and a date window (no running seconds, though, which some people miss—but honestly, it keeps the dial clean). This movement shows up in a lot of well-designed microbrand watches for good reason—it’s affordable, versatile, and fun. If you’re into the feel of a mechanical watch but don’t want the cost or upkeep, the VK64 gives you a solid slice of that experience without breaking the bank. It’s a practical, reliable choice that still manages to feel a little special.
My GRX EVO-III arrived on the bright orange rubber strap, and I have to say—it’s a bold choice that works surprisingly well. The strap is impressively well-made, with a soft, supple texture that makes it comfortable for all-day wear. Measuring 20mm at the lugs and tapering down to 18mm at the buckle, it offers a balanced profile that fits a wide variety of wrist sizes without looking too chunky or too slim. It’s secured with a traditional pin buckle, which keeps things simple and reliable. What really elevates the wearing experience, though, is Charlie Paris’ integrated quick-release system. No tools needed, no hassle—just a quick pinch and you’re able to swap straps in seconds. It’s a small feature that adds a lot of convenience, especially for those who like to mix things up often. Charlie Paris offers a solid range of optional straps in different colors and materials—nylon, leather, rubber—so there’s plenty of room for customization right out of the box. Personally, I’ve found the GRX EVO-III to be a bit of a strap monster. Whether it’s a bright NATO or a sleek black rubber, the watch takes on different personalities effortlessly. The orange strap gives it a fun, energetic vibe, but this watch easily dresses up or down depending on what you throw on it. Versatility like this makes it even more compelling as a daily wearer.
The Charlie Paris GRX EVO-III Mecaquartz Chronograph is a well-executed statement piece that balances sporty design, practical functionality, and refined craftsmanship—without overstepping its 398€ price point. In a sea of microbrands competing for attention, this watch doesn’t just shout louder; it speaks clearly and with purpose. It’s not trying to mimic a heritage design or chase after vintage nostalgia—instead, it confidently forges its own path, blending contemporary aesthetics with thoughtful details and everyday wearability. From the carefully finished case with its black PVD coating to the layered, colorful dial that manages to be both playful and functional, every component feels considered. The VK64 mecaquartz movement brings the charm of a mechanical chronograph without the maintenance, and the variety of strap options—paired with a slick quick-release system—makes this watch a joy to personalize. It’s also refreshingly wearable in terms of size and comfort, appealing to both seasoned collectors and newer enthusiasts looking for something distinctive yet versatile.
What impresses most is the brand’s consistency. Charlie Paris continues to refine and evolve with each release, and the GRX EVO-III is proof that they’re not just participating in the microbrand space—they’re helping shape it. If you’re after a chronograph that stands out not just because of its specs, but because of its personality and execution, the GRX EVO-III is worth a serious look. It’s proof that great design and quality craftsmanship don’t need to come with a four-digit price tag—and that French watchmaking is alive, well, and more relevant than ever.
KaminskyBlog 