Sugess S418-2 Automatic Chronograph Review — SL4801, 39mm, Ceramic Bezel, Sapphire
The Sugess S418-2 is a 39mm automatic chronograph — Peacock SL4801 movement with 41 jewels, 28,800 vph and 45-hour power reserve, ceramic bezel insert, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown and pushers, 316L stainless steel case and oyster bracelet, micro-adjust folding clasp. Available in black, white and ice blue dials. This review covers what the watch is, how the movement performs, and what buyers should know before ordering.
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Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | S418-2 |
| Case diameter | 39mm |
| Lug to lug | 47.5mm |
| Case thickness | 12.5mm |
| Lug width | 20mm (tapers to 16mm at clasp) |
| Case material | 316L stainless steel |
| Bezel | Ceramic insert |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Crown | Screw-down |
| Pushers | Screw-down |
| Caseback | Exhibition (transparent) |
| Movement | Peacock SL4801 automatic |
| Jewels | 41 |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph (4Hz) |
| Power reserve | 45+ hours |
| Chronograph | 12-hour, with seconds indicator |
| Bracelet | 316L steel oyster, micro-adjust folding clasp |
| Water resistance | Confirm from Jewelry Addicts listing — sources cite 5ATM or 10ATM |
| Dial variants | Black, White, Ice Blue |
Water resistance note: Independent sources cite both 5ATM (50m) and 10ATM (100m) for the S418-2 depending on the specific reference. Confirm the water resistance rating from the Jewelry Addicts product listing for your specific variant before ordering.
The SL4801 — Peacock’s Automatic Chronograph
The Peacock SL4801 is a Chinese-made column wheel automatic chronograph — the movement that defines the S418-2’s position in the market. Key specifications:
41 jewels — more than standard automatic movements (typically 17–25J). The additional jewels reduce friction at critical gear and lever contact points in the chronograph mechanism.
28,800 vph (4Hz) — a high-beat movement. The seconds hand sweeps at 8 beats per second, creating smooth visual motion. Higher frequency movements are generally more accurate and more resistant to positional variation than lower-frequency calibers.
45+ hour power reserve — the S418-2 will continue running through a weekend without wearing it, starting Monday morning without needing to restart.
Column wheel chronograph — the column wheel is the premium architecture for chronograph engagement. Compared to a cam-actuated chronograph, the column wheel provides a more positive, tactile pusher response and more precise start/stop/reset function. The original article’s observation that the chrono hand aligns perfectly at centre when reset is consistent with good column wheel regulation.
Screw-down pushers — both chronograph pushers are screw-down, contributing to water resistance and preventing accidental activation.
Case and Dimensions
At 39mm with a 47.5mm lug-to-lug the S418-2 is compact for a chronograph — most sport chronographs run 40–44mm and 48–52mm lug-to-lug. The 39mm case with 12.5mm thickness creates balanced vintage chronograph proportions appropriate for wrists from approximately 16cm upward without overhang. For buyers who find modern oversized chronographs too large, the S418-2’s dimensions are the primary appeal.
Ceramic Bezel Insert
The ceramic bezel insert resists scratching significantly better than aluminium inserts. On a chronograph with a tachymeter bezel used for speed calculations, the markings on a ceramic insert remain legible over years of wear where an aluminium insert would show contact marks. The ceramic material is harder than steel — it can chip under sharp direct impact but will not scratch under normal handling.
Exhibition Caseback
The transparent caseback presents the SL4801 rotor and movement architecture. The rotor oscillates with the characteristic smooth motion of a column wheel automatic chronograph — the oscillating weight’s movement is visible through the sapphire exhibition back.
Oyster Bracelet and Micro-Adjust Clasp
The bracelet tapers from 20mm at the lugs to 16mm at the folding clasp. The micro-adjust clasp provides fine-increment sizing — typically 3–5 additional positions beyond the standard link removal adjustment. For buyers between link sizes, the micro-adjust allows a precise fit without tools. The Sugess logo appears on the clasp face.
What the S418-2 Is — and Isn’t
It is: A 39mm column wheel automatic chronograph with a genuine Peacock SL4801 at 41 jewels and 28,800 vph, ceramic bezel, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown and pushers, exhibition caseback and micro-adjust oyster bracelet — at a price significantly below Swiss chronographs with comparable specifications.
It isn’t: Swiss-made. The SL4801 is a Chinese movement. It is not COSC-certified for accuracy and does not carry Swiss chronometry credentials. For buyers who specifically require Swiss manufacture, the S418-2 is not the correct watch. For buyers who want the mechanical chronograph experience with genuine column wheel architecture at an accessible price, the S418-2 makes a strong case.
Dial Variants
Black: The most classic racing chronograph combination — black dial, white sub-dial rings, ceramic tachymeter bezel. Maximum contrast.
White: Higher legibility in daylight — white dial with contrasting sub-dials. Sportier and more contemporary.
Ice Blue (ref S418-2.006): The most distinctive — ice blue sunburst dial with the tachymeter bezel creating a blue-dominant visual character. The most collectible of the three variants.
How It Compares
vs. Watchdives WD16500 V2 — WD16500 V2 uses VK63 meca-quartz at 38mm with ceramic bezel. The S418-2 uses a genuine automatic SL4801 column wheel at 39mm. Automatic movement vs meca-quartz — both have ceramic bezels and sapphire crystals at comparable price points.
vs. BERNY 2835M VK68 — BERNY uses VK68 at 43mm, pilot chronograph character. S418-2 uses SL4801 automatic at 39mm, racing chronograph character. Larger pilot vs compact racing, quartz vs automatic.
