I like the Benu 1878's hands more than its very busy dial

I like the purple hands and the shapes of the numerals on the Moritz Grossmann Benu 1878. The engraved building covering the dial is where I become less convinced. There is a lot to admire in the work, but I find the face busy enough that I'd probably enjoy looking at it in a close-up more than reading it throughout the day. I'd give this version 88 out of 120 bezel clicks.

Grossmann introduced the Benu 1878 on November 11, 2026, marking the founder's 200th birthday and 18 years since the modern manufacture's revival. It is a 26-piece steel edition. I haven't handled it or inspected the engraving and movement finishing myself; this is a researched first look using the brand's release and current photographs.

A building across the whole dial

The German-silver dial carries a relief engraving of the historic watchmaking school. The building, windows and surrounding detail occupy nearly all the available area, with the hour numerals laid over the scene. I understand why a commemorative watch would use that subject, but my own taste leans toward leaving more open space around such a strong illustration.

The Breguet-style numerals look good on their own. I particularly like the hands, whose purple color gives the watch a small but noticeable break from the silver tones. In the close-ups they are easy enough to pick out; the amount of architectural detail behind them makes me wonder how quickly I would find the time in flatter light.

The small seconds at six adds another ring over the engraving. Again, I like the shape of the individual part. I am less enthusiastic about how many outlines overlap once everything is assembled. Expensive engraving and hand finishing can be impressive without making the final face my favorite version of a watch.

A restrained case around a complicated image

The case measures 41 mm across and 11.35 mm thick in stainless steel. Those are fairly reasonable dimensions, although a large engraved dial might make the watch feel broader than the measurement suggests. The brown kudu-leather strap gives it a warmer, less glossy appearance than a formal black strap would.

Inside is the hand-wound calibre 100.1, with a stated 42-hour reserve. I'd want to look closely at the movement and the way the winding and setting controls operate before forming a proper opinion about ownership. A first look at a commemorative dial doesn't establish the feel of the crown or the quality of every finished surface.

The reported price is €38,500 before tax. Current allocation, a verified US-dollar quote and the exact water-resistance specification remain unknown in the material checked here. It therefore keeps its score and page without entering the priced chart. Before choosing this over a quieter Grossmann, I'd want to see how the hands separate from the engraving at normal viewing distance, rather than judging it only from the very attractive macro photographs.