Proxima PX1737 Review — Baroque-Inspired Dial Design Meets Serious Engineering

The Proxima PX1737 is not a watch that fades quietly into the background. From the moment it’s on the wrist, it announces itself through detail—detail in finishing, in dial execution, and in how the overall package has been put together. This is a modern automatic watch that leans confidently into visual richness while backing it up with specifications that feel unusually complete for its price point.

Sent by AliExpress for review, the PX1737 was evaluated with the same expectations applied to any watch in this segment. What quickly becomes apparent is that Proxima isn’t merely chasing a checklist. Features like a sapphire sandwich construction, screw-pin bracelet, and on-the-fly clasp adjustment are typically reserved for watches costing significantly more. Here, they appear together in a watch that still feels cohesive rather than overbuilt. On the wrist, it strikes a careful balance between artistic expression and everyday wearability—confident, but not careless; expressive, but still controlled. Check out other Proxima reviews to gain a better perspective on the brand and its ethos.

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Design & Case

The PX1737 presents a compact yet assured silhouette. The case measures 39 mm in diameter, 12.8 mm thick, and 46.8 mm lug-to-lug, aided by inverted end links that help keep the effective footprint manageable. Lug width is 20 mm, tapering down to 16 mm at the clasp, reinforcing a subtly vintage-inspired stance without sacrificing modern presence.

From the side, the case reveals one of its strongest design traits: a C-shaped arch that becomes more pronounced as the lugs sweep downward. Rather than dropping abruptly, they follow a smooth curve that allows the watch to sit low and snug on the wrist. The flat, horizontally brushed mid-case is framed below by a polished ring from the exhibition caseback and above by a slim chamfered edge that cleanly separates it from the fixed bezel.

The bezel itself is restrained but deliberate. Its outer lip is brushed, while a thin polished bevel defines the transition to the flat bezel top. This contrast introduces subtle light play without becoming flashy. At three o’clock, a signed screw-down crown is framed by pinch-style crown guards. These guards are sculptural rather than bulky, narrowing inward and allowing the crown to sit recessed in a way that feels architectural, not defensive.

A final detail ties the case and bracelet together: the inner faces of the lugs are polished, echoing the polished shoulders of the bracelet’s center links. It’s a small touch, but one that signals deliberate, thoughtful design. Read the Proxima PX1734 Review as it’s another vintage style watch with distinctive character and a bold design.

Movement & Crown

Powering the PX1737 is the Seiko NH35 automatic movement, a 24-jewel caliber operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour. While not a high-beat movement, it remains a widely trusted workhorse—serviceable, mod-friendly, and known for long-term reliability.

Crown interaction is notably refined. The screw-down crown measures 5.9 mm in diameter, semi-guarded by those sculpted pinch shoulders, which protect it without compromising grip. Unscrewing the crown reveals smooth, confident threading. In the first position, manual winding engages with a buttery-smooth feel, aided by Seiko’s Magic Lever system, which enables bidirectional winding with minimal resistance.

Pulling the crown to the second detent engages the date-setting position. Transitions between positions are crisp, with no ghost clicks or crown wobble. Pulled fully outward, time setting becomes a pleasure. The hands respond immediately to crown input, tracking cleanly with no noticeable backlash or drift. Once set, pushing the crown back in and threading it down locks everything securely, reinforced by tight threading and firm gasket resistance. The entire interaction feels precise, controlled, and reassuring—exactly what you want in a daily-wear automatic.

Bezel

The PX1737 uses a fixed stainless-steel bezel, serving as a framing element rather than a functional timing component. Its design is understated, allowing the dial to remain the focal point while still contributing to the watch’s layered case architecture.

The brushed outer surface and polished bevel create definition without distraction, reinforcing the watch’s balanced approach between ornamentation and restraint.

Bracelet

The bracelet is one of the PX1737’s strongest supporting elements. It begins with inverted end links that integrate almost seamlessly with the case, helped by consistent brushing between the lugs and end links. The design follows a three-link layout, with slim polished shoulders on the center links—just enough contrast to echo the polished elements of the case without overpowering it.

Construction quality is immediately apparent. Links are secured with screw pins, not push pins, lending a more premium, service-friendly feel. Tolerances are respectable, and articulation between links is smooth, allowing the bracelet to drape fluidly across the wrist rather than feeling segmented.

At the clasp, the PX1737 truly stands out. The milled clasp features a 45-degree polished bevel between the top surface and the sides, mirroring the case’s chamfer language. Inside is a milled folding wing, and—most notably—a built-in on-the-fly adjustment mechanism. At roughly $170, this feature remains rare, and its inclusion here significantly elevates day-to-day comfort and perceived value.

Crystal & Dial

The dial is the undeniable centerpiece of the PX1737. It is protected by a beautifully boxed sapphire crystal, slightly domed and treated with anti-reflective coating. Gentle edge distortion adds depth without compromising legibility, framing the dial almost like a display case.

The dial itself is Proxima’s signature flame-pattern design, described as ornate, hypnotic, and baroque in spirit. The reviewed example features the ivory white version, with a sunburst texture overlaid by engraved flame motifs that recall the lavish ceilings of old European estates. The effect is rich and animated, constantly shifting with the light.

Around the perimeter, a black minute track marks five-minute intervals with Arabic numerals, separated by small red printed dots that add a subtle sporty note. Applied baton indices, edged in dark chrome and generously lumed, anchor the layout, with larger markers at 6, 9, and 12 for balance. A framed, beveled date window at three o’clock is wide and legible, while an applied Proxima logo sits beneath 12. Above six, red “100 m” text ties visually into the minute dots, adding cohesion.

The handset mirrors the markers: baton-style hour and minute hands in chrome, and a slender seconds hand tipped with a lumed rectangular block. Lume performance is notably strong—bright, consistent, and long-lasting in vivid blue—ensuring nighttime legibility despite the watch not being a diver.

Summary

The Proxima PX1737 delivers an unusual combination of artistic dial work and genuinely high-end mechanical features at a price point where compromises are typically expected. A sapphire sandwich construction, screw-pin bracelet, on-the-fly clasp adjustment, and thoughtful case finishing would not feel out of place on watches costing substantially more.

More importantly, these elements come together cohesively. The PX1737 doesn’t feel like a collection of premium parts bolted together—it feels considered. The ornate dial provides identity, while the engineering underneath supports daily wear without fuss. At around $200 before tax, it represents exceptional value, and in this case, value without sacrifice. It’s not just a good deal; it’s a watch worth keeping. It’s also worth exploring other watches in the $50-$200 range to see how this one compares.

Proxima PX1737 Specifications

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