Tophill TS016G Simple Series Review – Affordable Bauhaus Elegance & Finesse

The Tophill TS016G from the brand’s Simple Series embraces the calm philosophy of Bauhaus minimalism: clarity, restraint, and purpose. In an age of visual noise, this quiet piece feels like a pause button. Priced at around $50 before tax, it brings uncommon refinement to the entry-level segment — pairing a sapphire crystal, stainless-steel case, and genuine leather strap with a design language that values proportion over embellishment.

Design & Case

At 40 mm in diameter, 8.2 mm thick, and 43.6 mm lug-to-lug, the Tophill TS016G wears slim and balanced. The 20 mm lug width and tapering lugs reinforce its minimal stance. The fully-polished stainless-steel case has no brushed surfaces, forming a gentle inward basin before the slender lugs flare softly outward. Light glides across its curves rather than bouncing off facets, giving the watch a fluid, liquid geometry.

Up top, a flat sapphire crystal sits nearly flush with the polished bezel, creating a seamless transition from case to dial — an almost frameless appearance that enhances visual calm. There’s no anti-reflective coating listed, yet legibility remains excellent due to the dial’s tonal contrast.

Movement & Crown

Power comes from a Japanese quartz movement — chosen for reliability and silence, perfectly suited to a seconds-free display. The push-pull crown, a modest 3.2 mm across, is slightly recessed into the mid-case. Despite its size, it’s easy to grip; a nail slips underneath effortlessly. The first crown position adjusts the off-center date sub-dial at 2 o’clock, while the second sets the time. Operation feels crisp and well-damped, with no stem looseness or hand play. Once pushed back, alignment stays steady — simple engineering executed cleanly.

Bezel

Rather than a distinct component, the case flank itself serves as the fixed bezel, holding the sapphire crystal in place. This integration furthers the minimalist intent, erasing visual boundaries between case and dial. The result is a sleek, uninterrupted frame that reinforces the watch’s architectural purity.

Strap

The Tophill TS016G comes on a grained leather strap that immediately sets it apart from other watches in its price bracket. Soft, well-cushioned, and stitched in black, it feels authentic rather than synthetic. Two floating keepers keep the tail neat, and the polished stainless-steel buckle is signed Tophill, a small but notable detail.

Flip it over and you’ll find a beige underside with matching stitching and proper embossing: brand name and crest on top, genuine leather stamp beneath. The texture confirms authenticity. Comfort is high, and the strap’s understated character matches the dial’s serenity perfectly.

Crystal & Dial

Beneath the flat sapphire sits a dial defined by harmony. The layout combines a pastel sky-blue center with a cream outer track, separated by a fine beige minute ring printed in navy blue. Tiny hash marks mark each minute; small rectangular blocks appear every five.
Printed Arabic numerals at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 alternate with slim baton markers. All elements are printed, not applied, preserving the Bauhaus aesthetic. The date sub-dial at 2 o’clock adds gentle asymmetry without cluttering the layout.

Polished baton-style hands mirror the case finish, filled with a soft blue lume that also appears in tiny squares at each five-minute marker. The lume is subtle but functional, offering a faint nighttime glow. There’s no running seconds — intentionally — to maintain a tranquil stillness.
The snap-on caseback carries an engraved Eurasian continent motif, surrounding etched text noting sapphire crystal, stainless steel, and 50 m water resistance. It’s clean, informative, and consistent with the rest of the design.

Summary

The Tophill TS016G Simple Series proves that minimalism needn’t mean compromise. For around fifty dollars, it delivers genuine materials, thoughtful detailing, and the calm confidence of Bauhaus design done right. The proportions are elegant, the finishing honest, and the execution restrained yet deliberate. On the wrist, it feels unhurried — a quiet companion for those who appreciate design that whispers rather than shouts.

Specifications Table