PRIM Spartak 39: A Czech Legend with a Modern Twist

Spartak Without the Rose-Colored Glasses

I’ll leave the history aside. After all, anyone who has even a passing interest in Czech watchmaking knows that Spartak was there right at the very beginning of it all—even before Prim was Prim. So I’ll try to look at this new model without my fan-colored glasses—purely subjectively.

And I have to say that I see it as a kind of rise from the ashes—a model that charts a new course for the brand.

A New Direction for the PRIM Brand

Since the merger with Prima, a unique mix has emerged over the past year. On the one hand, there’s the Czech watchmaking tradition, which has its own value, whether we like it or not. On the other hand, there are more affordable models whose design was… let’s put it diplomatically, sometimes questionable. The new Spartak, however, gives the impression that the brand has finally realized where its strengths lie.

The result is a watch that honors tradition while also bringing a breath of fresh air to the scene.

Video Review of the Prim Spartak 39

Only time and sales figures will tell if this approach proves to be the right one. First impressions, however, are very positive. The new model doesn’t come across as a gimmick or a slavish vintage replica. It strikes a balance somewhere between the two worlds—and so far, very successfully.

The perfect size for everyday wear

The steel case has a diameter of 39 mm, a comfortable lug-to-lug width of 48 mm, and a height of just 9.6 mm. Yes, even with the domed sapphire crystal. On the wrist, the watch looks exactly as a versatile model should. Neither too small nor too large. Just right.

The craftsmanship of the case is also impressive. Polished surfaces alternate with beveled edges, and there’s even a pictogram on the crown. It’s a detail that most people might overlook, but it’s precisely these small touches that distinguish a well-thought-out design from a mere check-off on a to-do list.

My only criticism is regarding the base. It’s fairly simple and secured with seven screws. On the other hand—if you’re a fan of engraving, this drawback can easily be turned into an advantage. Just add a personalized inscription, which we’ll be happy to create for you at Helveti, and you’ll instantly have a personalized gift that can easily be passed down through future generations.

Gradient dials with character

Beneath the sapphire crystal, we find a gradient dial available in several color variations. And this is precisely where the well-known rule that simplicity is power is confirmed. After all, even the original Spartak was built on simplicity.

Each color version has its own character, and the shades are rendered in incredible detail. Honestly? It won’t be easy to choose just one. But we’ve made up our minds. We’ll go with the Helveti colors—the red version.

The decision to retain the original numeral font deserves high praise. It is complemented by luminescent dots placed exactly halfway between the individual hour markers—a feature we’re already familiar with from previous editions. This time, however, not only do the dots glow, but so do the hands along their entire length. And this is precisely one of those details that the average customer might not even notice, but watch enthusiasts will love. The hands themselves are also slightly curved and elegantly follow the shape of the domed crystal.

Details that watch enthusiasts will appreciate

On the dial, you’ll find just one inscription—Spartak. And that’s just right, in my opinion.

I’m actually a fan of clean, almost sterile dials without unnecessary lettering. The new Primky show a great deal of confidence in this regard. There’s no need to write a novel on the dial. One name is enough—one that references history without being distracting. I still naively believe that people don’t wear watches because of the name on the dial, but maybe I’m wrong.

Inside, a Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement ticks away. You’ll get a mechanism that’s easy to service, and you’ll be satisfied. In the case of the Spartak, using this movement makes perfect sense. This watch isn’t about showcasing a watchmaker’s ego or proving technical superiority. It’s about everyday wear, a Czech story, and a design that pays homage to a legend.

A water resistance rating of 50 meters is more than enough for everyday life. Rain, washing your hands, or an unexpected summer downpour won’t faze the Spartak. I just wouldn’t take it on vacation to exotic destinations or rainforests.

A strap and small details that complete the look

The leather strap with contrasting stitching is coordinated with the individual color options and works very well overall. But if I were to speculate a bit, I’d play around with the thread color. I’d unpick the existing luminescent stitching and replace it with thread that matches the color of the specific dial. Since we’re talking about a modern take on the Spartak, a detail like that could give the whole concept an even more distinctive and bold character.

The strap is fastened with a prong buckle featuring a raised pictogram, so there’s no shortage of nice details here either.

Verdict: One of the most interesting Spartak teams in recent years

To me, the new PRIM Spartak 39 feels like a watch that has finally struck the right balance between respect for the past and the courage to look ahead. It doesn’t come across as a museum piece or a design experiment at any cost. It’s modern, clean, comfortable to wear, and above all, believable. Even the names of the individual colors are believable, though they did confuse us a bit at first 🙃.

Specifications

• Reference: 71-160-556-00-1/05, 71-160-556-00-1/01, 71-160-556-00-1/03, 71-160-556-00-1/02, 71-160-556-00-1/04
• dimensions: 39 x 9.6 x 48 mm
• Drive: Automatic A-SW200-1
• glass: sapphire with anti-reflective coating