The Braun BN0106 is a design-led digital watch whose signature is a small electromechanical scrolling wheel, not a conventional bank of buttons. Its compact two-row display and pared-back appearance set it apart, while its manual documents practical functions including a second time zone, alarm, chronograph and countdown timer. For a used example, the key is to verify the exact variant and the condition of its controls, display and seals.
What is the Braun BN0106?
The BN0106 is a digital Braun watch from 2011. Braun’s product-history document lists the model for that year, and designer Simon Husslein describes it as a reinterpretation of Braun’s clean-lined, functional watch language from the 1970s and 1980s. The Red Dot Design Award record credits Braun Design and Studio Hannes Wettstein AG (Simon Husslein) for the design, and Ventura GmbH as manufacturer. Braun’s product history · Simon Husslein’s BN0106 project page · Red Dot award record
The distinction is in the interaction as much as the styling: the display is deliberately compact, and a small electromechanical wheel controls the functions. The designer describes eight characters arranged in two rows. Red Dot’s Product Design 2012 record describes a backlit LCD numeral display beneath K1-hardened mineral glass, an EasySkroll operating system and a motion sensor for energy management. These are documented design and feature descriptions, not evidence of long-term reliability or real-world comfort.
How does the scrolling wheel work?
The BN0106 uses the wheel as its operating control in place of the familiar arrangement of multiple buttons. The designer’s project account identifies the wheel as the way to control the watch’s functions; the 2011 BN10 operating manual provides instructions for using the interface. The compact two-row display presents information within the design’s limited character layout. Read the BN10 operating manual.
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- Braun 2-hand analogue watch.
- 38 mm matt alloy case with quartz movement.
- Scratch resistant mineral glass and snap case back. 3ATM water resistance.
- Grey Silicone Rubber Strap and an extra Black Silicone Rubber Strap. Both straps feature quick release spring-bars.
- 2 year guarantee.
Red Dot’s jury described the design this way: “The technical sophistication of this digital watch is harmoniously reflected in its futuristic appearance. The EasySkroll operating wheel is an eye-catching detail.” The statement is attributed to the jury, not to a named juror. The model is also listed for Red Dot Award 2012, iF Award 2012 and Good Design Award 2011; awards document recognition, not a measurable advantage in durability or performance. Red Dot jury statement · Award listings on the designer’s page
What functions does it offer?
The BN10 manual, dated 15 August 2011, documents the following functions:
Rank #2
- Braun mens 3-hand solar powered analogue watch with date display.
- 40 mm matt stainless steel case with solar powered quartz date movement and iconic yellow second hand.
- Scratch resistant mineral glass and snap case back. 5ATM water resistance.
- Black Leather strap.
- 2 year guarantee.
- Time and date
- A second time zone
- Alarm
- Chronograph
- Countdown timer
- Backlight
- Power-saving operation
That list establishes the functions described in the manual; it does not establish battery life, current support or how easy the watch is to operate in daily use.
Which BN0106 variant are you buying?
“BN0106” covers variants that differ in finish and strap, so check the full reference rather than assuming every listing describes the same watch. Red Dot describes a stainless-steel case with optional black PVD coating. A Shade Station listing for the BN0106BKBKG specifies a brushed carbon-coated stainless-steel case and black rubber strap. Other versions have been described as silver-toned or black, with metal or rubber straps. Red Dot’s material description · Shade Station BN0106BKBKG listing · aBlogtoWatch’s BN10/BN0106 video review
Rank #3
- Braun mens 3-hand with date analogue watch.
- 40 mm matt stainless steel case with quartz date movement and iconic yellow second hand.
- Scratch resistant mineral glass and snap case back. 5ATM water resistance.
- Genuine leather strap.
- 2 year guarantee.
| Reference or description | Documented details | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| BN0106BKBKG, as listed by Shade Station | Brushed carbon-coated stainless-steel case; black rubber strap; 37 mm width; 11 mm depth; 50-meter water-resistance rating; digital display; date, chronograph and alarm; quartz movement; two-year manufacturer guarantee in the retailer listing. | Whether the listing’s specifications match the specific watch being offered, what strap is included, the seller’s current terms, and the watch’s present condition. The listing showed this variant as unavailable when accessed. |
| Other BN0106 variants described in the cited sources | Stainless-steel or black-coated case; silver-toned or black appearance; metal or rubber strap. | Exact finish, full reference suffix and included strap or bracelet. The cited sources do not establish a complete variant-by-variant specification list. |
What should you check before buying a used BN0106?
Older digital watches can look complete in photographs while concealing problems that matter more than cosmetic wear. Ask the seller for clear images and, where possible, a demonstration of the controls and display.
- Confirm the full model reference. Match the suffix, finish and strap or bracelet to the actual watch, not merely the listing title. Ask whether the pictured strap is included.
- Check the display and controls. Verify that the LCD is legible and that the scrolling wheel responds. Check the backlight and, if the seller can demonstrate them, the documented functions.
- Inspect the case and strap. Look for wear or damage to the case coating and for cracks, deterioration or other damage on a rubber strap or bracelet.
- Ask about returns and warranty. Get the seller’s return terms in writing, especially for second-hand or imported stock. Do not assume the original manufacturer warranty applies to a current purchase.
- Treat water resistance as something to verify. The Shade Station listing gives the BN0106BKBKG a 50-meter rating, but an older watch’s historical rating does not prove it remains sealed. The available sources do not establish a current water-resistance test for any individual used watch.
- Check current price and stock directly. Shade Station’s cited listing was unavailable when accessed; that is a single retailer’s status, not proof of market-wide availability.
What does the manual’s warranty say?
The 2011 manual states: “2 year guarantee against material and workmanship defects.” It limits the guarantee to countries where the watch is officially sold and requires proof of purchase. It excludes batteries and crystals, normal wear, and damage caused by misuse, accidents or neglect. This is the wording in the dated manual, not confirmation of current service policy or coverage for a particular watch. BN10 operating manual
Rank #4
- Braun mens 3-hand with date analogue watch.
- 40 mm matt stainless steel case with quartz date movement and iconic yellow second hand.
- Scratch resistant mineral glass and snap case back. 5ATM water resistance.
- Steel milanese mesh strap.
- 2 year guarantee.
Is the BN0106 right for you?
The BN0106 is a strong fit if the appeal is a restrained Braun design, the unusual scrolling-wheel interface and a compact digital display with standard timekeeping and timer functions. It is less straightforward if you want a large, information-dense screen, familiar button controls or a watch whose current serviceability and condition are easy to establish. The available sources do not provide tested competitor watches or enough evidence to name a fair like-for-like alternative. Compare any candidate on interface, readability, variant and strap, functions, condition, water resistance and seller terms—not on awards alone.
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