Monbrey MB2 Kenkyū, £499
Drawing inspiration from the early days of the Japanese shoguns, Monbrey’s sophomore effort retains their signature angular case but drenches it in samurai touches. Despite its handsome dark green colouring, the dial is actually mother-of-pearl, carved via CNC with a pattern inspired by Japanese deity Bishamon’s armour. We challenge you to find a better dial for this price.
Available at Monbrey.
Camp Watches Atlantic Blue Fieldtimer, £679
While it’s named after the ocean, the Atlantic Blue Fieldtimer is secretly a car watch inspired by vintage BMW 02 Series. It features an enamelled lacquer dial produced by Berlac, the same Swiss firm that produce resilient coatings for many car firms, including Porsche. The distinctive typeface used is also designed to create that sense of vintage nostalgia with its graphic style. Powering the watch is the Sellita SW210-1b manual winding.
Available at campwatches.com.
CIGA Design x Label Noir Blue Planet II Black Star, $1,980 (Approx. £1,450)
The Ciga Design x Label Noir Blue Planet II Black Star features a black hole dial in place of the rotating globe of previous editions. It’s been created on the dial using a material called Super Black, which similar to Musuo paint or Vanta Black can absorb the vast majority of light that touches it – up to 99% in this instance. Around the central disc of the black hole is a swirling vortex of stars and celestial dust being sucked in by its inescapable gravitational pull, doubling as the time indicator.
Available at cigadesign.com.
Briston Clubmaster Legend, €550 – €570 (approx. £475 – £495)
Briston’s new Clubmaster Legend is a 39mm cushion cased watch that draws on styles from the 1940s. It leans into the retro zeitgeist that has been popular recently, with a greater emphasis on slim proportions and vintage inspired design. That’s seen here with the sector style display, which is available in closed dial or open heart editions. It’s also available in a choice of steel or tortoise shell acetate giving it an even more retro appearance.
Available at Briston.
Anders & Co. AC2 Volcán, £379 – £540
Stone dial watches and vintage proportions are the watch words when it comes to the new AC2 Volcán by Anders & Co. With a 37mm cushion case featuring dials in a choice of lapis lazuli, red agate, tiger’s eye, and green jade, as well as a traditional sunray brushed ice blue version, it’s a lovely little dress watch. Beneath the dial is the Miyota 9T22 slim quartz movement, providing excellent accuracy, convenience, and most importantly, slim proportions.
Available at Anders & Co.
