Makina is an independent and family-run microbrand specialising in industrial watch design that makes horology feel modern with a quasi-brutalist aesthetic. With the launch of the new flagship Cassiel_II model, they are introducing an automatic chronograph model to the range for the first time. It’s as bold as you would expect from the brand, with a distinctive layered dial and integrated case.
Starting with that case, it is a perfect example of brutalist architecture in watchmaking. Large, flat surfaces dominate with a combination of blasted and polished finishing that adds emphasis to the sharp angles on display. It measures 42mm in diameter with a 15mm thickness (including sapphire crystal) and a 48mm lug-to-lug. That puts it on the larger side of the wristwatch spectrum, but it’s by no means egregious in the chronograph category of tool watches. It will certainly make an impression when spotted on your wrist.
For the Makina Cassiel_II’s dial, the same story of industrial shape language continues. It features recessed channels in graphite-grey that run through the matte-black display, carving out interesting shapes and revealing the timekeeping functions. Rather than typical, flat chronograph subdials it uses rotating disks that display their information through windows. That includes a 30-minute chronograph timer at 12 o’clock and a 12-hour timer at 6. Then, 9 o’clock features running seconds which is balanced at 3 o’clock by the day-date.
What makes the dial stand out even more is the unusual peripheral architecture of the hour and minute scale. Instead of the usual circular shape, it’s presented as a hexagon. It creates an even more angular, structural feel to the watch display that heightens the industrial and brutalist aspect even further. Those scales are pointed to by the central chronograph seconds as well as Makina’s signature two-pronged hour and minute hands.
Powering the Makina Cassiel_II is the Valjoux/ETA 7750, one of the most ubiquitous chronograph calibres of the late 20th century and 00s. It has been used by practically everyone at this stage from Breitling to Tag Heuer, IWC, Chronoswiss, Alpina, Sinn and many, many more. It offers a 48-hour power reserve and is equipped with a new Makina rotor in black, again presenting an industrial appearance.
Pre-orders begin today, June 10th, with delivery expected from August 10th later this year. It has a special pre-order price of $1,850 (approx. £1,385) with a final retail price starting from $2,100 (approx. £1,575). For one of the most original takes on a classic chronograph display I’ve seen in a long time, that’s an appropriate price. They promise industrial design and they more than deliver.
Price and Specs:
More details at Makina.
