MINUS-8 Diver 2.0, £416
MINUS-8 watch’s Diver 2.0 is a titanium diving watch with a diameter of 44mm and a water resistance rating of 300m. Stylistically it eschews smaller brands’ tendencies towards retro design in favour of being modern and industrial. To that end it has strong visual elements that are unlike any other watch, such as the chunky, screw down crown at 4 o’clock. The conscious effort to avoid making a ‘copy-cat’ diver has paid off, giving the Diver 2.0 a strong identity that’s entirely its own.
Pre-order from MINUS8.
Hesili Original Series One Velvet Green, $595 (approx. £490)
Hesili is an American watchmaker that aims to capture the romantic vision of vintage New York in its watches, a goal it achieved with the launch of The Original Series One last year. It’s a charmingly retro piece, with a railway track minute scale and distinctive typography that evokes the golden era of New York. It has a 40mm stainless steel case and a gorgeous velvet green dial, offset with brass accents and houses the Swiss STP 1-11 automatic movement.,
Available at Hesiliny.
Wolkov W22 Neige, $990 (approx. £820)
Wolkov is a brand that first made a name for itself in 2018 with its revolutionary modular, snapping lug design that made it easier than ever to change your watch strap on a whim. Now, the brand is back with its latest project, the W22. The concept behind this watch is to create a striking and unique shape that stands out from competitors, hence the highly original oval case in high gloss stainless steel and the distinctive dial display that has a central hour scale and peripheral minute track.
Available at Wolkov Design.
Charlie Paris Concordia, €745 (approx. £640)
Charlie Paris’ Concordia is a stylish and accessible diver that oozes 1960s retro diving watch charm. Specifically, the highly legible display with oversize round hour markers is inspired by the types of watches developed around the French Riviera in the 1960s and associated with figures like the French explorer, Jacques Cousteau. Which makes sense for a modern French watchmaker like Charlie Paris. Inside, it houses the Soprod calibre P024.
Available at Charlie Paris.
Celegin Draken S, 7,400 Swedish Krona (approx. £590)
Celegin’s Draken S is a pilot’s watch inspired by the Swedish air force. It’s named after the Draken fighter jet and bears the distinctive silhouette of that plane on its dial above 6 o’clock. The original Celegin Draken was a chronograph, however the brand subsequently released a limited edition time and date model that was incredibly popular. Hence the creation of the Draken S, a non-limited time and date version that means everyone can enjoy its classy Swedish design.
Available at Celegin.
