Studio Underd0g 02Series for British Watchmakers’ Day Watch Review

Many British watchmakers and producing special edition watches ahead of the Alliance of British Watch and Clock Makers’ British Watchmakers’ Day in March. One of those brands is Studio Underd0g, who have released the 02Series for British Watchmakers’ Day. For a little bit of added zest we put it on a orange goat strap from Jean Rousseau to pair with the new hands and gave it a thorough watch review.

Let’s jump right to discussing the dial, which is the major update for this special edition. When I say major update, it’s actually relatively subtle. Taking the cream colour dial of 02Series Full Mo0n and the black hands with orange lume of the Steffany Blue and combining them together. However, this small change makes a big difference to the aesthetic of the piece. The slash of orange across the hands gives the piece a hyper legible quality that reinforces the field watch aesthetic.

At the same time, I also prefer the combination of the orange with the beige, cream dial. The warm tones complement each other instead of contrasting as is the case with the Steffany Blue. It has a sort of faux vintage charm, as if the dial and the lume have been discoloured and aged by the passing of time in the style of a Tropical display.

Although maybe I’m making that association because the 37mm diameter steel case with polished bezel reminds me of the Explorer. The watch doesn’t feel too dissimilar to the Explorer on the wrist either, especially at the older sizes of 36mm. Versatile, comfortable, rugged enough to endure adventures and also svelte enough to slip under a cuff. The Studio Underd0g 02Series for British Watchmakers’ Day is just 12mm thick.

Powering the watch is the Sellita SW210-1 manual winding movement with 42-hour power reserve. It’s protected by a solid steel caseback that features and engraving of a jellyfish. More important than the jellyfish is the inscription around the edge that reads “Assembled in Great Britain”, which is something the British Watchmakers’ Day is celebrating.

The inaugural Watchmakers’ Day is taking place on March 9th at Lindley Hall (Royal Horticultural Halls) in Westminster and is being organised by the British Alliance of Watch and Clock Makers. In support of the occasion many watch brands in attendance are producing special limited edition or unique pieces that are only available at the event, such as the Christopher Ward Bel Canto 9324 and Duckworth Prestex No.1 Series.

Studio Underd0g 02Series The British Watchmakers’ Day with original strap

With regards to the Studio Underd0g offering, it’s limited to 25 pieces at a price of £800, available exclusively at the event. I think this is up there as the best looking 02Series to date, which is quite surprising given how little has changed compared to the existing models. It just goes to show that small changes make a big difference.

More details at Studio Underd0g.