BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
Usually, for a watch enthusiast, it’s hard to cast judgment on a microbrand. It’s also true that when it comes to the watch industry, anything that isn’t one of the industry’s biggest names is typically met with skepticism. Two Dutchmen created MAEN watches with a mission statement: to make high-quality watches using high-quality materials while never overlooking the finer details. They have a range of different styles to suit everyone – be it a watch that can take you from day to night to one that will go with any outfit while having a touch of vintage inspiration. Their catalog is certainly not lacking, like their vintage-inspired dive watch Hudson 38 MK4, the automatic chronograph Skymaster 38 MKII or a robust travel watch Greenwich 38 GMT.
With many exciting models under their belt already mentioned above, they now bring us their newest watch: the Manhattan 37. The Manhattan 37 is a full-fledged luxury watch with an integrated bracelet that features design influences from the 1970s. Unlike the homages of popular octagonal watches, the Manhattan 37 has its own distinct identity, which the brand is aiming for.
DATE
The Manhattan 37 comes in four different dial color variations and the additional choice between the date and non-date models, giving eight dial options. The colors on offer are Midnight blue, Anthracite Black, Ice Grey and Copper / Salmon color models. The dials feature Côtes de Genève, a beautiful striped finish pattern that reflects and refracts the light at various angles, causing the light to shimmer on the dial. Furthermore, the color of this dial changes to a great extent depending on the angle and intensity of the light falling on it. The date models have the date at the 3 o’clock position. The hands and the applied indices are treated with SuperLumiNova. The 3 o’clock crown has the logo of MAEN watches embellished on it.
A sapphire crystal protects the dial. It is housed in a 316L stainless steel case that is polished and satin-brushed and features a vertically elongated octagonal bezel. If the watch’s name has any indication, the case diameter is 37mm with a thickness of 9.3mm and a lug to lug distance of 47 mm.
The watch comes on an integrated steel bracelet, accentuating the sportier side of the Manhattan 37. The bracelet has a hidden deployment clasp, making the bracelet flow seamlessly. The bracelet is secured to the case by four screws embedded in the caseback. The screw-down caseback secures the movement inside and helps achieve the water-resistance of 50 meters.
NON-DATE
The mechanism making the watch tick is a Swiss-made Ronda R-150 Automatic Movement, which is an automatic, self-winding movement beating at 28,800 bph and offering a power reserve of 40-hours.
As for availability, the Manhattan 37 will be available with a pre-order discount between 5th – 10th April 2022 and with a delivery date of late August. Furthermore, the first 150 individuals who purchase the watch will receive a special VIP discount. For European customers, the prices are set at €599, and for non-European customers, it’s set at €479. All watches will be offered in MAEN watches’ new packaging with leather watch roll for safe travels.
