The latest offering from Maen is currently on Kickstarter, ending May 31st 2018.
It’s a different angle taken by the brand – Maen means moon in Dutch (the founders are Dutch, but it’s a Swedish brand) and their previous models have all been dress watches featuring moon phase indicators. The Hudson, however, is nothing like that: a vintage inspired dive watch offering lots of options – such as date / no date, different hands, dial, water resistance, bezel, and most importantly the choice of a 38mm or 42mm case size. This sample I have is the 38mm, and I personally think it’s the better choice to match the vintage vibes running throughout.
What’s really cool is the stretch goals that have been unlocked: the each is now Swiss Made, and the ETA 2824-2 Elaboré.
Please note this is a press loaner which has done some miles so it’s not in perfect condition.
The specs
Dimensions: 38mm diameter x 12.5mm height x 46mm lug to lug
Weight: 137g
Water resistance rating: 10ATM / 100m
Movement: ETA 2824-2 Elaboré
Accuracy: +23.6 sec/day
Lug width: 20mm
Warranty: 2 years
Price: Kickstarter pledges from €349 / ~£306; RRP €499 / ~£435
Buy here: http://www.wiaa.maenwatch.com/
The case
The 38mm case sits perfectly on my 7.25” wrist. It is a pretty slender and sleek shape, epitomised by the lack of crown guards and a boxed sapphire crystal and bulging caseback.
The case is polished down the sides with a splendidly cut shoulder, with a brushed top and bottom. It’s very well machined upon closer inspection, despite the wear and tear already apparent.
The crown has decent grip and solid thread, with the M logo deeply and accurately engraved. It proves to be a good size in relation to the case visually.
The bezel insert is quite thin, as well as the bezel itself; making it a little difficult to actually use and rotate. It looks cool though and you have the option for red accents or white with a lume pip. It’s a shame the lume pip only exists on the white bezel option.
The caseback has a large exhibition window showing off the movement, with details engraved in a channel surrounding this alongside a coined edge. If you opt for the 20ATM / 200m model, this will be a solid caseback.
The domed box sapphire crystal looks great and certainly provides vintage vibe, however it is very reflective – that’s because this sample doesn’t have any anti-reflective coating which is a pain. I’m told that the end product will have it, so we’ll have to see how that ends up.
The dial
The main customisation is here on the dial. Firstly you can choose black, midnight blue or white. You can also choose the rehaut; black with white text, or this one – white with green text.
The hands have central channels with polished steel edges that don’t go all the way up, a nice different design to the norm. You can also opt to go for a red tip of the hour hand and matching red disc on the seconds hand.
The applied hour markers are all impressively deep and well made, even up close; with a lume filled centre and polished border which catch the light nicely.
You can choose date or no date – the date window is located at 3 and is a neat cut straight of the dial, with a slightly bevelled border to tidy it up.
The C3 super luminova lume isn’t that impressive – not much charge or long life.
The bracelet
The bracelet is fully brushed, which is a sensible choice in terms of resilience to scratches and looking new for longer. It’s 20mm wide at the lugs on the 38mm version and I feel it’s a good size.
There’s a bit of an Omega Seamaster vibe going on due to the 3-piece centre link – what looks like gentle engraved channels either side of a large center link, it’s actually 3 links together totalling 5. I like this subtle bit of detail and the effort that’s gone into this.
The hidden butterfly clasp has the Maen logo engraved on one side – although I’m under the impression that this is no longer the buckle that will be on the final watches.
The movement
This ETA 2824-2 is coming in pretty wildly at +23.6 sec/day. But don’t worry, as this is the standard finish – the production run will have the nicer Elaboré grade. Let’s hope it’s regulated properly though – I’m sure it will be.
The ETA 2824-2, no mater which grade it comes in, is one of the most highly regarded Swiss Made Automatic movements out there; incredibly hard working, well wearing and easy to maintain.
Final comments
I must say, it’s a splendid design – which is coupled with great build quality. When you consider the amount of customisation too, you can get a watch that’s just right for you. The only negatives for me are the crystal being too reflective and the bezel action being hard to use.
I’ve been impressed, and it’s a watch that I’d happily wear daily – I really dig dressier divers that have a bit of flair about them rather than that practical edge.
There’s no doubt in my mind that it offers a lot of watch for the money; especially at the pledge price. A full Swiss Made diver that looks this good with a ETA 2824-2 Elaboré is also decent value at the RRP, although there’s a lot more choice out there at that price.
