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After the success of its vintage-inspired, diver’s-style Hudson, Maen Watches — based by two Dutchmen however primarily based in Stockholm — seemed for inspiration in one other standard heritage idea: the automated sports activities chronograph popularized within the late Sixties. The place the Hudson drew nearly all of its DNA from the Rolex 6538, the brand new Skymaster 38 from Maen is a loving ode to pilot’s and sports activities chronographs from the golden age of watches, just like the Daytona and El Primero. However I’d say that the Skymaster, just like the Hudson I reviewed nearly two years in the past, manages to maintain simply sufficient of its personal identification to face by itself 4 lugs.
Maen’s Skymaster additionally represents a big leap when it comes to worth level for the model. Now geared up with the STP1-11 (the Hudson utilized the ETA 2824-2 when initially launched), the Hudson retails for round $500, a robust worth contemplating what you get when it comes to classic vibes and Swiss-made development, however the brand new Skymaster 38 with its modular ETA 2894-2 will set you again someplace round a cool $1,000, relying on the alternate fee and strap or bracelet choice, which is probably a screaming deal for a Swiss computerized chronograph. The query then turns into: Has Maen completed sufficient to justify this transfer within the route of the upmarket?
As a lover of dive watches and all issues diving, I’m stepping a bit out of my consolation zone with the aviation-oriented Skymaster to see the way it stacks up in a crowded microbrand scene.
Microbrand Chronographs, or the Lack Thereof
Earlier than getting too far into the Skymaster itself, we’d like some context. Glancing throughout the extra standard microbrands, we’re confronted with a sea of three-hand automatics, most of that are of the diver’s or on a regular basis type, with the odd modular GMT sprinkled in for impact. Frankly, there simply aren’t that many microbrand computerized chronographs in the marketplace, seemingly an impact of the associated fee related to mechanical chronograph calibers and the place of most microbrands, which tends to be oriented extra towards the entry stage. Most frequently, the buyer contemplating an computerized chronograph is left with choices from main manufacturers usually at main worth factors, which makes this Maen Skymaster all of the extra compelling.
A Charming Reverse-Panda Dial
One side of Maen’s general method is the big selection of variations supplied by the model for every of its fashions. The Hudson got here in both 38 or 42mm, with black or blue dials, with or with no date, and with completely different chapter rings, and that’s all earlier than you choose whether or not you’d like a strap or bracelet. Whereas obtainable in just one dimension (38mm), the Skymaster does are available a big selection of dial variants, although when requested, I needed to go for the white on black “reverse panda” configuration so well-known to look at lovers from a sure model it’s possible you’ll know whose classic chronographs have reached a more-than-modest stage of recognition in recent times. Transferring on.
Set in opposition to a sandblasted matt- black major dial floor, the Skymaster dial has a dressier, upmarket really feel in comparison with the Hudson, due to utilized three-dimensional rectangular polished metal hour markers, every with the tiniest blob of lume at their outer finish, paired with polished baton-style fingers that additionally characteristic a slender band of luminescent materials. Whereas lume is all the time a pleasant characteristic on a sports activities watch, the lume on this piece isn’t nice and doesn’t final notably lengthy, although I’m assured your cellphone might additionally present the time in a pinch.
Minute monitoring is dealt with with easy printed white hash marks between the indices, and a really slender chapter ring, set at a steep angle to the dial, is once more printed white-on-black with Arabic numerals on the five-minute positions with what seems to be 1/fifth of a second graduations between, although it’s been some time since I bought new glasses.
Including distinction to the Skymaster dial design are the white sub-registers, the supply of the reverse panda nickname, and a strong nod to the Sixties chronographs from which this watch attracts a lot of its inspiration. Fortunately, with no date perform, and with the sub-registers positioned within the 3, 6, 9 association, this dial is engaging, symmetrical, and legible, whereas giving a extra luxurious really feel than you’d anticipate for the value. Effectively performed, Maen.
Mid-Century Case Structure
Constructing on the extra luxurious really feel introduced by the Skymaster is a well-done and slim case design highlighted by a pair of distinguished faceted lugs, that are drilled, brushed on their internal floor, and polished elsewhere — a pleasant distinction to the steep brushed case sides. Alongside the three o’clock facet of the case, we have now the standard chronograph format with pump pushers flanking a signed, non-screw down crown, although the Skymaster does supply an inexpensive 50 meters of water resistance I gained’t be testing anytime quickly. In use, the pushers supply optimistic motion and a loud click on that actually lets you already know you’ve completed what you got down to do, although it isn’t fairly nearly as good when it comes to tactile suggestions in comparison with (admittedly way more costly) column-wheel operated chronograph calibers.
Reinforcing the journey or aviation theme of this piece is a slender, bi-directional bezel full with a 12-hour aluminum insert, which retains the classic vibe sturdy whereas legitimately including much more utility past the already helpful chronograph.
Once more making for a bevy of choices, the Skymaster could be had both with a field part acrylic crystal or a equally profiled sapphire glass at an extra expense. Whereas the acrylic vs. sapphire argument is at instances approaching Hatfield and McCoy ranges of rivalry I gained’t get into, suffice it to say that acrylic is a pleasant choice that’s maybe extra proof against massive shocks with out the chance of shattering however will scratch simply, although it may be polished simply as simply, whereas it’s actually onerous to scratch sapphire, however simpler to shatter it in comparison with acrylic. That’s so far as I’ll go.
When it comes to put on, this 38mm-wide by 47mm lug-to-lug case is superb on the wrist, particularly in case you are, like me, on the smaller finish of the spectrum when it comes to wrist dimension or just accustomed to the size of classic watches. The peak of solely 12.9mm can also be fairly respectable for an computerized chronograph, particularly when you think about that the case top with out the crystal is just 10.9mm, really svelte for one thing like this, and a watch that’ll simply make its manner underneath a cuff with none assist, an element aided by the bracelet.
This bracelet, but another choice along with a wonderful tropic-style rubber strap, is frankly fairly good for the value, with an general brushed end and little polished parts on both facet of the middle hyperlink. Beginning at 20mm on the lugs, this bracelet additionally tapers to a vintage-feeling 16mm-wide clasp that’s operated with a two-button launch. My solely actual gripe right here is the excessive stage of problem I had in adjusting this bracelet, which options screwed hyperlinks. It may very well be there was merely an excessive amount of Loctite on the screws on this explicit pattern, however even with all the right instruments and a good quantity of expertise on this type of factor, it took me some time, and I left a number of screw heads worse for put on.
Modular Motion
Flipping the Skymaster over, we have now a mineral glass protecting watch over what is maybe the only greatest worth proposition on this watch, the ETA 2894-2, a modular execution of the venerable 2892, a caliber lauded for its larger stage of refinement and slimmer construct in comparison with the 2824 you most likely know. Even with the chronograph module on prime and naturally a rotor, the 2894 nonetheless solely is available in at 6.1mm in comparison with a svelte 3.6mm for the fundamental 2892. Nonetheless, in comparison with the portly Valjoux 7750 at 7.9mm, the 2894 is a slimmer, inexpensive choice that appears to do the job in addition to could be anticipated on this worth vary.
When it comes to spec, the 2894 mirrors with the 2892, beating at 28,800 vph or 4 Hz, that includes hacking and hand-winding, and a 38-hour energy reserve, definitely not unhealthy for the cash. The pattern I reviewed additionally saved time at a greater than ample +6 sec/day common when worn. It is very important accompany any point out of a modular motion with the realities concerning servicing. Fairly merely, many watchmakers is not going to service modules ought to the necessity come up, as an alternative merely opting to switch the module itself or in some circumstances the complete motion, a probably costly repair that potential patrons ought to concentrate on. However once more, at this worth, you most likely haven’t thought that far forward.
35,000ft Overview
Taken collectively, this Maen Skymaster is one other sturdy effort from one of many extra charming microbrands in latest reminiscence, each when it comes to visible design and in addition the inclusion of the 2894 caliber. And, scanning the Web and the microbrand panorama, there merely aren’t a variety of choices on this worth vary for an computerized chronograph in any respect, and even fewer that exemplify a nod to a design period with out dipping a toe too deeply into homage territory.
When it comes to what you get for the cash, I’m unsure you are able to do lots higher for those who’re on the lookout for a vintage-style chronograph with tastefully executed design parts and of a type of journey or aviation-inspired type. Once more, evaluating this watch to Maen’s Hudson, the Skymaster does really feel like a reasonably vital leap when it comes to execution and worth that can seemingly current a Goldilocks-type impression for lots of microbrand patrons on the market. The Maen Skymaster 38 is offered for preorder from MaenWatches.com for round $1200 (relying on alternate fee) as reviewed with the bracelet and sapphire crystal improve.
Essential Information
>Model: Maen
>Mannequin: Skymaster 38
>Value: $1,200 as reviewed relying on alternate fee.
>Measurement: 38mm-wide x 12.9mm-thick x 47mm lug-to-lug.
>Would the reviewer personally put on it: Sure.
>Pal we’d advocate it to first: The fan of classic Mid-Century aviation and design on the lookout for a sporty chronograph with out the necessity for a second mortgage.
>Worst attribute of watch: The bracelet definitely gave me some bother however was truly fairly good, as soon as sized. Maybe, as I usually inform my spouse, I’m just too sturdy?
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