My exposure to new watch brands frequently comes not from traditional watch industry sources, but rather from the world of design and gadgets, especially through other web sites that curate cool new items. When I saw the Matthew Humphries Design MHD02, it really resonated with me. The design is clean, bold, and readable with just a dash of color. I wish it were a tad bigger, but then I would be really tempted to buy one for myself.
The watch has a 37mm stainless steel case housing a Seiko Caliber 7S26A automatic movement with 21 jewels. The watches are made to order in the UK and mailed out 2 weeks after you place the order. Prices are in pounds; £265, or around $500 with shipping to the US for this model. I would expect there to be a VAT credit, though it is not shown on the web site, so you may want to inquire if you are outside the EU. As for the rest of the specs, there is a Hardlex mineral glass crystal, and a really nice looking natural leather strap that will age and develop an individual character with wear. The crown is rotated to 4:00 and the water rating is not specified.
In addition to the leather strap, the same design in offered on a black NATO strap with the MHD06. Now the size is smaller than the typical modern mid 40mm men’s case, but this is more in line with where men’s wathes were a few decades back, and retro is in, right? And if it is a little small, it would definitely work for any woman who wanted a bolder design. The brand also has diver’s style case (though without a rotating bezel) at 42mm, and they have the ability to do some custom work, so you can contact them if you want somethign a bit different. As a final incentive, at least for me, you have to support the Matts of the world. Check out the options on the brand’s products page. matthewhumphriesdesignwatches.com/products
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: Matthew Humphries Design MHD02
- Price: ~ $500
- Who we think it might be for: A fan of the military style that wants a smaller case.
- Would I buy or recommend it just on the photos?: If only it were a bit bigger (but they do custom work…).
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: Do the design in a ~42mm case as well as this size.
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: Clean, readable and bold.
