Maen, a brand celebrated for its stylish, vintage-inspired timepieces, has unveiled a captivating new series within its beloved Manhattan collection. This latest offering, the Manhattan Ultra-Thin, showcases three distinctive stone dials: a sleek black onyx, a vibrant Golden Swan, and a striking Snowflake Obsidian. These additions infuse the watches with a fresh and sophisticated charm, significantly enhancing their 1970s-inspired character. Having personally experienced the Snowflake Obsidian model, it's evident that these stone dials bring an unparalleled elegance and individuality to the Manhattan series, making each piece a unique statement.
The foundation for these exquisite new models is the Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin, a watch that has already garnered significant acclaim for its refined aesthetics. Maen's journey with stone dials isn't new; the brand previously released limited Qiankun Editions featuring lapis lazuli and tiger's-eye dials on its regular Manhattan 37 models. However, this new Ultra-Slim series truly elevates the concept, presenting a harmonious blend of classic design and natural beauty.
Each of the three timepieces boasts a 37mm Ultra-Slim case, measuring a mere 7.1mm in thickness with a lug-to-lug distance of 47.4mm. This slender profile ensures a comfortable fit for a variety of wrist sizes. The integrated bracelet, a hallmark of the Manhattan series, flows gracefully into a hidden butterfly clasp adorned with the brand's signature 'M' monogram, contributing to the watch's seamless and elegant appearance.
The choice of stone dials plays a pivotal role in defining the character of each watch. The black onyx dial exudes a profound sense of sophistication, offering a minimalist yet powerful aesthetic. The Golden Swan dial, with its warm and inviting hues, perfectly captures the essence of the 1970s, doubling down on the era's distinctive allure. The Snowflake Obsidian dial, with its intricate black and grey speckles, stands out as the most visually dynamic, ensuring that each watch is a unique wearable art piece. While the brand's logo and 'Swiss Made' text are present on each dial, their prominence varies, with the black onyx allowing them to stand out more as deliberate design elements, whereas on the obsidian, the natural patterns take center stage.
Powering these timepieces is the La Joux-Perret D101 caliber, a manual-winding movement renowned for its ultra-slim design. Operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour and featuring 18 jewels, it offers a reliable 50-hour power reserve. The movement's meticulous craftsmanship is visible through the sapphire crystal case back, a detail that watch enthusiasts will undoubtedly appreciate. The La Joux-Perret D101, a time-only variant of the popular D100, underscores Maen's commitment to quality and precision.
Wearing the Snowflake Obsidian model provided a delightful experience. Its monochromatic palette, rich with grey tones and subtle black accents, offers a versatile aesthetic that can complement various styles. The watch's comfortable fit, thanks to its well-proportioned case and flexible integrated bracelet, makes it an ideal choice for daily wear. The screw pins for adjusting the bracelet ensure a secure and personalized fit, enhancing the overall wearer experience.
Maen's latest Manhattan Ultra-Thin series with stone dials represents a remarkable evolution for the brand. These watches beautifully merge a retro-inspired design with the timeless appeal of natural stone. With an initial release of 100 pieces per dial variant, priced at approximately €1,359.20 (excluding taxes), these limited editions are expected to sell quickly. The brand's plan for additional production runs via a pre-order model indicates strong confidence in their appeal. This collection solidifies the trend of stone dials in contemporary watchmaking, showcasing Maen's ability to innovate while staying true to its design principles.
