Diving into the world of watch collecting, one can notice a typical perception: mechanical is good, quartz is bad.
However, reality is significantly more complex and less categorical. The division between quartz and mechanical watches has become less rigid over time, giving way to a more flexible approach where both technologies can coexist, especially in the segment of classic wristwatches, where convenience plays an important role.
Quartz movements are not a compromise, and mechanics are not always an automatic improvement; they are two different ways of embodying the same idea. When a brand is confident in its design, it doesn't have to choose a side. That's exactly what Anders & Co did with the new AC2 Volcán Manual Wind model. These watches, previously released with a quartz movement, are now presented as a mechanical version with manual winding - not a replacement, but an alternative version on the same base.
Case Construction
One of the advantages of quartz watches is the ability to create thin and elegant cases, as quartz movements are usually compact. There is an assumption that when installing a mechanical caliber in a case designed for quartz, some design elements would have to be sacrificed, and some of the refinement would be lost. However, in the case of the AC2 Volcán, this is not so.
The hand-finished stainless steel case retains a diameter of 37 mm and a lug-to-lug length of 44.6 mm. The case remains cushion-shaped with exquisitely polished sides smoothly transitioning into the lugs. The only noticeable difference is an increase in case thickness by 1 mm: from 5.65 mm to 6.65 mm. This is primarily due to the installation of a transparent case back, which also increased water resistance from 30 to 50 meters, making the watch more practical for daily use.
Dial Design
The mechanical version of the AC2 Volcán comes with three dial options, differing in texture and color:
- Metallic enamel salmon-colored dial with golden-brown shades;
- Embossed fumé-textured dial in gray tones;
- Embossed dial with a cracked white effect.
Particular attention is drawn to the addition of a small seconds sub-dial at the "6 o'clock" position, which was not present in the quartz version. The small seconds emphasize the classic nature of the watch and demonstrate the smooth movement of the hand, unavailable in quartz models within this price range. The dial's look is completed by polished dauphine hands and polished Breguet-style Arabic numerals, replacing the previously used baton hour markers.
Mechanism
The reverse side of the watch with a transparent case back showcases the legendary ETA 7001 caliber with manual winding. This Swiss ultra-thin movement, only 2.5 mm thick, is renowned for its reliability and was developed in the 1970s by Pesaux, and since 1985 has been produced under the ETA brand. Today, the ETA 7001 remains a benchmark in the industry, installed in premium ultra-thin models. The power reserve ranges from 42 to 45 hours, and the balance frequency is 21,600 vibrations per hour, slightly below standard figures, but ensuring stable operation.
Strap
The AC2 Volcán Manual Wind model is equipped with a classic black Italian leather strap embossed with a crocodile pattern and a steel pin buckle. This formal strap style is becoming increasingly popular in everyday watches, making it versatile and in line with modern trends.
Final Assessment
The AC2 Volcán model in its quartz execution has already gained recognition, and the mechanical version takes it to a new level while preserving the key case parameters and design. An increase in thickness by only 1 mm with the addition of a transparent case back is an impressive achievement, considering that the total thickness of the watch remains less than 7 mm, allowing it to be classified as a thin classic watch. The introduction of textured dials adds depth and volume, highlighting the versatility and modernity of the model.
Availability and Price
The Anders & Co AC2 Volcán Manual Wind watches are released by pre-order in limited quantities and are available exclusively through the official Anders & Co online boutique. The price is £1,517 or 18,950 Swedish krona.
Technical Specifications of Anders & Co AC2 Volcán Manual Wind
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Anders & Co |
| Model | AC2 Volcán Manual Wind |
| Case Size | 37 mm (diameter) x 6.65 mm (thickness) x 44.6 mm (lug-to-lug) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters |
| Glass | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Colors: salmon, white, gray |
| Lug Width | 20 mm |
| Strap | Black Italian leather with crocodile embossing, pin buckle |
| Movement | ETA 7001, manual wind |
| Power Reserve | ~42-45 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds |
| Availability | By pre-order |
| Price | £1,517 / 18,950 Swedish krona |
This model demonstrates a modern take on classic watches with a mechanical movement, while maintaining compactness and elegance. Anders & Co successfully combine tradition and innovation, making the AC2 Volcán Manual Wind a worthy choice for collectors and connoisseurs of fine wristwatches.
