Wandering hour watches are gaining traction in the accessible (mid-range) segment: brands like Gorilla and Xeric are releasing intriguing models. This unusual complication is often seen in luxury watches like the Urwerk UR-100V T-Rex and Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Capitole, but affordable modules have leveled the playing field a bit. DWISS entered the game last year with the RW1 model featuring a double-disc wandering hour indicator. The new DWISS M3W Wandering Hour is an evolution of the M3 watch (which had an unusual 'offset time' dial) with a three-disc hour indication system.
Like the tourbillon, the wandering hour is an old concept developed in the 1600s for clocks (rumored to be initially for the Pope). However, it was only adapted for wristwatches in 1991 with the Star Wheel model by Audemars Piguet. Thus, from a modern perspective, it is only 30 years old. DWISS is a Swiss brand specializing in unconventional time indicators, so the wandering hour is a perfect fit for this purpose. In honor of its 10th anniversary, the watch company is releasing a limited edition M3W. The company's founder, Rafael Simoes Miranda, has 15 years of experience in watchmaking, and his design skill is evident here.
The stainless steel case remains from the earlier M3 model but has been enhanced with a domed bezel and a double-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. The edges of the bezel, as well as the sides and the crown, are polished. At a diameter of 42 mm and a height of 14.7 mm, the watch looks impressive but not overwhelming, and the integrated bracelet helps it wear a bit smaller. There are indentations on the sides that create an interesting aesthetic. The crown is secured with hex screws accessible through the indentations, and there is a corresponding detail on the left side for balance. The screw-down crown features a rubber knurling segment, and the screw-down case back has a sapphire exhibition window, both elements ensuring water resistance of 200 meters. The integrated three-link bracelet features quick-release levers and can be easily swapped for a silicone rubber strap.
The dial steals the show with its three-disc wandering hour indicator, available in black, white, green, or blue (the rubber strap and crown are color-matched). The white display has black numerals, while the other three are white. Super-LumiNova BG-W9 luminescent coating is used for the numerals on the discs and the minute track, which arcs from 10 to 2 o'clock. The design is also slightly openworked, so sections of the module are visible beneath.
All of this appears complex, but in reality, the time indication is easy to read. The current hour simply glides under the minute track, indicating the current minute as it moves. Each disc has four numerals and rotates to the start of the minute track to show the correct hour. The three discs are supported by an open wheel design and resemble a carnival ride.
The watch is equipped with an automatic Sellita SW200 movement with 25 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), and a power reserve of 38 hours. Despite the lack of decorative elements, the movement features a custom rotor and has a clean, finished look. The SW200 is an alternative to the ETA 2824 and is a proven, ubiquitous Swiss workhorse.
The DWISS M3W Wandering Hours 10th Anniversary Limited Edition is priced at USD 1,990 with a rubber strap and USD 2,190 with a steel bracelet. It is limited to 500 pieces. This is quite a bargain for such a unique piece and nearly half the price of other Swiss counterparts. For more information and to place an order, visit the DWISS website.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - DWISS M3W WANDERING HOUR
Case: 42 mm diameter x 14.7 mm height - 316L stainless steel case - double-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating - sapphire case back - screw-down crown with rubber knurling - crown secured with hex screws - water resistance 200 m
Dial: wandering hour indication with three discs - black, white, green, or blue dial elements - arched minute track between 10 and 2 o'clock - Super-LumiNova BG-W9 on hour and minute numerals - discs have four numerals, each rotating to the minute track to display the correct hour - open steel wheel supports discs with module visible underneath
Movement: Sellita SW200 (alternative to ETA 2824) - automatic - 25 jewels - 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) - power reserve 38 hours - custom-made rotor - hours and minutes displayed via wandering hour module
Strap: 3-link integrated stainless steel bracelet with quick-release levers - integrated rubber strap matching dial color
Availability: limited edition of 500 pieces
Price: USD 1,990 (rubber strap)
USD 2,190 (steel bracelet)