It has been about a year since the release of the first collaborative model by Maen and Nico Leonard - the Jump Hour. It can be confidently said that the Swedish brand with Dutch roots and the Dutch YouTuber from Belfast chose the perfect time for the release.
The watch was launched shortly before Watches and Wonders, where we saw a whole range of models with jumping hours. Their debut project turned out to be very successful and quickly sold out. For the second collaboration, Maen and Nico Leonard retained the Jump Hour case but created a thin model with two hands. The result was the Maen Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin. It's time to learn more about it.
Revolution in Design After Jump Hour
When Jump Hour was released last year, it immediately attracted attention. It was a fresh take on a classic complication. Looking back at the past year, it can be said that the model became a harbinger of a trend. Since then, many jumping hour watches have appeared. The most notable release was the Cartier Tank à Guichets, presented at Watches and Wonders. Other outstanding examples include the Louis Vuitton Tambour Convergence, Czapek Time Jumper, Christopher Ward C1 Jump Hour Mk V, and the recently released Audemars Piguet Neo Frame Jumping Hour. Overall, it can be stated that last year watches with jumping hours experienced a real peak in popularity.
The Creation Story of Maen × Nico Leonard Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin
For the second release, Maen and Nico Leonard built on the success of the first model and created a continuation that is sure to appeal to Jump Hour fans. The characteristic case shape was retained, but the jumping hour display was replaced by a classic dial with hour and minute hands. Additionally, Maen equipped the Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin with a stainless steel bracelet. Externally, the watch looks different, but upon closer examination, it becomes clear that this is a logical development.
Let's consider the technical specifications. The new stainless steel case has the same dimensions - 34 mm in width and 45 mm in length, as the first model. However, as the name suggests, the case is significantly thinner and now measures only 6.4 mm in thickness. This makes the watch elegant and comfortable to wear.
Special attention should be paid to the case finish: a combination of matte and polished surfaces. The top and bevels on the lugs are polished, while the side surfaces and central top part have a satin finish. Besides the natural steel variant, a gold-plated version will be available for those who prefer more vibrant accents.
Visual Features of the Grand Tonneau Case
The case finish caught my attention due to an interesting visual effect that was less noticeable in the Jump Hour. The case seems too wide relative to the dial opening, which is due to the polished stripes on top that emphasize the width. Another visual trick is the case lugs, which appear to be expanding, although they are actually straight.
Additionally, the bracelet expands to match the width of the case from the edge of one lug to the other. The Jump Hour used a rubber strap that fit between the lugs, and the new model also comes with a similar rubber strap. However, for a small additional fee, a stainless steel bracelet can be purchased, as shown in the photos.
Despite the fact that the end links of the bracelet fit neatly into the gap between the lugs, the following expanding links seemed too wide to me. I also pondered that if the polished stripes were removed and the case was made the same width as the end links, the proportions would look more harmonious. On the other hand, this would change the character of the watch, turning it into a completely different model, rather than a continuation of the Jump Hour. Moreover, the watch would become significantly smaller, and the current proportions are what the designers wanted to maintain.
New Dial of Maen × Nico Leonard Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin
Moving on to the dial, in our test model, it was made of black enamel with a fumé texture. Additionally, Maen will offer versions with dials in turquoise, yellow, and lava-red fumé colors. Despite personal preferences, I especially liked the brownish tint of the black version.
The dial design is minimalist. The brand's logo is printed in white at the top, and the Nico Leonard Pride & Pinion company logo is at the bottom. The "Swiss Made" inscription is located above the 6 o'clock mark. Two thin, polished, and beveled sword-shaped hands rise above the dial, completing the look. The lighter dial options give the watch a more playful character, but personally, I prefer the black fumé.
Manual-Wind Movement La Joux-Perret D101
Turning the watch over, you can see the movement through the sapphire case back. Inside is a manual-wind movement La Joux-Perret D101. The 18-jewel caliber operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and provides about 50 hours of power reserve. For full transparency: in the pre-production model shown in the photos, an ETA/Peseux 7001 was used. Nevertheless, the new caliber is an excellent ultra-thin solution for this model.
Moreover, it is a significant step forward compared to the Seagull jumping hour movement used in the previous collaboration. The winding of the watch is convenient: you can turn the crown in the standard position, and to set the time, you need to pull out the crown. Since the dial lacks hour and minute markers, it is easiest to set the time to full hours or 30 minutes past the hour, guided by the logos. The winding mechanism feels high-quality, although I would like the crown to be a bit larger. This would not only simplify winding but also fit better with the modern silhouette of the watch.
Wearing Comfort of Maen × Nico Leonard Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin
As mentioned, the new model is available with an optional stainless steel bracelet, which tapers from 25 mm at the widest links to 16 mm at the clasp. Thanks to screws in the links, size adjustment is very simple. The bracelet is in the spirit of the 70s, flexible and comfortable.
The clasp is a branded butterfly with a push-button mechanism. It is neatly finished, sturdy, and reliable. On the wrist, the watch feels very comfortable. Thanks to the flexibility of the bracelet, it fits snugly around the wrist, and the clasp closes with a distinct click.
After this, wearing the Maen × Nico Leonard Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin became a pleasant experience. The comfort allowed me to reflect on the visual issues I raised earlier. Wearing the watch convinced me that this particular case design was chosen intentionally. It gives the model a noticeable presence on the wrist and a modern look, which is important for those who do not like small classic watches. As a person with a large wrist of 18.5 cm (7.3 inches), I quickly appreciated the proportions that make the watch harmonious on my hand.
Final Impressions of Maen × Nico Leonard Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin
Did wearing the watch dispel my initial doubts? I admit, after several days of use, I better understood what gives the watch its character. I began to appreciate the elements I previously wanted to see differently. Above all, the thin profile and overall proportions create the feeling that the watch is made specifically for my wrist, and this is a key factor when choosing a watch. Although some doubts remain, I understand that these are purely personal observations and preferences.
I believe that the new Maen × Nico Leonard Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin model will resonate with a wide audience. If you liked the Jump Hour model released last year, there is a good chance that this new release will also appeal to you.
Add to this the high comfort and wearability, as well as the higher quality movement, and it becomes clear why the Maen × Nico Leonard Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin promises to be a successful model. The watch is now available for pre-order on the official Maen website for €1,519 (excluding taxes). The steel bracelet costs an additional €189, and the gold-plated one costs €239.
Pre-orders are open until 23:59 CEST on April 21, so if you are interested, it is worth hurrying. Following the success of Jump Hour, there is no doubt that this second collaborative model will also receive high praise, and it is easy to see why.
