In the past year, I have had the pleasure of testing three watch models from the Makina brand.
This young Filipino brand quickly showcased a wide range of products. The different models are united by a characteristic industrial, almost futuristic design, while retaining elements of classic elegance in watchmaking. With the new Makina Uriel_VII model, the brand returns to its roots. The first version, Uriel_I, was released in 2017 and was presented exclusively as a time-only watch. The brand's founder, Danielo Villanueva, decided to add a triple calendar function to the new version, leading to the creation of the Makina Uriel_VII.
Impressions of Makina Uriel_VII: A Return to Roots
When the Makina Uriel_VII first came to me for review, I was slightly surprised. The model seems relatively conservative compared to other Makina watches I tested over the past year. However, after studying the development history of Uriel and its previous versions, I quickly understood the evolution Villanueva has gone through over the past decade. With Uriel_VII, we return to the beginning and gain a vivid visual journey through the brand's history.
Design Features of Makina Uriel_VII
At first glance at the photos, it becomes clear that the Makina Uriel_VII is a charming watch with a cushion-shaped case reminiscent of chronographs from the late 60s to 70s. However, upon closer inspection, it turns out that this is not a chronograph. Two additional dials display the days of the week and months. At the "6 o'clock" position is a date indicator - thus implementing the triple calendar function. Although such a calendar is not new, its presence in the affordable segment of watches is rare, making this model particularly interesting.
The Uriel_VII case is made of stainless steel, with a diameter of 38 mm, a thickness of 12.9 mm, and a lug-to-lug distance of 44 mm. The cushion shape of the case is a constant element in the Uriel line, but the finish and details vary. This model combines different surface finishes, emphasizing the smoothness and dynamics of the design: a polished bezel surrounds the top part of the case with circular brushing, the tops of the lugs have vertical brushing, and the side surfaces of the case are horizontally brushed.
The case back is crafted with a combination of circular brushing and polishing. This combination of finishes indicates a thoughtful construction of the case, ensuring a comfortable fit on the wrist. The bezel, crown, and the single button on the right have a polished surface for contrast.
Black Dial with Expressive Design
The watch comes with an asymmetric brass dial with a satin black surface and a refined texture. At first glance, it seems like there is a lot of information, but everything quickly falls into place. The outer rim of the double white line contains a 12-hour scale. Inside are polished, faceted hour markers, complemented by white minute markings.
The dial at the "3 o'clock" position houses the additional month indicator, and at the "9 o'clock" position - the day of the week indicator. Both subdials are slightly recessed and executed in "panda" and "reverse panda" color schemes, over which droplet-shaped hands move. The calendar indication is completed by a date window at the "6 o'clock" position. The central hour and minute hands are in a "dauphine" style with sharp edges, while the second hand is white, thin, and contrasting.
Miyota 9122 Movement: Reliability and Functionality
On the back of the watch, the Miyota 9122 movement is visible, powering the model. This automatic caliber with 26 jewels belongs to the Premium series, operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and has a power reserve of about 40 hours. The average accuracy is from -10 to +30 seconds per day.
The movement operation is intuitive. Unscrewing the crown and pulling it to the first position allows you to adjust the day of the week and date: clockwise rotation changes the date, counterclockwise - the day of the week. The second position of the crown allows you to set the time. A separate button on the right serves to switch the month.
Wearing Comfort of Makina Uriel_VII
The watch comes with a black textile strap and a matte-finished buckle engraved with the brand's name. The strap lining is made of leather, enhancing comfort for extended wear. Like most textile straps, it requires some time to "break in," but it becomes very comfortable afterward.
When trying it on, the successful proportions of the case are immediately noticeable. The 38 mm diameter is perfect for the cushion shape, the watch does not appear bulky and does not feel too large - a common issue with square and cushion-shaped models. Moreover, the size allows the watch to sit comfortably on the wrist and easily tuck under a shirt cuff.
Final Evaluation of Makina Uriel_VII
After some time of wearing, I appreciated the dial design. I liked the original approach Makina took in designing the additional indicators. The use of "panda" and "reverse panda" schemes makes the watch less obvious and more interesting, aligning with the brand's overall design philosophy. The calendar function is easy to use, though I would prefer more distinct tactile feedback when pressing the month-switching button. Likely, owners will not use this button frequently, but having a pusher always makes you want to try it out.
In terms of appearance, Makina Uriel_VII resembles the classic Heuer Camaro chronographs. For me, this is a big compliment, as I highly value the Camaro as one of the best Heuer models from the 1960s. If you are looking for a watch with a calendar that has the charm of classic cushion-shaped chronographs, Makina Uriel_VII might be a good choice.
Priced at about $750 USD, the model combines high quality, attractive design, and an interesting complication at an affordable cost. Moreover, it is a pleasant variety against the backdrop of more futuristic Makina models, which the brand will continue to produce. I believe this Filipino microbrand deserves attention in 2026.
