In the vast ocean of dive watches produced by microbrands, it seems new models are emerging at an ever-increasing pace. The typical traits of these aquatic timepieces are well-known and thoroughly documented - the rotating outer bezel, protective crowns, and vintage design cues seem to be commonplace. The new Maelstrom watches from Mitch Mason continue this trend, but with a distinct nod towards the innovative dive watch designs of the past.
The Singapore-based company Mitch Mason made a splash in 2020 with the introduction of its flagship model, the Chronicle. It was a fresh take on field watches with a multi-layered dial, old radium-colored lume, and a style unlike competitors in the market. With this release, company founder Benedict Ong set a precedent for his brand built on a foundation of aesthetics and craftsmanship. Mitch Mason's mission revolves around the concept of deviating from the conventional norms of watchmaking. Despite an effort to avoid predictable conventions, quality remains paramount.
Every chronometer reflects and embodies vintage aesthetics, without becoming a carbon copy of previous iterations. In the case of the new Maelstrom model, its appearance harkens to the super compressor style with distinct Mitch Mason modifications to make it suitable for use in the 21st century.
In the 1950s, diving was a favorite pastime for those interested in sand, sun, and surfing. At this time, the emerging sport of SCUBA pushed watch manufacturers to develop new technologies and applications that allowed watches to withstand additional pressure at depth. Initially developed by Ervin Piquerez S.A., "super compressors" got their name from the presence of a spring-loaded mechanism in the watch's case back, allowing the watch to compress under additional pressure. This compression creates an even tighter seal, preventing water ingress, serving as a brilliant way to ensure divers in EPSA cases could withstand the harsh conditions of pelagic journeys. The hallmark of the super compressor has historically been the combination of two distinct cross-hatched crowns and an internal rotating bezel. The Maelstrom model from Mitch Mason embodies this timeless style utilizing all the advantages of modern materials and technology.
When life gets hectic, and you find yourself in the eye of the storm, you can be confident that the Maelstrom watch will handle the task. The 40mm diameter watch is optimally sized for ideal readability, without becoming excessive. The gradual slope of the lugs ensures ergonomic comfort combined with a reasonable lug-to-lug length of 47mm. Mitch Mason managed to achieve 300 meters of water resistance while maintaining an unassuming height of only 12mm. This was made possible by using sapphire crystal with super anti-reflective coating and double dome, as well as a hefty stainless steel case back and two screw-down crowns. Each is signed with the company logo and has finished lines providing excellent grip - an important aspect to consider when creating functional dive watches.
The Maelstrom is available in four different colors, each attractive in its own way. For more restrained tones, the sunburst Aphotic Black, Steel Blue, and Ocean Grey are muted and neutral, making them easy to pair with any occasion. On the black dial, the hands and dial are adorned with Old Radium Super-LumiNova, and the internal rotating bezel is decorated with bleached numerals. It is also the only model that uses gold-plated hands, which are always fashionable when combined with the inky depth of the dial. Steel blue is a deep and elemental shade that pairs beautifully with the aged lume. The grey dial, by contrast, uses white BGW9 lume. The blue hue is used for minute markers, complementing the metallic shine of the dial.
If the previous colors went unnoticed, the green Marimo Green stands out as the brightest of the quartet. Named after the otherworldly moss growing in lakes and rivers of Japan and Europe, this green dial simply captures the imagination. The signature knot-style hour hand, characteristic only of Mitch Mason models, is well integrated into the dial allowing easy time determination at a glance. Additionally, large layered numerals at the "3", "9", and "12 o'clock" positions add legibility.
Each Maelstrom model features a color-matched internal rotating bezel and a date function at 6 o'clock. The choice in favor of uniform tones across all watches allows for the use of the date function without distracting from the rhythm of the watch. This is a small detail that matters greatly to many. It speaks to how thoughtfully the Maelstrom line was created. This thoughtfulness is also evident in the use of drilled holes in the lugs, quick-release spring bars, and a bracelet tapering from 20mm at the lugs to 16mm at the clasp.
The Maelstrom watches are equipped with a 24-jewel Miyota 9015 automatic movement. This time-tested workhorse runs at 28,800 beats per hour and offers a power reserve of up to 42 hours when fully wound. This crucial component is protected by a 316L stainless steel case back, adorned with a 3D stamp of a majestic humpback whale - a fitting option for a powerful watch designed to explore the vast world beneath the waves.
The Maelstrom watches will be released in October on Kickstarter at a super early bird price of $449 USD, making them an attractive offer, especially for those interested in unconventional dive watch styles.