Throughout human history, watches have been defined by their capabilities - from marking seconds to withstanding immense oceanic pressures. It's safe to say functionality has always been appealing. Pilots confidently took to the skies thanks to the ability to track time across multiple time zones. Doctors once depended on a pulsometer scale to diagnose and treat patients effectively. Though times have changed and technology has rendered many of these features obsolete, there remains a romantic attachment to additional functions among enthusiasts. Mudita, a newcomer in the watch business, has recognized this enduring value and refined it to meet modern needs. Mudita has managed to add a fully analog attribute while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. Its flagship model reminds us to enjoy every second, detach from digital technology, and appreciate the allure of analog watches.
If Mudita is new to you, you may be familiar with other works by its founder, Michał Kiciński. Years ago, he co-founded CD Projekt, the gaming company responsible for the mega-hit game series "The Witcher". Mudita is a Polish startup focused on enhancing personal health and well-being through technology. With the proliferation of smartphones, constant notifications, alarms, messages, updates, and demands bombard us daily with a digital barrage. This relentless stimulation can distract us from enjoying the world around us and lead to increased stress and anxiety. Though it may seem counterintuitive for a tech startup to minimize the impact of core technologies through technology, this is precisely the goal Mudita has set. The brand's first watch, named "Mudita Moment", is a subtle and effective tool for cultivating calm amidst the chaos of daily life.
The name "Mudita" is derived from Pali, a Middle Indo-Aryan language native to the Indian subcontinent. Though there is no direct English translation, the general concept is the joy derived from witnessing others find peace and well-being. The Mudita Moment is a wrist-worn reminder of the importance of prioritizing one's health and finding time to slow down and breathe - finding balance and inspiration through breathing.
Aesthetically, the Mudita Moment is deliberately minimalist. It is a love song to tranquility and unbounded functionality. Every aspect serves its purpose, completely devoid of unnecessary details. The 38mm diameter watch comfortably fits any wrist size. The slim 10.8mm thickness ensures the watch remains unobtrusive, performing its function only when necessary and disappearing like a chameleon at other times. The case is made of 316L stainless steel with a sandblasted finish, further highlighting the watch's minimalist character. There are no polished glints to distract the eye, and the subtle muted tone of the case lends an almost field-like informality, which aligns perfectly with Mudita's mission.
The Mudita Moment is offered with three different monochrome dial options, allowing the watch to match any stylistic preference. The shades range from black to gray and white, each featuring an almost Bauhaus-like layout that impresses with its Spartan nature. There is no company logo or branding to distract from time-telling. There are no date windows, rehaut, applied indices, or any dimensionality. But that is precisely the essence of the Mudita Moment's existence. Think of it as addition by subtraction (not an easy feat), resulting in simple, minimalist watches that convey restraint and softness not often found in the market. All that exists on the dial are strict black lines of varying lengths corresponding to the hours and minutes. Closer to the center of the dial is a ring of 15 individual dots. Three slim hands emanate from the center, sharply contrasting with the dial's opposite shade. The Mudita Moment model with a black dial is structurally and design-wise identical, but white hands and indices are chosen for the same contrasting effect.
The inclusion of the aforementioned 15 dots on the dial is Mudita's way of embodying its wellness-oriented ethos in the Mudita Moment watch. To aid in tracking intentional breath control, each dot represents a four-second interval. Traditionally, this time frame is used in "box breathing" practice for each stage of the process: inhale for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold for four. This process can be repeated until relaxation is achieved. The consistent pace of this practice can help alleviate stress and anxiety, simply reminding the watch owner to consciously self-regulate their emotions. The second hand of these watches has been skillfully designed to further assist in timing breathing. Mudita has extended the back of the hand and made it round, perfectly aligning with the circular indices of the breathing interval dots, facilitating the process of slowing down and de-stressing at any time. While the second hand rotates at its standard pace, the counterweight of the hand serves as a guide for the number of breathing exercises, allowing the owner to easily and accurately adjust them.
The stainless construction of the Mudita Moment and the display case back, secured by four screws, make the watch water-resistant up to a pressure of 5 atm - more than sufficient for typical daily activities. Inside the sapphire crystal case back, you can see the Miyota 9015 automatic movement. This unassuming Japanese "workhorse" has proven its durability and reliability over the years and perfectly matches the spirit of the Mudita Moment. When fully wound, the power reserve is up to 42 hours. Multiple quick-change strap options are available for each model. These straps use a one-click clasp, making them easy and convenient to swap. All options are vegan and eco-friendly, whether they are made from natural cork, cactus, or even a material composed of banana stems. The wide range of colors and textures complements the holistic nature of the Mudita Moment, embodying nature.
This unisex offering is available on Mudita's website now for a pre-order price of $367 USD.
All watches are created in partnership with Blonie, a Polish brand with a history dating back to the 1950s. It is at Blonie that each watch is regulated and tested before being approved for sale. The Mudita Moment watches are expected to go on sale in December 2021, just in time for the holiday season. So, if you or a loved one seeks solace in simplicity, admires minimalism, or just needs a few seconds each day to find a moment of zen, the Mudita Moment watch might be exactly what you need.