Over the past 12 months, there has been a true renaissance of jump hour watches.
The Cartier Tank à Guichets, Audemars Piguet Neo Frame Jumping Hour, Christopher Ward C1 Jump Hour Mk V, Maen × Nico Leonard Jump Hour, and Louis Vuitton Tambour Convergence Pink Gold have become vivid examples of this trend. What unites them is the creative freedom that traditional dial and hand watches often lack. The new brand Semicolon took advantage of this freedom to create the Anachron model. Let's take a closer look at this debut release from the Hong Kong brand, which launched today on Kickstarter.
Impressions of Semicolon Anachron
I was immediately intrigued by the two Semicolon Anachron models that came to me for review. Jump hour watches always attract attention with their unusual way of displaying time. However, in the case of the Semicolon Anachron, there was more to it. The asymmetrical case shape was particularly expressive. Studying the information about the watch, I quickly understood the reason. Semicolon draws inspiration from the 1920s aesthetic for the design of its first model. One of the key sources was the Cartier Tank à Guichets, introduced in 1928. But the influence did not end there. The case shape echoes the melting lines of Salvador Dalí's famous painting "The Persistence of Memory." When looking at the watch, these two main sources of inspiration become obvious.
Technical Specifications of Semicolon Anachron
The watch features an asymmetrical stainless steel case with a diameter of 38 mm, a thickness of 11.75 mm, and a lug-to-lug distance of 45.5 mm. The case proportions are balanced, although I would have preferred a slightly thinner profile.
The elegant classic style demands a thin case for comfortable wearing and ease under a shirt cuff. Nevertheless, the case shape is well-crafted: unusual enough to stand out, yet not causing discomfort.
The case combines matte side surfaces, a polished stepped bezel, and a matte front with two windows and the brand logo. The upper window displays the hours, while the larger lower one shows the minutes. The lower window displays 20 minutes for visual context, making time reading easier and expanding the visual space of the dial. When viewed from a distance, the two windows resemble the brand's signature punctuation - the semicolon.
Detailed Dial Review
Upon closer inspection, the numbers on the two discs are white, applied on black rotating discs. The font is in a classic style, matching the Art Deco of the 1920s. In the upper window, where the hours are displayed, the numbers taper and become bolder at the bottom, creating an interesting visual effect. However, the number 8 stands out - it is inverted and has a heavier top, creating an unnatural balance. Compared to the number 3, this looks like a flaw.
The numbers indicating every five minutes are done in the same style but without emphasis on the top or bottom. Below the numbers is a "railroad" minute track, allowing precise time setting with a pointer marker.
Semicolon Anachron Variations
For the review, Semicolon provided two versions of the Anachron: stainless steel on a black leather strap and a gold-tone version with a matching mesh bracelet. Stylistically, the gold-tone version looks impressive, but the steel model is perceived more seriously, and it is the one I prefer.
I prefer the combination of the case and leather strap with a deployant clasp - easy to adjust in size and wear. The gold-tone bracelet is more difficult to adjust due to the large holes incompatible with the size pin of the clasp. The bracelet's quality leaves something to be desired - it feels flimsy, which is uncharacteristic for mesh bracelets. The black alligator-pattern leather strap is of decent quality and makes wearing the watch pleasant.
Miyota Movement Powering Anachron
The back of the watch reveals the movement. Semicolon states that it is a modified Japanese caliber, which architecturally matches the Miyota 8215. This automatic movement operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, contains 21 jewels, and has a power reserve of 42 hours, which matches the brand's official data. The base caliber has been adapted for the jump hour.
A special touch is Albert Einstein's quote on the case back: "the distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion." This is a reference to the block universe theory in physics, where time is a dimension similar to space, and all events - past, present, and future - exist simultaneously rather than sequentially. This approach emphasizes that the watch is not just a tool for traditional time display.
Wearing Experience of Semicolon Anachron
After trying both versions, I quickly favored the uncoated steel model. After criticizing the bracelet of the gold-tone version, this is not surprising. Moreover, I prefer solid gold watches over gold-plated ones, so the choice was obvious. On the wrist, the Anachron feels well-balanced, the build quality is reliable, and the details are pleasing to the eye.
I was pleasantly surprised by the naturalness of the case shape - it looks and feels organic on the wrist, which is rare for asymmetrical watches. The dial with two windows is interesting and convenient for reading time, though the hour and minute discs are set deep.
The vertical brushing on the front of the case combined with the polished bezel creates visual accents and draws attention. The watch crown is well-designed: convenient for time setting, properly proportioned, and does not wobble.
Final Assessment of the Semicolon Anachron
Overall, I had positive impressions of the Semicolon Anachron. This was unexpected, considering my preference for the classic time display with hands. Nevertheless, Semicolon created a watch that is pleasant to wear and easy to read, which is not always characteristic of jump hour models, despite their attractive design.
The project deserves praise for creating a noticeable product at a time when more brands are turning to the jump hour. Creating truly unique watches in this segment is challenging, and while the Anachron concept is not new, its execution is a creative take on a classic theme.
Additionally, the watches are affordably priced, and the Kickstarter campaign is already underway. The Super Early Bird version can be purchased for 459 USD, but the quantity is limited. If you are looking for affordable jump hour watches, the Anachron can be an excellent choice. Special offers are available for buyers of multiple models. After the campaign ends, the price will rise to 699 USD.
