Preview: Manchester Watch Works Iconik 1 and 2

While we are waiting for Doug Kim of Manchester Watch Works to release the funky Equinox and the Morgan chronograph (more on that one later), he has launched orders for the latest Iconik. With this series, Doug modifies classic watch designs with an MWW twist, so the result is not so much an homage but a ho'mod. (Yeah, I made that up.)

The Iconik 1 is a spin on a famous Italian dive watch. Doug does not name it on his site, but I'm pretty sure it rhymes with "Schmanerai." MWW's version is smaller than the original. Its brushed stainless steel cushion case measures a very reasonable 41mm wide and 11.6mm thick with a domed, anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal. It sports a 22mm wide, distressed leather strap. Water resistance is 200m and both crown and case back screw down. Inside, a Seiko NH35 automatic hums along at 21,600 bph. As regular readers probably know, the movement hacks, hand winds, and carries a 40+ hour power reserve. 

The dial is a black matte sandwich with silver hands and SuperLuminova. In another departure the numbers are smaller than their inspiration, positioned close to the edge, and interspersed with perforated markers, leaving a broad swath of black adorned with only a discrete logo. While clearly rooted in past, the Iconik 1's modest markers, open layout, and mid-sized case give the watch a clean, modern look that stands apart from the usual PAM-inspired fare. It sells for $340. Only 13 of the limited run of 100 units remain at the MWW webstore.

The Iconik 2 harkens back to one of my favorite watches, the Rolex Explorer 6350. It incorporates a textured 3/6/9 dial, gilt hands and markers, and a lollipop second hand to capture the essence of the Explorer, but like the model 1, it runs an NH35 and adds a sandwich dial with SuperLuminova. The 39mm stainless steel case is larger than the original, but it would still be considered small to medium sized for a modern watch. 

Drilled 20mm lugs, a sapphire crystal with an inner anti-reflective coating, a screw-down crown and case back, 200m water resistance, and a president style bracelet with solid end links round out the package. Pre-order pricing is $280 and only 100 pieces are planned; however, MWW will produce more if there is demand. The Iconik 2 should ship in the late summer or early fall of 2016. 

For more information or to order an Iconik 2 of your own, click the link here.  

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