Dive Watch from Down Under

The Australian-based microbrand watchmaker, Second Hour, has garnered a lot of attention since its inception in 2019–and with good reason. First, the husband and wife team of Peter and Akira has achieved the difficult task of establishing a recognisable design language across their catalogue that is specifically “Second Hour.” But the duo have also consistently created good watches–refining their offerings–and then following that up with reliable customer service. The Second Hour Gin Clear MKII is the perfect representation of both these tenets.

Key Features of the Second Hour Gin Clear MKII

Let’s talk about refinement. MKII, you say.  So, what’s new? Well, the simplified logo, to begin. I really like it. There was nothing wrong with the original. But this one is more organic and definitely more in line with the natural curvaceous design we see in many of the brand’s timepieces. Next up…how about that new custom handset? I like it, too. While not the exactly the same, it appears like an extension of the one we find in the Mandala Burst. Remember what I said about a recognisable design language?

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Then there is the date window at six. Is this an improvement? Yes. I love the way it has been integrated into the six position as though it were simply another wedge marker. You know those equally new and improved indicators at five, eight, and twelve? Who else does that? Well, Second Hour, actually. In both their Mandala Burst and Giant Stride. In fact, it appears as though even the round plot hour indicators have all undergone a facelift. They look taller and add a greater sense of depth to the dial. The polished surrounds look sharper, too.

And maybe it’s just me, but that delicious ceramic bezel insert seems a little broader, closing down the dial real estate—making the design more intimate. The case, too, has evolved. It’s slimmer—measuring in at 40mm, now, with a more restrained lug to lug of 47mm, as well. In addition it has lost more than a millimeter in height and now sits around 12.25mm. But more than its dimensions, the Second Hour Gin Clear MKII cuts a more sinuous silhouette than its predecessor—again recalling the contoured beauty of the Mandala. This added curvature better meets the relief of your wrist, for a more comfortable experience.  

Other nice touches include that redesigned counter-weighted second hand and the colour-matched line in the easy-grip crown.

On the back, we have a familiar stamped case with the image of a Hawksbill Turtle, and everything is screwed down, providing for a more than adequate 300m of water resistance. There is a solid piece of sapphire crystal here with six undercoats of AR, as well. And a decent amount of BGW9 Super-LumiNova on the hands and hour markers.

For a bracelet, there is a finely tapered five-link stainless steel offering that comes equipped with a fully milled, ratcheting clasp for comfort adjustment. It features a mix of brushed and polished links to reflect the finishing of the case itself. Both have received a hardening treatment, as well, which reportedly increases the Vickers rating to 1200Hv—almost 9 times the strength of regular stainless steel.

Powering the Second Hour Gin Clear MKII is the Swiss hero ETA 2824. It has a nice 4Hz sweep and promises up a 38-hour power reserve.

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Check out the Second Hour Sattelberg MkII

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SPECS

Case	316L Stainless Steel /w Surface Hardening 40mm Diameter 47mm Lug to Lug 12.25mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Screw Down & Case Back Unidirectional Dive Bezel 300m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Sapphire Crystal /w Internal AR Glossy Sunray Dial Applied Markers Custom Handset BGW9 Super-LumiNova
Movement	ETA2824 25 Jewels 28 800vph 42 Hour Power Reserve
Strap	Stainless Steel Bracelet /w Milled Clasp & Ratcheting Comfort Adjust

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Final Thoughts

All in all, what we get in the Second Hour Gin Clear MKII is a refined dive watch with touches of luxury in the finishing and the dial detail. The graceful lines of the case, in conjunction with the presence of ceramic in the bezel, might conjure up the term “dress diver.” But case coating and the 300m of water resistance speak to this diver’s capabilities as a tool. In the end, it’s a beautiful piece no matter the moniker. And it won’t break the bank either, for all its finesse. Who says you can’t have it all?

The Second Hour Gin Clear MKII retails for approximately $800USD. For more information, please visit the brand website.

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About the author

Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.

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