UBIQ-uitous
UBIQ was founded in 2023 by Drayson Phua, a Creative Director from Singapore. He chose UBIQ (you-bik) in the hope that the brand and its products would one day be “UBIQ-uitous” in the consumer’s consciousness. A tall order, to be sure; however, Phua and UBIQ are certainly off to a good start with the Dual Series 01.
Key Features of UBIQ Dual Series 01
The first collection will provide for five vibrant colourways. Featured here, we have the “Bumble”–as they call it (perfect name). The timepiece is a tidy 39mm in diameter and 47mm lug to lug. It’s also surprisingly slim for a diver at only 11.5mm, including the sapphire crystal, and fashioned from 316L stainless steel. You can see from the images how the balanced proportions hug my 6.75″ wrist.
Also of note, are the sculpted case sides, which feature a textured, sandblasted finish. While they do not serve a functional purpose, they do add visual appeal.
I particularly like the sandblasted, aluminum bezel insert which features a “dual” timing scale—from whence the series draws its name. This allows for a traditional elapsed time register, as used in diving, but also a second 12-hour scale which could be used to track another time zone. The finish has a satin sheen that is reminiscent of vintage Bakelite bezels.
The watch is water resistant to 200m and runs the Miyota 9015. The workhorse movement beats at 4Hz and offers a 42-hour power reserve. It also has a date complication, which has been carefully and seamlessly integrated into the six position on the dial. The window shares the same share as the applied hour markers, and the wheel is coloured white to match the lume plots.
Contrary to the retro-styled bezel, the dial has a very fresh and modern vibe. The minute track, positioned in the chapter ring, is connected to the “squircles” used to mark the hours giving the dial a certain sense of cohesion and balance. The overall design is also clean, with limited use of text and a playful—almost cartoonish—sword and arrow handset. I was impressed by the Grade A C1 Super-LumiNova used in the numbers on the bezel and again on the hands, as well as the BGW9 used in the dial elements. Both applications are explosive and long-lasting.
The Dual Series 01 comes with a custom coloured pouch a quick-release FKM rubber strap. Seen here, we have the flat link bracelet, which is quite comfortable and features a nice taper from 20mm at the lugs, down 16mm at the clasp. It comes with screw pins and on-the-fly comfort adjust.
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SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 39mm Diameter 47mm Lug to Lug 11.5mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Screw Down Crown & Case Back 200m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire Crystal Black Matte Dial Applied Markers Sword & Arrow Handset C1/BGW9 Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | Miyota 9015 24 Jewels 28 800bph 42-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Rubber Strap & Stainless Steel Bracelet /w Comfort Adjust |
UBIQ Dual Series 01
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Final Thoughts
The UBIQ Dual Series 01 Dive Watch is a delightful mix of retro and modern with a functional dual time bezel and solid specs. It wears well and offers a playful selection of colourways, from the stark to the downright bold. Great pains have been taken to make this watch visually appealing–and not just in its choice of colours, either. From the custom-styled case, with its sculpted edges, to its attractive bezel insert and its well-balanced dial, the UBIQ Dual Series 01 was designed with impact in mind. The microbrand dive watch market is a crowded one, but UBIQ has done well to distinguish itself without straying too far from what enthusiasts expect in a dive watch in terms of specs and wearability.
With summer around the corner, this little diver might just be what you’re looking for.
Pricing & Availability
The brand is taking pre-orders now for $769CAD/$649USD and promising delivery at the end of July. For more information, please visit the brand website.
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.
Off The Cuff articles are full-length, hands-on reviews of the watch in question and represent the opinion of the author only. All photos are original, unless specified otherwise. If you would like to have your watch reviewed on this site, contact us here.
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Can’t stop seeing the tips of a Whale’s tail on the wrist shot where the finish is brushed. Nice design detail.. haha ..’de-tail!!
Very funny😉