EMG Horizon V2

by Tyler Frederick

Watches & Motorsport

Growing up in a motorsport family (dad raced cars, grandfather raced motorcycles), I learned very early to appreciate the beauty of gas-powered, physics-defying marvels built to go around a race track as fast as possible and look gorgeous while doing it. As I’ve gotten older and deeper in my passion for watches, I’ve developed a love for watches tied to racing–whether the brand has a history in motorsport, or is simply pulling inspiration from it. Either way, if it has to do with racing, I’m a fan. While there are many racing chronographs, my eyes and heart are set on the newest release from EMG, the Horizon V2–a contemporary, square-cased racing-inspired
chronograph.

EMG Horizon V2 Chronograph Watch Review — EMG Horizon V2 @horologyobsessed

Key Features of the EMG Horizon V2 Chronograph

Five years after the release of the original Horizon, the V2 has undergone significant updates to its overall aesthetic and internal components, resulting in a familiar and refreshingly new product. While the original Horizon was a success, the changes made for the V2 are not only logical but also, in my view, have elevated the watch to a new level. The anticipation of finally wearing the V2, after being a devoted fan of the Horizon V1, has been a fantastic experience.

Despite my limited experience with square-cased watches, the Horizon V2’s size and design make it a joy to wear. With a 38mm case diameter, 46.5mm lug-to-lug, and a thickness of 13.45mm (including the crystal), the watch offers a balanced and comfortable fit. The flat case back and curved lugs ensure the watch sits flush on the wrist, enhancing its comfort and wearability, even under long sleeves. The Horizon V2’s Horween leather strap, tapering from 22mm to a slim 16mm, further enhances the wearing experience.

The design inspiration for the Horizon V2 is evident: a specific racing chronograph named after a particular famous race track. I’m more than okay with that; I love the design of the Horizon V2. With its mix of brushed and polished case finishing (sporty meets elegant), you could wear this on the track and out for dinner on the same day. The part of the watch that has me hooked is the dial–a design straight out of the 70s full of motorsport charm; I can already smell racing fuel. While the dial is square, the indices are placed in a circle to tastefully break up the use of “harsh” edges, and the sub-dials have rounded edges, as well, to blend both squared and circular designs–beautifully displayed beneath a sapphire crystal.

The movement inside the Horizon V2 is an upgrade from the Horizon V1. The first version of the Horizon used a mechaquartz movement (Seiko VK63 or VK64). After many cries for a version with a fully mechanical movement, EMG answered and implemented the Seagull ST-1901, a hand-winding chronograph movement that EMG has used in the past with its DL63 chronographs. It’s beautiful, keeps excellent time, and I have always loved hand-winding movements.

SPECS

Case	316L Stainless Steel 38mm Diameter 46.5mm Lug to Lug 13.45mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Display Case Back 100m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Single Dome Sapphire Bicompax Layout Applied Markers Baton Handset BGW9 Super-LumiNova
Movement	Seagull ST-1901 19 Jewels 21 600bph 45-Hour Power Reserve
Strap	Horween Leather Rally /w Three-fold Clasp

EMG Horizon V2 Chronograph

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Quibbles

I’ve enjoyed my time with the Horizon V2 and found myself smiling at my wrist often; it’s a great watch. This comment isn’t so much a “quibble” as it is an ask. In the past, EMG has offered their watches on a fantastic beads of rice bracelet, and I can see it being an option for future releases. However, if the idea hasn’t been passed around, please make this available on those beautiful bracelets. The Horween leather is comfortable and feels great on the wrist, but the beads of rice bracelet would up the “luxury” and, ultimately, feel and look fantastic.

Final Thoughts

Am I a fan of the Horizon V2? Yes. It’s an excellent watch for the price and one that I think many collectors and enthusiasts (racing/car enthusiasts or not) would enjoy. It’s comfortable, looks great, and has that 70s vintage charm. I’m into it. For more information on the Horizon V2, check out EMG’s Kickstarter page, where it has already been fully funded.

Pricing & Availability

The EMG Horizon V2 will eventually retail for $475USD. Kickstarter delvieries begin in October.

About the author

Born into a family obsessed with motorsport, Tyler Frederick became enamoured with speed and beautiful cars at a young age. His love of Formula 1–and all things mechanical–eventually lead him to horology. You can follow him on Instagram.

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