Héron Marinor Ghost

After the successful launch of their Marinor collection last year, Héron—a Canadian watchmaker—are is hoping to make a splash with two new Limited Edition pieces this summer. The original collection, which drew inspiration from mid-century divers, plies similar waters. However, this time, the brand is employing an “anonymous dial” and a sterile bezel, for a minimalistic ghostly effect.

Key Features of the Héron Marinor Ghost

Eschewing branding on the dial, in the manner of vintage military divers like Panerai, is a bold move for a microbrand. But it does certainly make a statement. The sterile bezel is, likewise, of military provenance—albeit a later one—as divers using rebreathing technology could now remain underwater long after the typical 60-minute bezel had expired. The all-important pip at 12 o’clock is enough to track elapsed hours.

Like other models in the collection, the Marinor Ghost measures 39mm in diameter with a lug to lug of 47mm. The watch alone is 11.3mm thick; however, the beautiful box sapphire crystal adds to the height—and to the vintage aesthetic, as well. The Marinor Ghost is rendered in brushed 316L stainless steel, but is finished in a hardening coat which provides a hardness rating of 1200 HV on the Vickers scale. That’s roughly five times more resistant to scratching. The crown and case back are screw down and the watch is rated to 300m.

The Marinor Ghost dial is familiar in its layout, but this time the markers are printed, rather than applied. They are also slightly “super-sized.” The handset is a polished sword and arrow, and all elements—including the bezel pip and a lollipop seconds hand—are treated in an Old Radium patina BGW9 Super-LumiNova, which does put on quite a show after hours.

Again, Héron have opted for the workhorse Miyota 9039 automatic movement. It’s a 4Hz calibre with a 42-hour power reserve, promising accuracy within -10/+30 seconds/day.

The flatlink bracelet is comfortable with a significant taper. It uses screw links and is equipped with both a quick release spring bars and a micro-adjusting clasp. Like the watch, it is entirely brushed.

SPECS

Case	316L Stainless Steel (1200HV Hardening Coat) 39mm Diameter 47mm Lug to Lug 12.9mm Thick 20mm Lug Width 120-click Uni-directional Bezel Screw Back and Crown 300m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Box Sapphire Crystal /w AR Undercoat Applied Indices Arrow & Sword Handset /w Lollipop Seconds BGW9 Old Radium Super-LumiNova
Movement	Miyota 9039 28 000bph 24 Jewels 42-Hour Power Reserve
Strap	Stainless Steel Flat link Bracelet /w Micro-adjusting Clasp

Héron Marinor Ghost

Final Thoughts

Alongside the North Blue iteration featured here, the Héron Marinor Ghost is also available in Seastorm Black. Both models are limited to only 50 pieces each. With a box sapphire crystal, a micro-adjusting clasp, and three hundred meters of water resistance, the dive watch is well-speced for its price. The sizing and proportions are also on trend. The combination of both a sterile dial and bezel makes me think immediately of brands like Unimatic, but there is a refinement in finishing that differentiates the Marinor Ghost. The domed insert and the washed out colour of the dial, certainly help the timepiece earn its name. The heaps of lume don’t hurt either.

Pricing & Availability

The Héron Marinor retails for $590 USD. For more information, please visit the brand website.

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