by Brent Robillard
The perfect storm
Mitch Mason launched the Chronicle back in 2020 and followed that up a year later with the Maelstrom dive watch. That original release has long been sold out and discontinued; this week, however, the brand has announced the creation of an all-new Maelstrom.
The Maelstrom draws upon the Super Compressor style popularized by case-maker Ervin Piquerez SA, or EPSA, during the 60s and 70s. The original Compressor-style cases featured patented technology that used water pressure to their advantage, tightening down upon the seals the further the wearer descended under water. Many, though not all, were characterized by a dual-crown system, like that we find in the Mitch Mason Maelstrom.
The first Maelstrom line included four different colourways. On Friday, the brand releases a beautiful teal dial they are calling Tales of the Sea.
Check out the RADO Anatom Automatic
Advertisement
Key features of the Mitch Mason Maelstrom
Textured Tales of the Sea Dial
For those unfamiliar, the term “maelstrom” refers to a powerful ocean storm—distinguished by a violent whirlpool and vortex. The brand endeavored to capture this natural phenomenon in the dial texture through the recreation of choppy seas. Certainly, there is a very organic appearance and flow to the design, and it does well to manipulate light and shadow.
The new and improved minute track features a concentric circular pattern in the angled rehaut that frames the interior and plays upon the illusion of depth, which is heightened through the use of sandwich-style Arabics at 3, 9, and 12. I particularly like the use of the broad arrow handset and the bespoke knot-pattern in the hour indicator.
In addition, all dial elements are treated with a healthy dose of BGW9 Super-LumiNova®.
Interior Rotating Bezel
As mentioned earlier, the Maelstrom features a dual-crown system often found in a Super Compressor style watch. The crown at four operates the setting and winding of the watch; however, the crown at two is used to actuate the interior, bidirectional dive bezel. Both crowns are screw down—like the case back—and help establish 300m of water resistance. The bezel’s sharp chamfer further solidifies the sense of depth established in the dial design. The first 20-minute bezel markings are also lumed.
Case and Case Back
The 316L stainless steel Maelstrom Case is a fine mix of predominantly brushed surfaces with polished chamfers that befits its “toolish” intent. It measures 40mm in diameter and 47mm lug to lug, with a lug width of 20mm. It is also 12mm in height with an extra .5mm if including the double-domed sapphire crystal.
Mitch Mason takes great care with their case backs and the new Maelstrom is no exception. On the underside we discover “Mitch” (slang for truant) astride a stylized humpback whale. The embossing occurs in a field of “pebbled” ocean and provides a wink and sly sense of humour for the wearer.
The watch comes on a matching H-link bracelet that tapers nicely down to 16mm at the clasp.
Movement
Powering the Maelstrom is the ubiquitous Miyota 9015. It is a 24-jewel movement with a 4Hz beat rate and a 40-hour power reserve.
Advertisement
Specs
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 40 Diameter 47mm Lug to Lug 12.5mm Thick /w Glass Screw Down Crowns & Case Back 300m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Double-Domed Sapphire Crystal Textured Dial Applied Index BGW9 Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | Miyota 9015 28 800bph 24 Jewels 42-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Stainless Steel H-Link Bracelet |
Mitch Mason Maelstrom – Tales of the Sea
Advertisement
Check out the Trematic Archivo Uno ref. 502
Final Thoughts
I was impressed with the Mitch Mason Maelstrom right out of the box. It came in a rugged, waxed leather roll that was quite impressive in its quality. I have often found that inexpensive compressor-style divers have loose bezels that are difficult to manipulate and set, but the Maealstrom was a nice surprise with just the right amount of friction. And if you are looking for wrist presence, the textured teal dial will not go unnoticed. The dial design is also well-rendered with a definite sense of balance and symmetry, down to the discreet colour-matched date wheel at six. I am a fan of the dual-crown compressor-style, and Mitch Mason really nails with the Maelstrom.
Pricing & Availability
The Maelstrom – Tales of the Sea is scheduled for launch on 14 Feb 2025. It is available to ship immediately upon order, and retails for $629USD. See website for details.
Advertisement
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.