FIELD FAVORITES
ANORDAIN UPDATES MODEL 2 FIELD WATCH
Scottish watchmaker AnOrdain expands its Model 2 field watch with a slightly larger case size , new typography and a new slate of dial colors inspired by nature .
Initially launched in 2019 with a 36mm case , the AnOrdain Model 2 is the watchmaker ’ s classic field watch that emphasizes its highly visible dial and rigorous case .
In addition to the larger case option , this latest generation of the Model 2 also features a few small design upgrades , in part made to meet customer suggestions .
Notably , you ’ ll see a new minute track and a seconds hand , both of which upgrade the watch ’ s basic functionality . And the typography here differs from the earlier edition with the introduction of a font inspired by 1950s industrial equipment ( including a laboratory clock belonging to AnOrdain founder Lewis Heath ’ s scientist grandfather ).
Even while scaling the design to 39.5mm in diameter , AnOrdain retains the Model 2 ’ s look with its characteristic rounded lugs , large crown protectors and broad , curving bezel curved to seamlessly mesh into the double-domed sapphire crystal .
As with all of this independent watchmaker ’ s designs , the Model 2 also features a customized hand design and a stunning handwrought dial . First , let ’ s take a look at the hands .
Called ‘ syringe-style ’, the watch ’ s in-house-designed hands are unusual . Each hand is characterized by a tapered void with a luminous tip that projects outward . It appears to form the shape of a hand holding a fountain pen .
“ The hands were prototyped in-house before the final design was sent to a hand manufacturer in the Swiss watchmaking town
of La Chaux- de-Fonds , where the blanks are made ,” explains AnOrdain in its press material . “ The hands are sent back in raw steel form and are heat-treated in-house to protect from rust and tarnish .”
The hands ’ luminous paint , hand-applied to each tip , is another unusual feature and one rarely seen on blued steel .
ENAMEL DIALS While much of AnOrdain ’ s early buzz among collectors focused , at least in part , on its eye-catching handmade fume dials , the watchmaker ’ s enamel dials are also notably rich for such an affordably priced collection .
Each of the Model 2 ’ s dials is made individually by a single master enameller and can take several days to complete . And , to further differentiate AnOrdain designs from those of other watchmakers , AnOrdain says that it purposefully veered from making a traditional white enamel color for the collection , opting for a more opaque white dial .
The new collection will also be available with new colors , including the previously mentioned opaque white , racing green , grey haar and flax . A haar , in case you ’ re not familiar with the modifier , refers to a grey fog settling off the Scottish coast and is a term particularly suitable to the Glasgow-based AnOrdain .
AnOrdain continues to fit an automatic Sellita SW210 movement into the watch , regardless of case diameter . AnOrdain will make about 200 Model 2 watches per year . Prices : £ 1,700 ( about $ 2,217 ) for the 36mm model and £ 1,800 ( about $ 2,350 ) for the 39.5mm model .
46 | AboutTime Magazine