In my interview with Marvin Menke of Hemel watches, I noted that he has produced a field watch and a flight watch, and asked when could expect the inevitable diving watch. Well, I did not have to wait very long. Today, Hemel will take orders for the Hydroendurance HD (Hemel Diver) Series.
The HD is 42mm wide and has a rounded sapphire bezel and domed sapphire crystal with an orange anti-reflective coating inside. Hemel fans may have noticed that the brand has a bit of a thing for orange. It featured on the nylon strap of the HM Series, the bezel triangle of the HFT20 Series, and the second hands of all them. Bright C3 lume lights up the HD’s handset, bezel, and sandwich dial. The double dolphin caseback decoration stands in high relief, and both the crown and bezel are knurled. Color options include black, green, navy, and red.
It promises to be an exciting watch. As Marvin says, “Developing this diver was slightly less about designing the object than it was about designing the person’s reaction to it. I wanted the lume to be ridiculous and the hidden details to be surprising. Toeing the line between familiarity and newness is all part of the fun.”
Of course, it is not all about fashion. The heart of HD Series is a Miyota 9039, a 24 jewel, hacking, hand winding automatic from the respected 90xx family, but without a date wheel. The watch is a fully capable diver, rated for 300m water resistance. The crown and caseback both screw down and the bezel is 120-clicks unidirectional. A solid steel link bracelet with solid end links and a deployment clasp is standard. “Being around water, going to the shores and ports is a part of life here on Long Island.” Says Marvin. “Being on the water, under blue skies and just enjoying the water is what it’s all about. Introducing a diver – and one with distinction – into the Hemel family was just a matter of time.”
For more information or to order your own HD, visit HemelWatches.com. ⬩
