Back in February, I reviewed a prototype Nine Four Successor. Since then, they completed their Kickstarter campaign, got fully funded, produced their first run, and even sold out of one variant (this one, in fact, but another run is on the way). With the Successor on such a roll, they asked if I would have a look at a final production sample so I could update the review. Of course, I was happy to do so and can report that the small changes added up to a solid overall improvement in what was already a rather handsome watch.
I’m not going to repeat my initial review (you can read that for yourself here) but I’ll hit the highlights. The Successor is a 1970s style dress/sport watch in a brushed stainless steel case with a Seiko NH35 Automatic inside. It is 40mm wide, 46mm long, and 10.5mm thick, creating a delightfully slim profile that continues through the bracelet and clasp. I found it to be an easy fit on my 6.75″ wrist.
Angular lugs and heavy brushing lend it tremendous character, while an unexpected glint of bright polish on the outside of the bezel provides a clever, contrasting pop. The low-profile, H-link bracelet and butterfly clasp are excellent, which is a good thing given that the tiny lug width will likely preclude you from ever fitting anything else. The dial’s most striking feature is its “teak” dial. In most conditions, it is just an interesting bit of texture, but when the light hits it just so, it is rather arresting. I love it.
The Successor was designed to be an everyday watch, so in addition to its versatile design, it also incorporates all the protection you would require if you took it for a weekend spin: 100m water resistance, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and bright C3 SuperLuminova glow when the lights go down.
And this is where we start seeing the upgrades. Where the prototype has a printed logo, the production model’s is applied to match the markers. The coffin hands have been replaced with swords that not only look better but have more room for lume, addressing one of my initial criticisms. Indeed, lume has been upgraded all around. Case finishing has also been improved but I did not feel the prototype was lacking in this department and not having the two side-by-side makes it impossible for me to render an opinion. Let’s just say, if they raised their finishing game beyond what I already saw and liked, I’ll accept it as a good thing and take it on faith.
The Nine Four Successor sells for $299 from ninefourwatches.com, just a modest increase over the pre-production price. If you are looking for a solid all-arounder that leans more to the dressy side of the equation, I’d recommend you give the Successor a good look. ⬩
