This is my third encounter with a Nine Four Successor. I first reviewed a prototype in February 2020 (the Predecessor?). Then I tried the production Successor that September. Today, I have the new Successor 2 (“The Successoring”). I liked the prototype and was pleased to see they had made some subtle improvements before launch. The Successor 2 takes that already solid design and elevates it to a new level of refinement.
The Successor 2 keeps the same formula that made the original such a good everyday sports watch. Water resistance is a solid 100m. That 40mm, early 70s-style case with its hints of Zenith Defy returns but in a tighter form. I measured it at just 44.5mm long and 10mm thick (10.5mm from case back to crystal, which is sapphire, BTW). While the brushed angles and polished chamfer of the main case remain, Nine Four has replaced the original’s heavier bezel with a more gently sloped version that slightly reduces the physical bulk and greatly reduces the visual bulk. The Successor was never a fat watch, but that new bezel makes the Successor 2 downright sleek.
If you have the chance to compare the two watches, you would notice that the finishing is more complex on the newer one. Where the first model has North-South brushing all around, the new one has short, vertical brushing on all four sides and radiant brushing on the top and bezel, which works much better with its new shape. Speaking of which, the Successor 2 retains the polished edge on the bezel but given its low profile, it is now only the merest sliver for a far more subtle effect.
The crown is freshened up too, now boasting the vastly improved Nine Four logo on its polished and domed head.
Moving on to the lugs and bracelet, we see a significant departure from the first model. Gone is the tiny gap that accepted only the stock bracelet’s center link and nothing else. Now, we have hidden lugs and a proper 20mm lug box. This is a trade-off. You gain the ability to fit your own strap but lose the all-of-a-piece appearance of that integrated bracelet. In my mind, it’s well worth it. Tucking the end link under the case preserved 95% of the original look and is far more user-friendly.
I also prefer the new 3-link bracelet over the old H-link design. Articulation is excellent due thanks to independent segments and short links. Also, note the way each segment is beveled. It all makes for a nice flow. If you couldn’t get the exact fit you wanted by removing links, you’ll have one more chance with the micro-adjustments on the signed, push-button clasp.
Inside, you’ll find a Miyota 9015 (date) or 9039 (no date). You know the movement: 24-jewels, 42-hour power reserve, smooth 28.8k bph sweep, and Parashock protection. It’s not much to look at, but that part is pressed against your wrist anyway.
Of course, you probably won’t notice any of the above items when you first encounter the watch because you will be too busy looking at the dial. And why the hell not? It’s so pretty! That mesmerizing guilloché pattern is sharply defined and diminishes as it reaches the center. I’m exceptionally pleased with Nine Four’s color choices. No black, silver, or white here. Instead, we’ve got Ice Blue, Salmon, Olive Green, and Midnight Blue. I sampled the Salmon and Olive and while color perception is highly dependent on lighting conditions and background but I think my photos captured them accurately. The Salmon is properly pink with a touch of orange and the Olive is a glossier version of the military color that invariably springs to mind. They are eye-catching but sophisticated.
The polished hands, markers, and logo continue the refined theme — to a point. This is still a sports watch, after all, so the post hands and chisel markers are large enough for easy visibility and filled with SuperLuminova. If you opt for a date, it is at 3 o’clock in a properly finished frame. It’s a lovely layout, although I question the inclusion of a Black Bay-esque snowflake second hand as its head seems ever so slightly out of step with the other, slimmer elements on the dial.
On my 6.75″ wrist, the Successor 2 cuts a dapper figure. This is one of the few, true “go anywhere, do anything” watches because it has the right mix of style and practicality to keep a foot in both worlds. I wouldn’t want to bang it up like a G-Shock but you certainly don’t need to baby it and it is more than ready to get dressed up with you. Indeed, with that fashionable dial and handsome case, it would a shame not to.
The Nine Four Successor 2 is available for pre-order now for $329.99. Full price will be $419.99. If you like what you see, I’d recommend heading to NineFourWatches.com now before your favorite color sells out.
