As we head into the new year, I thought it fitting to introduce you to a new watch company, Markwell Watches. Well, new-ish. This Salt Lake City-based microbrand launched its first models, the Swiss Made Memento Mori and the datematic, in 2024 and will attend their debut watch show as a District Time sponsor in March 2025. I had the opportunity to try a Marwell datematic (no caps, e e cummings style), and I can confidently say that Markwell has a promising year ahead of them.
Both Markwell models share cases and contain nearly identical Sellita movements (SW200 and SW200-1 date). I chose the datematic because it is slightly newer, available in a wider variety than the limited edition Memento Mori, and features a dial design that is at once bolder and more accessible than its Masonic-themed predecessor.
It starts with a 37mm stainless steel case that incorporates early- to mid-20th-century design cues with subtly modern updates. Most apparent are the horn lugs, with their sharp facets in alternating brushed and polished finishes. Markwell’s factory has done an outstanding job here; the contrast between the pronounced grain on the vertical brushing and the bright polish is quite satisfying, and the respective planes meet at sharp vertices and crisp edges.
The crown is another contemporary touch. Its bun shape, widely-spaced indentations, and lumed logo are very 21st century, yet it still complements this largely traditional watch. As you would expect, it’s a push-pull that is still sealed for a useful 100m water resistance, making the datematic a true everyday watch, even if your day might include a plunge or two.
The lugs reach far beyond the case, bringing its overall length to 43mm. The angular lugs connect to a slim, brushed barrel with a polished concave bezel. It’s an uncommon touch that slims the case while flowing into a gloriously tall boxed sapphire crystal. Taken together, the case and lens measure just under 10.4mm.
It all added up nicely on my 6.75″ wrist. It’s not as small as a formal dress watch, but it is modest enough to wear with a blazer and tie, perhaps even a suit if you were to change the strap to something a bit less rustic. The long lugs and fat dome give it the sort of wrist presence that comes from stylized features as opposed to sheer size. Of course, the low profile meant buttoned shirt cuffs were a non-issue.
Turning to the dial, we find a solid color center surrounded by a brushed blue ring that contains the datematic’s most striking element, its markers, which echo the angular lugs in both general shape and finish. The theme carries into the stylized 12, 6, and 9. I’d call them Art Deco, but they seem too novel for that, and I can’t pin them to a specific typeface. In contrast to the heavy markers, the lumed alpha hands, and arrowhead second hand appear almost needlelike.
Also, consider that framed fan date window. Markwell color-matched the disk, chose a distinctive, fat serif font, printed it roulette-style in pale blue and white, and then threw in a mint green date at 11 just for kicks. Other dials get it at 13. It’s an Easter egg.
It all comes together beautifully. The texture and dimension are especially striking when viewed off-axis, so the shadows accentuate the markers’ height and surface texture. My only criticism is the choice of typeface for the model name and “Swiss Made.” The generic serifed typeface and italic font strike me as a bit uninspired when compared to Markwell’s sharply contemporary logo and the masterful treatment of the numbers.
Markwell offers the datematic in stainless and gold PVD with Bankers Black, Cobalt Blue, and Kelli Green dials. The Cobalt sample arrived on a 20mm Whiskey Brown leather strap with quick-release pins. All variants get 18mm color-matched signed buckles.
The calf leather shows a pronounced pull-up effect and takes on a delightfully rustic, lived-in look in no time. I love the aesthetic, but if you plan on wearing the watch in dressier settings, you might want to pick up one of Markwell’s other options ($24.99)
The Markwell datematic is available now for $656.99, a good discount off the full price of $729.99. It is a terrific piece with ideal proportions, top-notch finishing, and a high-quality movement, but I am even more excited about what it portends for the brand. Markwell has established an appealing aesthetic that incorporates bold yet balanced design elements and shows a willingness to take chances. I can’t wait to see what they will work up next.
For more information or to order a watch, visit markwellwatches.com, and don’t miss the chance to see them in person at District Time, March 8-9, 2025.
