The Maen Manhattan series has carved out a distinct niche in the contemporary watch landscape, celebrated for its refined take on 1970s-inspired design. Building on this foundation, Maen has unveiled its latest collection: the Manhattan Stone Dial Series. This new release sees the Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin model reimagined with three unique natural stone dials, each offering a distinctive character that enhances the watch's inherent elegance and retro charm.
A Canvas of Natural Beauty
The Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin serves as the foundation for this new series. This model is known for its sleek profile and integrated design, which draws inspiration from classic sports-luxe watches of the 1970s while maintaining an original identity. The case measures 37mm in diameter, with a lug-to-lug distance of 47.4mm, and a remarkably slim thickness of just 7.1mm. This svelte dimension is a testament to the careful engineering and movement choice that defines the Ultra-Thin designation.
The stainless steel case features a combination of brushed and polished finishes, creating a dynamic interplay of light that highlights its angular yet fluid lines. The integrated three-row bracelet seamlessly extends from the case, tapering gracefully from 24mm down to 16mm, and secures with a hidden butterfly clasp that bears the brand's 'M' monogram. This thoughtful construction ensures a comfortable and elegant fit on the wrist, contributing to the watch's overall sophisticated presence.
The Allure of Stone Dials
The centerpiece of this new collection is undoubtedly the trio of natural stone dials: Black Onyx, Golden Swan, and Snowflake Obsidian. Each material brings its own unique visual texture and depth, transforming the Manhattan's aesthetic. Maen's approach to these dials is minimalist, allowing the inherent beauty and character of the stone to take precedence. The dial design has been refined to its purest form, featuring only the brand's logo on the upper half, two lines of text on the lower half, and 'Swiss Made' at 6 o'clock. A new pencil-style handset has also been introduced, providing a sharper and more refined appearance that complements the clean dial.
Black Onyx
The Black Onyx dial offers a deep, mirror-like black surface that exudes a sense of timeless sophistication. This variant gives the Manhattan a super-stylish and understated presence, making it a versatile choice for various occasions. The minimal text on the dial stands out subtly against the dark background, adding a touch of detail without distracting from the stone's profound depth.
Golden Swan
The Golden Swan dial introduces a warm and rich aesthetic to the collection. Its golden tones evoke a distinct 1970s aura, perfectly aligning with the Manhattan's design inspiration. The natural texture of the Golden Swan stone adds depth and vibrancy, creating a luxurious and expressive look that makes each piece feel individual and lively.
Snowflake Obsidian
The Snowflake Obsidian dial is perhaps the most distinctive of the three. This rare volcanic stone features natural light markings against a dark base, creating a unique pattern that ensures no two dials are exactly alike. The black-and-grey speckles offer a bold and unique statement, providing a lively and contrasting texture that immediately catches the eye. This option caters to those who appreciate a watch with a truly one-of-a-kind appearance, combining texture and character in a special way.
The Heart of the Watch: La Joux-Perret D101 Movement
Powering these new Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin models is the La Joux-Perret D101 caliber. This manual-winding movement is a key factor in achieving the watch's impressive slimness. Operating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) and equipped with 18 jewels, the D101 provides a reliable power reserve of approximately 50 hours. The movement is a time-only version of LJP's popular D100, a caliber increasingly favored by independent brands for its quality and compact dimensions.
Maen's choice of the D101 movement allowed for a significant reduction in case thickness, achieving a 24 percent decrease from previous models, down from 9.3mm to the current 7.1mm. This commitment to an ultra-thin profile enhances the watch's wearing comfort and contributes to its elegant, close-to-the-wrist fit. The movement is visible through an open sapphire case back, allowing appreciation of its blued screws and precise Côtes de Genève finishing, which combine precision with aesthetic appeal.
Availability and Pricing
The Maen Manhattan Stone Dial Series is set to be available starting August 28, 2026. Initially, Maen will produce a limited run of 100 pieces for each dial variation, totaling 300 watches. Each watch in this exclusive series is priced at €1,359.20, excluding taxes. Following the sell-out of this initial production, Maen plans to offer additional runs through a pre-order model, indicating the brand's confidence in the enduring appeal of these stone-dial variants. This release underscores Maen's dedication to blending classic design sensibilities with unique material choices, offering collectors and enthusiasts a distinctive addition to their watch collections.
Written by Man of the Hour.