Clemence Unleashes the Photic MKII: A Dive Watch Reimagined for the Modern Enthusiast

Well, folks, hold onto your hats – or rather, your wrists! Clemence, that fantastic British microbrand known for punching way above its weight, has officially pulled back the curtain on the Photic MKII. And let me tell you, it's been worth the wait. Many of us remember the original Photic MK1; it flew off the shelves, practically becoming an instant classic for its blend of vintage charm and solid build quality. Now, its successor is here, and it looks like Clemence has listened intently to every whisper and wish from their passionate community.

This isn't just a simple facelift, mind you. The Photic MKII represents a thoughtful evolution, taking everything good about its predecessor and finessing it into something even more compelling. They’ve retained that undeniable vintage dive watch aesthetic that made the MK1 so beloved, but injected it with a fresh, contemporary spirit. It’s clear the brand sweats the small stuff, paying meticulous attention to detail that really elevates the entire package.

Under the hood, or rather, behind that solid case back, beats the ever-reliable Miyota 9039 automatic movement. This is a brilliant choice, honestly. It’s a robust, no-nonsense engine, known for its accuracy and durability – perfect for a tool watch like this. And here’s a detail that’ll make many watch purists nod in approval: it’s a no-date movement. That means a beautifully clean, symmetrical dial, free from any visual distractions. It’s a subtle touch, but it speaks volumes about Clemence’s understanding of what enthusiasts truly appreciate.

Let's talk dimensions, because comfort is key, right? The Photic MKII sports a versatile 39mm stainless steel case. For many, myself included, this is that sweet spot – substantial enough to feel like a proper watch, but not so oversized that it becomes cumbersome. Coupled with a very wearable 46mm lug-to-lug measurement and a slim 12.5mm thickness, it promises to sit beautifully on a wide range of wrists. And, of course, being a proper dive watch, it boasts a serious 300 meters of water resistance. This isn't merely a desk diver; it's genuinely ready to plunge into the depths with you.

Visually, the MKII is quite striking. You’ve got a choice of classic dial colours: a deep, inky black, a vibrant blue, or a crisp, elegant white. The applied indices are generously filled with C3 Super-LumiNova, guaranteeing superb legibility even in the murkiest conditions – or, you know, just in a dimly lit room. Encircling that lovely dial is a unidirectional, 120-click bezel, topped with a durable ceramic insert available in either matching black or a sleek grey. It clicks with satisfying precision, a hallmark of a well-engineered dive watch.

But wait, there's more – and this is a feature I genuinely get excited about: the bracelet. The stainless steel bracelet itself is robust and well-finished, as you’d expect. However, the real showstopper is the clasp. It features a toolless micro-adjust system! This is a game-changer for daily wear. Imagine, no more fiddling with pushpins or tiny screwdrivers when your wrist swells a little in the heat, or you just want that perfect, snug fit. It’s a premium detail often found on watches costing significantly more, making the Photic MKII incredible value.

Rounding out the package, you'll find a resilient sapphire crystal protecting that gorgeous dial, complete with an anti-reflective coating to minimize glare. It’s everything you’d expect from a high-quality modern timepiece.

Now, about getting your hands on one. The Clemence Photic MKII is currently available for pre-order at a very attractive price of £549. Once the pre-order phase concludes, the retail price will settle at £599. If you’re eyeing this beauty, the pre-order window is definitely the time to jump in! Delivery is anticipated towards the end of 2024, so you’ll have something genuinely exciting to look forward to.

All in all, the Photic MKII isn’t just another dive watch; it’s a statement from Clemence. It reinforces their commitment to delivering exceptional quality, thoughtful design, and genuine value, all while clearly listening to the very community that champions them. If you’re searching for a robust, stylish, and incredibly well-spec’d dive watch that oozes charm and functionality, then the Photic MKII absolutely deserves a spot on your radar. It’s a genuinely exciting release, and I, for one, can’t wait to see them out in the wild.