We’ve gone hands-on with a few different models from Maals, and each one has had some unique touches. Today’s review of the Maals Duetto shows that they can turn that uniqueness dial all the way up to 11.
Maals Duetto: what it is
First things first, we need to talk about what the Maals Duetto is. Why? Well, because it’s a layout that we’re not used to see very much of. Simply put, the watch is a single-button chronograph. That’s what the elongated button at the 2 o’clock position is for. First press, the central seconds starts running. Second press, timing stops, and the third press, that resets the whole thing.
To further mix it up, the registers are done differently as well. Rather than a handset, you’ve got small discs marking out the time. The one at 9 o’clock is your running, or small, seconds, while the one at 12 o’clock records the chronograph minutes. So, definitely a different display, and an uncommon layout as well.
But what about that other pusher?
Taking a look at the crown, you see that there’s another button at the 4 o’clock position. What’s that for, you ask? Well, since we have a mono-pusher chronograph setup (courtesy of the Sellita SW500 MP b), that button is not for the movement. Well, in a way, it is, I suppose.
You see, that button is for releasing the cover on the back of the case, that exposes the movement (which still is covered by a sapphire crystal). So, with this setup, you’ve got a half Hunter case. You can think of it sort of like a pocket watch, which had a cover that usually went over the dial. With this, we can’t think of a practical reason why you’d want/need the additional cover there, but it is another unique layer to the watch.
Wearing the Maals Duetto
At first glance (of the spec sheet), the watch comes across as being very wearable and comfortable, with a 41mm diameter case. What you may not realize, though, is that the combination of the Hunter case cover, along with the mono-pusher automatic movement, makes for a rather thick watch. Fortunately, the lugs are curved down to account for this, and we didn’t encounter any issues with the watch slipping and sliding around on our wrist. The main callout with the thickness is that, if you have tighter cuffs on your shirt, you might not be able to slip the watch under.
Wrapping things up
While a chronograph isn’t necessarily my cup of tea, I’m glad to see brands like Maals pushing their designs in new and interesting directions, and I’m glad we got to spend some time with these prototypes.
Right now, the pre-order is open for the Maals Duetto, and you can select from either a red or a green dial (on a color-matched strap), or a white dial on a blue strap. When the pre-order opens up on June 15th, pricing is anticipated to be £1,495 (about $2,000), with it going up to £1,795 ($2,400) 30 days later. At this time, delivery being planned to be before the end of 2025. Check out all the details, and place your pre-order, directly over at maals.co.uk
Maals Duetto Tech Specs
- 41mm 316L stainless steel half hunter case – polished & brushed finishes
- Engraving to the rear door
- Circular graining to inside case door
- Custom push button spring catch to half hunter door
- Polished onion crown
- Custom chronograph sub-dial discs
- Brushed lancet-style hands with Super-LumiNova® tips
- Super-LumiNova® indexes, dial logo and numbers
- Cambered front sapphire screen, AR coating both sides
- Sapphire rear screen AR coating both sides
- Water resistance: 10 ATM
- Chronograph sweeping second hand
- 20mm lug
- Italian leather strap with engraved polished steel buckle
- Movement
- Sellita SW500 MP b Self-winding – monopusher chronograph – date
- Decorated Cam operated chronograph – single push-button at 2 o’clock
- Circular graining decoration and côtes de Genève engraving
- Circular-graining on the main plate
- Snailing on the barrel
- Blued screws
- Hours, minutes and small second at 9 o’clock
- 60 seconds counter in the center
- 30 minutes counter at 12 o’clock
- Date with quick setting
- Self-winding mechanism with ball bearing
- Stop second device
- 28’800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
- 25 jewels
- Typical power reserve: 62 hours
