I suppose there are other references to Merlin, but I immediately think of the literary wizard. Any which way, it looks to me like Teche has another great watch on offer here.
Here’s the full run-down, but at $171 for the single register (here) or $216 for the three register (here), I’d say it’s a great value along with the solid styling and quality we’ve come to expect from Techne.
Introducing References 249 and 280
from Techné Instruments
Oversized Dial (+21%)
Switzerland-based brand Techné is proud to unveil the Merlin, a slim quartz watch with an oversized dial that offers outstanding legibility.
Inspired by the earliest military timepieces, the Merlin is 38 mm wide (1 ½ in) and features a dial that is 21% wider than the average. As a consequence, this model is “neither too small for a big wrist, nor too big for a small wrist.”
To demonstrate how much 21% adds to legibility,
Techné shot a side-by-side picture with a generic diving watch that is 2 mm wider than the Merlin.
(No timepieces were harmed in the making of this Press Release)
Slim Line and Optimal Readability
Powered by a multifunction quartz mechanism manufactured by Seiko Instruments, theMerlin remains very thin, with only 7 mm (9/32 in) in thickness (excluding crown and curved glass). The space between registers allows for optimal readability and the hands and tracks do glow in the dark thanks to a non-radioactive luminous compound.
Ars Longa, Vita Brevis
The case back of the Merlin is engraved with the first words of the Latin aphorism: “Life is short, craft arduous, opportunity fleeting, experience perilous, and decision difficult.”
The Merlin fits in a range called Principio (the earliest) to reflect both its entry-price and the earliest professional timepieces that it draws inspiration from.
This collection comes in 2 versions:
Ref. 249, with a register showing the seconds
Ref. 280, with three registers showing seconds, date and weekday
As for all other watches made by Techné Instruments, the Merlin is available on a wide range of straps: US military nylon design, UK military nylon design, canvas strap, oiled leather and aged cowhide.
A big data developer and leader with a penchant for gadgets, books, watches and beverages. You can find my work on WristWatchReview, Knapsack.News, and Slushpile.
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