Define Watches presents The Watch Journal — a place for thoughtful articles about the craft, precision, and people who shape independent watchmaking today.
The Watch Journal is an editorial extension of Define Watches, created to share the stories, knowledge, and passion that connect us to the world of fine mechanical watchmaking. It’s a place where craftsmanship, heritage, and technical precision meet genuine appreciation for artistry and design.
Here, we feature in-depth articles, brand insights, technical guides, and news from the independent German, Swiss and Austrian watchmakers we represent.
The Sinn EZM 19 approaches the instrument watch from an unusual direction, focusing on the needs of professional command staff rather than pilots, divers or
The Hanhart MAD Preventor HD12 takes a distinctly modern approach to the return of smaller watches. Rather than simply shrinking an existing design, Hanhart and
Thirty years after Mühle-Glashütte launched its first wristwatches, the Marinefliegeruhr-I is back. The Edition 2026 retains much of the distinctive character of the 1996 model
Anniversary watches can sometimes amount to little more than a new dial colour and an inscription on the case back. The Habring² x Define Watches
Understand how simple, annual and perpetual calendar watches differ, and how mechanical movements account for changing month lengths and leap years in practical terms.
The best everyday watches rarely rely on a single impressive specification. Their appeal comes from the way size, legibility, water resistance, comfort, servicing and restrained
A 12-piece anniversary edition celebrating 200 years since the birth of Moritz Grossmann. Its extraordinary turquoise-blue dial is finished using the traditional technique of silver-plating
Peter Kotsa explores the Sinn 104 series model, highlighting its design aesthetic, the functionality of its 12-hour bidirectional bezel, and the performance of the Sellita
One of the things we love about working with independent brands is that everything is real – the tech, the people, the designs, and the
Peter Kotsa: I love it when watch manufacturers bring value for money back onto the equation. This new Damasko DF10 Black and White seems to
The Hanhart Square by Square Mother-of-Pearl is perhaps the most unexpected watch to come from Hanhart in recent memory. Its multi-faceted shaped case, deeply stepped
Why independent watchmaking feels personal, from the maker’s intent to the retailer relationship and the collector’s connection with the finished watch over time.
Hanhart AQUASPHERE Matt Black dive watch with a 42 mm steel case, ceramic bezel, Swiss automatic movement and 300-metre water resistance.
Dress watches are defined less by size than by proportion, restraint and the relationship between every visible detail. This article considers dial simplicity, case finishing
A higher beat rate can produce a smoother seconds hand and help a movement recover from brief disturbances, but it also brings greater demands on
A watch may begin as a mechanical object, but years of wear can turn it into something far more personal. We consider why collectors connect
German watch design is often called functional, but that only tells part of the story. From hardened tool watches to polished dress pieces and hand-finished
The Hanhart THERMOSPHERE Limited Edition is more than a fire service-inspired watch. Built around breathing apparatus timing procedures, this 42 mm tool watch limited to
This article reflects on the appeal of retro-inspired watches and why restrained design still feels so compelling. It considers smaller case sizes, traditional dial layouts,
For those who appreciate independent watchmaking with real artistic intent, the Home 2 is a rare opportunity. It brings together Hundertwasser’s world of organic architecture
