Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The DWISS M3W Wandering Hour 10th Anniversary Limited Edition
A sophisticated upgrade to the M3 model with three satellite discs
Wandering hours are gaining traction in the affordable (midrange) segment with brands like Gorilla and Xeric launching intriguing models. The unusual complication has most often been reserved for luxury pieces like the Urwerk UR-100V T-Rex and Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Capitole, but attainable modules have levelled the playing field a bit. DWISS entered the game last year with the RW1 and its two-disc wandering hours display. The new DWISS M3W Wandering Hour is an evolution of their M3 Watch (which had an unusual “displaced time” dial) and features a three-disc wandering hours setup.
Like the tourbillon, wandering hours is an old concept, developed in the 1600s for clocks (initially for the Pope as the rumour goes). However, it wasn’t adapted for a wristwatch until 1991 with the Star Wheel by Audemars Piguet. So, from a modern perspective, it’s only 30 years old. DWISS is a Swiss brand that focuses on unusual time displays, so wandering hours is a perfect fit. The watchmaker is celebrating its 10th anniversary and is releasing the M3W Limited Edition to mark the occasion. Founder Rafael Simoes Miranda has 15 years of experience designing watches and his design prowess is evident here.
The stainless steel case is carried over from the earlier M3 but has evolved with both a domed bezel and double-domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. The bezel’s edges are polished, as are parts of the sides and crown guard. It’s bold at 42mm in diameter and 14.7mm in height, but certainly not overwhelming and the integrated bracelet helps it wear a bit smaller. There are recessed sections machined on the sides, which create an interesting aesthetic. The crown guard is secured via hex screws, accessible through the recessed sections, and the left side has a matching piece for balance. The screw-down crown comes with a rubber knurled segment and the screw-down case back has a sapphire exhibition window, and both contribute to the 200-metre water resistance rating. An integrated 3-link bracelet features quick-release levers and can be easily swapped with a silicone rubber strap.
The dial steals the show with a three-disc wandering hours display, available in black, white, green or blue (the rubber strap and crown section are colour-matched). The white display has black numerals, while the other three have white. Super-LumiNova BG-W9 is used on the numbers on the discs and minute track that arcs from 10 to 2 o’clock. The design is a bit open-worked as well, so you can see areas of the module underneath.
It all looks complicated, but it’s actually an easy time display to read. The current hour simply glides under the minute track, pointing to the current minute as it goes. Each disc has four numbers and rotates prior to reaching the start of the minute track to display the correct hour. The three discs are supported by an open-wheel structure and it kind of resembles a carnival ride.
Powering the watch is a Sellita SW200 automatic with 25 jewels, 28,800vph (4Hz) and a 38-hour power reserve. Although undecorated, it comes with a custom rotor and a clean, finished appearance. The SW200 is an alternative to the ETA 2824 and is a proven, ubiquitous Swiss workhorse.
The DWISS M3W Wandering Hours 10th Anniversary Limited Edition retails for USD 1,990 with the rubber strap and USD 2,190 with the steel bracelet. It is limited to 500 pieces. That’s quite a deal for such a unique piece and almost half the price of other Swiss counterparts. For more information and to place an order, visit the DWISS website.
Sponsored Post: This article is sponsored by DWISS Watches. However, it reflects the writer’s opinion and has been written according to MONOCHROME’s editorial policy.
