The Auret Mederi — A Distinctive Debut With Colombian Roots

Auret is a new name in the watch industry, but its first collection already has a clear identity. Founded in Colombia by an oncologist and watch enthusiast, the brand approaches watchmaking from a personal perspective. Its starting point is a simple observation: time is something we all share, but once it has passed, we cannot get it back. The Mederi collection translates that idea into a watch, with design details that connect the passage of time to Auret’s Colombian origins.

The collection consists of three automatic watches, each featuring a 40mm stainless steel case, a distinctive 12-sided bezel, and a textured concentric-guilloché dial. Buyers can choose between the black Origin, blue Horizon, and burgundy Permanence versions, all with a fumé finish. Inside, a Swiss-made Sellita movement provides the mechanical foundation, while a custom rotor introduces a more personal detail. With its combination of Swiss watchmaking and Colombian cultural references, the Mederi gives Auret a starting point that feels considered rather than generic.

A 12-sided case and a dial with depth

The Mederi’s most recognizable feature is its dodecagonal bezel. The number 12 plays an important role in Auret’s identity, appearing in the brand’s logo and informing the watch’s design. It represents several familiar divisions of time, from the hours in a day to the months of the year. Auret has made it part of the watch’s physical design. This results in a case with a more geometric appearance than a conventional round watch.

Measuring 40mm in diameter, 46mm from lug to lug, and 10.5mm thick, it combines polished and brushed surfaces to emphasize its angular outline. The construction uses 316L stainless steel, with sapphire crystals on both sides and a screw-down crown. Water resistance is rated at 100 meters. So far, things bode well for the Mederi.

The Mederi’s dial further develops the watch’s visual character. Auret uses a concentric pattern with lines radiating outward from the center. The design’s meaning is rather poetic. It represents “the passing of each second as a ripple spreading from the present moment.” Importantly, this is not simply a shallow, printed pattern. The brand specifies a 2mm line depth, giving the dial considerable texture. A fumé gradient adds another layer to the design. Each color transitions from a punchier tone in the center to black around the perimeter. The effect gives the three versions distinct personalities as the light moves across the dial.

A Colombian detail inside a Swiss movement

Turn the watch over, and the connection to Colombia becomes more apparent. Through the case back’s sapphire display, owners will see a custom brass rotor inspired by the Colombian coffee flower. It’s a thoughtful way to incorporate the brand’s origins into the watch without resorting to more overt symbols.

The movement is the automatic Sellita SW260, providing hours, minutes, small seconds, and a 41-hour power reserve. Auret chose Sellita’s highest level of decoration, D4. This includes perlage on the mainplate and bridges, snailing on the notches and barrel, nickel-plated surfaces, and blued screws. The custom rotor is the main visual attraction, but the finishes ensure the rest of the movement receives its share of attention.

Each Mederi comes with two straps — leather with a rubber lining and fabric with a leather lining. Both feature custom stainless steel folding clasps bearing Auret’s 12-inspired symbol. Quick-release spring bars also allow owners to swap straps without tools.

A characteristic first step

With the Mederi, Auret is entering a competitive segment of the mechanical-watch market. Its combination of a Swiss automatic movement, a detailed dial, and a thoughtful case design makes the collection a strong proposition. I appreciate how its Colombian connection has been subtly incorporated into design elements rather than existing solely as part of the brand’s backstory.

The three versions became available in November 2026, each for €1,750 / US$1,990. Buyers have plenty of established alternatives to consider at that price. Auret will therefore need more than an interesting origin story and inspiration to make its mark. Still, for a debut model, the Mederi offers a coherent design language that feels unique to Auret. It’s certainly a promising starting point for a new independent brand.