A Hands-On Introduction To The Abinger Nimrod — A Promising Debut

In a crowded field of microbrand watches, the Abinger Nimrod sets out to distinguish itself. It is pitched as a compact, versatile diver that also works as a travel companion. The question is whether this debut offers more than just a fresh name on the scene. I got a chance to try one and see what’s what.

The Nimrod combines robust specifications with a thoughtful concept. With the careful attention to proportions and details you typically associate with one-person passion projects, it is made to feel both rugged and refined. Let’s explore what this newcomer brings to the table.

A new player in town

Abinger is the brainchild of Thomas Howison Hill, who discovered his love for mechanical watches after receiving a Montblanc as a gift. The sight of a finely finished movement left a lasting impression, sparking a journey into horology. Over time, visits to fairs and meetings with small-scale makers inspired him to start a watch brand of his own.

Tom’s vision for Abinger revolves around travel in the broadest sense. It is not only about luxury holidays but also the daily journeys and adventures that shape our lives. The website even opens with “Designed for anything. Built for anyone.” I reckon, then, that we can safely state that Abinger aims to build GADA (go anywhere, do anything) watches.

Tom describes that he initially planned on creating a fixed-bezel, time-only model. Along the way, he got inspired to push it further and create a travel-focused diver instead. I am quite curious to see his vision of a time-only model, but I am sure he will release it at some point in the future.

The Abinger Nimrod

So, the Nimrod is Abinger’s debut model. It was conceived as a go-anywhere diver with the versatility to adapt to any situation. Its mix of compact dimensions, subtle styling, and solid build makes it equally suitable for underwater use, outdoor adventures, and everyday wear.

The name Nimrod hints at several adventure-related sources of inspiration. Chief among them is a modified anti-submarine airplane, but he also mentions Ernest Shackleton’s Nimrod expedition. Tom adds other little hints of his sources of inspiration. The curly 6, for instance, hints at both his background in fabrics and interior design, where William Morris, with his baroque-ish dessins, serves as a subject of his admiration. The number is also modeled after the six on his grail watch, the Glashütte Original Sea Q.

Abinger Nimrod specs

The watch’s bezel has a 38.5mm diameter, while the case itself measures a half-millimeter less with a 45mm lug-to-lug span. Thanks to a 10.9mm profile, the Nimrod feels nice and slim for a diver. It is made of 316L stainless steel with a hard coating (1,200 HV) for extra scratch resistance. The watch also offers a solid 200m water resistance rating. Interestingly, the entire case and bracelet are brushed, with only a single polished chamfer on the back. Tom states that the watch isn’t meant to show off but, instead, to hide scratches. In his words, “Business at the front. Party in the back.”

The dial comes in three variations — green Herne, brown Ardent Fell, and black Nightfire. Each features a sunburst finish with molded ceramic markers in BGW9 lume. Arabic numerals add clarity, while the 12-hour bezel offers the possibility to track a second time zone, not elapsed dive time. Fully lumed and fitted with a DLC-coated steel insert, it looks subdued and clear. A sapphire crystal with an internal antireflective coating covers the dial, while a sapphire-equipped display case back reveals the movement.

Inside ticks the automatic Miyota 9039. This relatively slim caliber keeps the overall profile down while delivering around 42 hours of power reserve. It is regulated to run within a range of -10 to +15 seconds per day.

Wearing the Abinger Nimrod

Two things immediately stood out to me when I opened the packaging. First, the Abinger Nimrod looks neat, clean, and subdued. Tom’s ambition of keeping it subtle worked out. Second, the proportions come across as similarly subtle.

The Nimrod wears very well, largely thanks to its modest dimensions. It is nice and thin for a 200m-rated dive watch. All in all, you forget that you are wearing it very quickly, which I like. The short H-links of the bracelet and the toolless micro-adjustment mechanism help with wearing comfort and perfect sizing. Abinger includes bayonet quick-release pins on the bracelet as well.

The Nimrod on an optional strap

I am not 100% convinced of the choice of a 12-hour bezel. Abinger clearly chose to emphasize the traveling side of the watch rather than the diving prowess. I would have probably chosen differently, but that’s subjective.

Initial impressions of Abinger’s debut

At this point, I should probably state the Abinger Nimrod’s price. The watch costs £650, and that means you get a lot of watch for your money. Abinger ticks all the typical specs boxes. You get a trusted movement, proper water resistance, a sapphire sandwich, a quick-release bracelet, and easy micro-adjustability. It also looks and feels decently made.

All in all, this is a promising debut for the young brand. My one doubt is about clarity in positioning. Trust me when I say that I get the tendency to draw inspiration from everywhere. However, in a world filled with adventure/GADA watches, you are going to need a clear story to claim a position. A watch for anything and anyone feels perhaps a bit safe.

That said, I prefer to see a decent watch from a company still finding its niche than a slickly branded subpar timekeeper. I will be following Abinger going forward, and I wish Tom a very successful presale! Preorders can be placed now, with deliveries expected in March 2026.

What do you think of the Abinger Nimrod? Let us know in the comments section below!