Hands-On With The Redesigned Maen Hudson 38 MK5
Working in this industry, I sometimes find it strange how I can go for so long without trying a watch that has been available for years. That’s the case with the Maen Hudson diver. The Stockholm-based brand with Dutch roots first introduced the Hudson in 2018. The modern dive watch has evolved, and almost eight years later, we have arrived at the fifth iteration. With this new generation of the Hudson, Maen goes back to the beginning. The case was completely redesigned and the construction updated to reflect the original concept of the Maen Hudson. I had a chance to go hands-on with the new Hudson 38 MK5.
A quick look reveals that the overall appearance of the Maen Hudson has not drastically changed. While I might not have had a hands-on experience before, earlier iterations have caught my attention whenever they were announced. Now, in all honesty, the Hudson has never been my favorite from the brand. The Manhattan series and the Brooklyn 36 Triple Calendar have been my favorites that stood out immediately upon release. Recently, I’ve also been curious about trying out the Manhattan 37 Ultra-Slim. But first, this redesigned Maen Hudson 38 MK5.
The story of the Maen Hudson 38 MK5
So, what does going back to the principles of the Maen Hudson mean? Well, Maen’s founders, Sebastiaan Cortjaens and Jules van Helvoort, wanted the Hudson to be the perfect affordable tool watch. After four generations and seven years, that meant it was time to go back and redesign it. It all starts with the updated case, which has a 38mm diameter and a 47mm lug-to-lug. Though the Hudson 38 MK5 has a 13mm profile, including the 2mm-thick box-type sapphire crystal on top, the steel case itself is slimmer than previous versions.
Additionally, it features drilled lug holes and improved finishing. The case is predominantly brushed but has some nice visual touches thanks to the polished parts. But if you look closely, you will also see a mix of brushing techniques to add interest.
The new case features a steel bezel with a polished ceramic insert featuring a full set of 60-minute markers. After many requests, the bezel insert now features a lume pip. Depending on the version that you prefer, the lume pip is set in a red or white triangular marker.
A new dial and textured finish
Inside the case lies a new sandblasted and textured dial. Our loaner had a black one, but Maen also offers variants with a stylish dial in dark blue. Additionally, you can choose between versions with or without a date. While those two blue dials are the same otherwise, some details differ on the black-dial models. The date version has some extra red details that give it a bit more color. As you can see, ours did not have a date window, and I prefer this for its cleaner look.
The textured black dial is matched with a set of polished rectangular hour markers filled with Super-LumiNova X1. Hovering over the dial are two wide, lume-filled baton-style hands for the hours and minutes, as well as a lumed lollipop hand for the seconds.
The use of Super-LumiNova X1 ensures that the lume performance has improved over the previous versions. The only hint of color on the dial is the Hudson name in red, which adds a nice detail. The watch’s overall presence is relatively modest for a dive watch, and I like that. It makes the Hudson 38 MK5 a great daily wearer in a variety of different situations.
The movement and bracelet
Inside the case, Maen has updated the caliber to the La Joux-Perret G100. This automatic movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, features 24 jewels, and offers a 68-hour power reserve. It’s a switch from the Sellita SW200-1 that powered the previous generation of the Hudson. The G100 has an average daily accuracy of ±12 seconds, which matches Sellita’s. But the significant upgrade is, of course, the generous 68-hour power reserve when fully wound.
The new Maen Hudson 38 MK5 is available with a five-row bracelet that’s similar to what previous versions had. But the brand has also upgraded the bracelet, which now features quick-release end links. Additionally, the clasp now contains a toolless micro-adjustment system, making on-the-fly sizing easy.
The overall quality of the bracelet is very decent. However, the Hudson MK5 comes standard with a black rally-style FKM rubber strap. This costs €899. If you want the stainless steel five-row bracelet, you have to add it for €189, bringing the total to €1,088, including 21% VAT.
Wearing the Maen Hudson 38 MK5
Once on the wrist, the Maen Hudson 38 MK5 proves to be a very comfortable daily wearer. Sizing the bracelet was easy thanks to the screw pins, which are easy to remove. After sizing it perfectly with the micro-adjustment system, it was smooth sailing from there. I like the overall proportions of the Hudson 38 MK5. The watch sits firmly on the wrist, and its relatively slender overall profile makes it easy to wear.
In terms of presence, this predominantly black version is modest. To be honest, I would prefer the no-date blue-dial variant. That dial makes the Hudson MK5 look a bit more stylish and keeps it from becoming boring.
That’s not to say that this black version is necessarily boring. There are indeed quite a few details that spice up the presence if you look closely. But the overall presence is almost too modest for me at times. It could use a bit more character to make it stand out from competitors. But other than that, it is a perfectly competent and comfortable dive watch that could perfectly serve as your daily wearer.
The redesigned Maen Hudson 38 MK5 offers an optimized case design that is a pleasure to wear, and the production quality is good for a watch around €1,000. I loved turning the solid-feeling 120-click dive bezel, and a nice series of soft clicks defined the sound.
The bracelet and clasp offer great daily comfort and also feel well made. Though the aesthetic of the Hudson 38 may not be for everyone, if it speaks to you, there is no going wrong with the new MK5 version that is available now on Maen’s official website. Let me know what you think of it in the comments below.
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