Hands-On With The Futurustic-Looking Makina Azazel_I

Sometimes, a watch that needs some time to sink in lands on my desk. When I first laid my eyes on the Makina Azazel_I, I knew it was one of those. You can immediately see that it’s a futuristic watch created with an unapologetic concept at its core. The design combines a remarkable case and an abstract dial, resulting in a watch that people will probably love or hate. After letting the looks sink in for a bit, I took the Makina Azazel_I for a spin to find out more.

When I first saw the watch, it reminded me of the Makina Mephisto_III GMT models that I reviewed earlier this year. While I vividly remember the inaugural watches from the Filipino brand, they weren’t as extravagant as the Azazel_I. This new watch takes a bold approach and is rather brutalist in its execution. It features a sculptural stainless steel case with a sandblasted finish. Add the futuristic dial, and this looks like a watch that survived some apocalyptic circumstances. Let’s find out more about the details of the Makina Azazel_I.

The story of the Makina Azazel_I

The Makina Azazel_I has a 40mm 316L stainless steel case with a 12.2mm profile and a 46mm lug-to-lug. As mentioned, the case has a sandblasted finish. Even the case back has the texture of sandblasted steel, so the exterior looks and feels uniform throughout. The case also has a unidirectional 60-minute bezel that turns with 120 firm, reassuring clicks. It’s easy to grip, and turning the bezel is quite satisfying. It’s proof of the watch’s great build quality.

Topping the case is a domed sapphire crystal with three layers of antireflective coating. It makes it easy to read the time from all angles. Speaking of which, the multilayered brass dial with its sand-textured finish is a remarkable creation. In addition to the black base, it features a white circular shape consisting of six parts, with three on each side. The ends of these lumed components form markers at the even hours. The center of the dial features a recessed circle that connects to three stripe-shaped hour markers. The last three indexes, at 1, 5, and 10 o’clock, are recessed dots, completing the remarkable set.

The dial is a futuristic creation

Another remarkable element is the rotating disc for the small seconds at 6 o’clock. It features a little illuminated cut-out dot and strip to indicate the seconds. Its style matches the luminous circle and the modern handset. It features similar hands for the hours and minutes, with the minute hand being slightly longer. Both feature white lume that lights up blue, along with the circular shape, the small seconds indicator, and the logo on the upper half of the dial. It’s an abstract creation that immediately stands out and is not for the fans of traditional dials.

Finishing the watch’s look is a nice and supple gray silicone strap with a sandblasted buckle. The strap features many rectangular holes, making it easy to get the perfect fit on the wrist. The pattern of holes also adds a visual aspect that I like.

Inside the case, Makina chose to use the Sellita SW260-1. This automatic caliber is a version of the standard SW200-1 with an adjusted layout to display small seconds. The movement operates at 28,800vph, has 31 jewels, and offers 42 hours of power reserve.

Wearing the Makina Azazel_I

The first impression of the Makina Azazel_I was that it felt somewhat foreign. That was due to the case back’s sandblasted finish because it creates a weird, rough sensation on the wrist. Once I got used to that, though, I could focus on the remarkable looks of the watch. What stands out is that the case proportions are perfect for my 18.5cm wrist. Despite its rough, sculpted look, the watch doesn’t feel or look too big, and that’s a major plus.

But I also had to get used to setting the time. Because the indexes for the even and uneven hours are not on the same scale, it took some practice to navigate the dial properly. But I also quickly found charm in this little visual puzzle. It fits the futuristic nature of the watch and adds a fun twist to the brutalist concept. Despite the modest size of the screw-down crown, it is easy to unscrew. The knurling and the sandblasted finish make it very easy to operate as well.

Final thoughts

The flexible silicone strap helped make the Makina Azazel_I a joy to wear. The strap is comfortable and very supple, yet it’s sturdy enough to balance the watch nicely on the wrist. Once on the wrist, I also started appreciating the sculpture of the case. As you can see, it is anything but average.

It feels angular but never sharp. The shapes are elegant yet outspoken, making wearing the Azazel_I an interesting experience. While the design may not be for everyone, it does feel welcoming once on the wrist. As mentioned, this is a watch that most will likely love or hate based on looks alone, but it was great to experience how it grew on me.

Overall, I had fun wearing this new Makina Azazel_I. It was a great break from more conventional designs, and I loved that. Additionally, it was great to conclude that the watch is not just about the design. It also sits well and comfortably on the wrist, which makes finding love for the design much easier.

So, kudos to Makina for creating a watch that combines bold, futuristic design with great wearability. At US$900, this watch is for people who like something different. I recommend checking the new Azazel_I out if you have the chance. For our American-based readers, the earliest possibilities will be at Windup Chicago (July 11–13) and Intersect Los Angeles (July 18–19), where the brand will be present. I would recommend having a look because you will be surprised.

Explore the full collection on Makina’s official website, where you will also find more info on the Azazel_I.

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