Hands-On With The Improved Maen Hudson GMT MKII

Swedish brand Maen has been optimizing its collection by returning to its roots. The brand has taken an in-depth look at its rapidly expanding catalog to see how far it has strayed from its beginnings. With that perspective, the team started reworking the Hudson series to better reflect what the brand had set out to do originally. At the start of this year, I had the chance to check out the redesigned Hudson 38 MK5 diver, which really impressed me. However, Maen also updated the GMT version of the Hudson. I had a chance to check out the new Maen Hudson GMT MKII to find out whether it was just as impressive.

Just as with the Hudson 38 MK5 diver, the team at Maen reworked the case shape and the construction of the Hudson GMT. It has led to a slimmer case that also has some nice vintage-inspired cues, like a domed box-style sapphire crystal. On top of that, the series was reduced to two variations instead of the four models that were previously available. Maen kept the version with the two-tone brown and black bezel and introduced a new version with a blue and black bezel insert. I had a chance to check out this new version and wear it for a few days.

The redesigned Maen Hudson GMT MKII

Straight out of the box, the new Hudson GMT MKII feels nice and solid. It’s always great when you pick up a watch for the first time and find that it feels well made. This new Hudson certainly made that first and lasting impression.

The redesigned stainless steel case has a 38mm diameter, a 47mm lug-to-lug, and a 13.1mm profile, including the 2.1mm-thick box-style crystal. Because the crystal protrudes so much, the watch looks and feels much thinner than the numbers might suggest. It also features lug holes and an improved brushed finish.

Surrounding the crystal is a 60-click bidirectional bezel with a two-tone insert in blue and black. A fun detail is that the blue shade is really dark. I had to look twice to actually see the difference under artificial light. It looked more like a difference in texture than two colors. But once you see the watch in natural light, the blue becomes visible, and the day/night division is instantly clear. For this new version, Maen added a lume pip at 12 o’clock and a triangle that matches the gilt-colored 24-hour scale on the bezel.

A modest but nicely detailed dial

The black textured dial features printed hour markers filled with beige Super-LumiNova X1. Sitting at 6 o’clock is a faceted date window. The date disc is white with the numerals printed in black. Admittedly, as the lume is beige, the white date disc feels a bit out of place. I would have preferred a black disc with beige printing, or even a beige disc with black printing. On the rehaut, you will find a 60-second/minute scale in white with dark blue 24-hour numerals. These not only support the GMT scale on the bezel but also allow the watch to display three time zones at once. At first, the scale doesn’t stand out, making it a nice detail that adds to the dial’s layered feel.

Hovering over the dial are the large hour and minute hands, both filled with lume. I like their stepped design, and it’s nice that the seconds hand offers a little luminous pip as well. Lastly, the blue arrow-tipped GMT hand is modest but different enough from the other hands to stand out. Overall, I prefer the look of this new GMT to that of the regular Hudson diver. The subtly two-tone bezel insert and the extra GMT hand add a nice touch of color and detail.

Finishing the look is the new five-row bracelet featuring a mix of brushed and polished links. It also includes quick-release end links and a clasp featuring a toolless micro-adjustment system.

The Sellita SW330-2

Inside the case, Maen equips the Hudsont GMT MKII with the Elaboré-grade Sellita SW330-2. This automatic caller-style GMT caliber operates at 28,800 vph, features 25 jewels, and provides a 56-hour power reserve. It is regulated in four positions and has an average accuracy of ±5 seconds per day with a maximum deviation of 20 seconds per day in all positions. While the Sellita SW330-2 does not offer the much-desired practicality of a flyer-style caliber, it is known to be a reliable GMT movement and a good pick for the new Maen Hudson GMT MKII. It sits safely hidden behind the screw-in case back featuring vertical brushing and a polished outer ring.

Wearing the Maen Hudson GMT MKII

Sizing the bracelet was very easy thanks to the screw-fastened links and the clasp with an on-the-fly micro-adjustment system. Additionally, handling the bracelet immediately emphasized the overall build quality. I was impressed by how good and pleasingly hefty the watch feels. On top of that, the bracelet feels sturdy without sacrificing the flexibility that makes the watch comfortable. Once on the wrist, the Hudson GMT MKII feels nicely proportioned. The 38mm case feels right at home on my wrist, and, as mentioned, it looks much slimmer than its 13.1mm thickness might suggest.

I am also a fan of the black and dark blue bezel. As I already explained, the nuance of the two colors is really nice. It makes the watch feel refined and stylish, especially when paired with the dial and bezel’s retro vibe. Despite the vintage-inspired colors, the watch doesn’t feel like it’s mimicking a watch from the past. As a result, it has a contemporary relevance that I love.

Final thoughts on the Maen Hudson GMT MKII

Overall, I loved spending time with the redesigned Maen Hudson GMT MKII. Besides the smart updates resulting in a slimmer case, the watch also looks better. Especially compared to the Hudson MK5, it has more character, and I greatly prefer it over the brand’s series of divers.

All in all, Maen did an excellent job updating the Hudson GMT, and this MKII is among the best travel watches you can buy for the money. It’s a watch that is easy to like on the outside, and once on the wrist, it becomes even better. If we consider the €1,349 price, this becomes an even better, affordable GMT. That price, however, is on a black rubber strap. If you want the watch on the five-row steel bracelet, it will be €189 more, bringing the total to €1,538, including 21% VAT. Maen also sells a Jubilee-style bracelet for an additional €159.

However, the brand will offer the two color variants of the Hudson GMT MKII for a special pre-order price of €1,249 from May 20th to 24th on its official website. If you are a VIP/email list member, you can get it during that same window for €1,199. Honestly, there aren’t many sub-€1,500 watches that beat the Maen Hudson GMT MKII in terms of looks and quality. This is a great update to the brand’s Hudson GMT series, and I thoroughly enjoyed wearing it while we had it in the office.