Hands-On With The New Clemence Photic MKII Divers

Admittedly, I don’t try many microbrand watches. I have nothing against them, but I haven’t found many here in the UK. This all changed when I attended the World Time UK event in late September with my buddies Dave (of Fratello fame), Lawrence, and Parm. I saw some nice things, but one of the standout brands was Clemence. For a young, Leith, Scotland-based brand founded in 2021, the watches were impressive. It was after this that we opted to go hands-on with the new Photic MKII divers.

There are numerous excellent microbrands today, making it almost seem silly to overlook them, especially when considering affordable watches. Still, some are better than others, and it almost seems like the value they can pack into their watches increases by the week. Considering the rampant surge in prices from larger brands, that’s a wild thought. From my vantage point, the new Clemence Photic MKII diver is so chock full of value that it’s hard to comprehend. Plus, it’s even assembled in Britain. For those looking to order a great holiday gift that will arrive after the New Year, this could be the ticket.

The Clemence Photic MKII divers

Before we get into the specifics of the Photic MKII, it’s important to note that we covered the original model back in 2021. Have a look at that article, where Dave was already impressed. What I can say is that this update brings a more mature, thinner, and value-laden offering. For starters, the watches have a 39.5mm diameter, a 46.5mm lug-to-lug, and a mere 10.5mm total thickness. Clemence chose 316L stainless steel as the case medium but added a hardened coating that offers five times the scratch resistance. The spec sheet continues to impress with a 904L steel 120-click unidirectional bezel that uses a ball bearing for exactness. A sapphire 60-minute insert contains luminous markings.

Regarding the crystal, the watches use a low-profile box-type sapphire with eight (!!) layers of underside antireflective coating. At 3 o’clock sits a large, knurled 7.5mm screw-down crown that feels solid and reliable. The water resistance rating is more than adequate at 200 meters. From an accessory perspective, the watch is available on a bracelet or strap. The former is a three-row design with 20mm end links and a 4mm taper to the clasp. It has screwed-in, fully articulating links. Also, it contains quick-release spring bars and a push-button folding clasp. Finally, whereas the original model had a typical external push-button micro-adjustment feature, this differs. Under the clasp, there’s a slim, barely noticeable toggle that extends the bracelet. It’s even possible to tighten it when the watch is on the wrist. The other option is a black Tropic-style rubber strap with a signed stainless pin buckle.

Recognizable dial styling

The Photic MKII’s dial design is clearly an evolution of the original’s. However, it now looks more serious with higher-quality elements. Five options are available and include a matte black dial with a slate bezel (Moray), a yellow dial with a black bezel (Nemo), a gray dial with a slate bezel (Shoal), a black dial with a yellow bezel (Kraken), and a blue gradient dial with a black bezel (Photic – Gilt). For our hands-on, I spent time with the Nemo and the Shoal. An important disclaimer is that both of these watches were prototypes with slight case differences compared to the production pieces.

A regulated Miyota 9039

Like the 2021 model, the new Photic MKII uses the Miyota 9039, but there’s a catch. As Dave mentioned in his original review, this is a well-liked automatic caliber because of its reliability, serviceability, and thinness. It has a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a 42-hour power reserve. But just when we think it’s a bog-standard version, Clemence surprises us by having it regulated in three positions. The result is a claimed accuracy of ±12 seconds per day. Sure, that’s not chronometer spec, but it’s better than most entry-level automatic divers that aren’t using quartz movements. Also, the case has a soft iron inner cage, which provides resistance to magnetic fields of >25,000 A/m. Very cool!

Let’s wear these babies!

Admittedly, when I receive watches for hands-on testing, I usually find myself in one of two camps. The first and more likely scenario is that I like the watch but barely wear it. The rarer situation is that the watches hardly ever leave my wrist. Folks, my time with both Photic MKII divers was a firm second scenario. Here are some overall takeaways. These watches feature case finishing that outshines watches costing multiples more.

The prototype (above) and the final production version (below)

Design-wise, the case is unique from the side, which is nice to see in a sea of lookalikes. Plus, it has drilled lug holes, which I love to see. Do note that the finished product has an even more sculpted profile, a difference shown in the photo above. Finally, and I’ve said this before with other small-brand watches, the bracelet is superb. Big brands, far and wide, get your act together because there’s no excuse for a clunky, uncomfortable design now.

When color makes a difference

The two Photic MKII divers I spent time with couldn’t have been more different. The Nemo is bright and came on a strap. The Shoal has a more traditional dive-watch colorway with its dark tones. Surprisingly, I preferred the Nemo with its yellow dial. Perhaps it was the black surrounds on the indexes and hands, but I’d likely give greater credit to the interesting hue. The yellow has some orange in it, and the surface, while matte, seems to take on metallic properties in the light.

Also, I think the mix of Arabic numerals and baton indexes appears more modern in this color combination. Overall, it was nice to experience an uncommonly shaded yellow diver that didn’t channel the ultra-bright Doxa Divingstar. Plus, the black bezel insert perfectly contrasts the dial.

Tactile observations

People always ask about the feel of a bezel on a diver. After all, slop isn’t good, and it’s usually the mark of a shoddily made watch. Thankfully, the Photic MKII feels fantastic, with no backlash and just the right amount of tension. Plus, even though these weren’t the finished products, the alignment was perfect. Ditto on the screw-down crown. There was no wobble with it extended, and the threads felt substantial. I also dislike when a movement wiggles when using the crown. Here again, there was none of that.

Overall thoughts, pricing, and availability

Look, I can’t recommend the Photic MKII enough. Unless the styling isn’t to your tastes, the watches are awesome. There’s just nothing to complain about, and that’s further reinforced when considering the pricing. The watches are available for pre-order on the Clemence website from today at 18:00 GMT through December 11th for £529 on the strap and £599 on the bracelet. After that, the prices will rise to £575 and £650, respectively. All orders include free shipping, a leather pouch, and a two-year warranty. Clemence will also plant a tree in the UK for each watch sold and offset at least double the carbon footprint of each timepiece. Deliveries are expected to begin in February 2026. Whether one opts for the pre-order or regular price, that seems like a very compelling offer. You simply have to choose the color.