Introducing: The Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin
I always look forward to new releases from Maen Watches. This is one of the newer brands on the market, currently giving the established players a run for their money. Unlike the early days of “microbrands,” watches from Maen don’t cut corners, and the idea isn’t simply to shoehorn in as much value as possible without a clear design language. The new Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin exemplifies this and looks like a no-excuses winner from the get-go.
If you’ve never held a Maen watch, you’re missing out. The Swedish brand makes some incredibly nice watches that feel expensive. Sure, we’ve all heard these types of plaudits before, but Maen excels in creating cleanly designed watches with excellent finishing. Then, there are the bracelets. It’s already a great start to make a fine watch that works well on a strap, but Maen’s bracelets put the offerings from many larger brands to shame. Today’s introduction of the Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin brings all of these qualities and more in a new, smaller, and thinner case.
The Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin
The Manhattan ranks as one of the most popular lines from Maen Watches. There are currently three sizes available, including a 37mm, 40mm, and 39mm Ultra-Thin. While all have had success, the trend for smaller, thinner watches led to requests for a new model with more compact dimensions. The new Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin answers that call in a big…erm, littler way.
Measuring 37mm wide by 47.4mm long, the latest arrivals are also just 7.1mm thick. The 316L stainless steel watches come exclusively on an integrated three-row bracelet with a concealed push-button folding clasp. Best of all, the bracelets use screws instead of the dreaded pin-and-collar system for link removal. Like the other Manhattan models, these pieces have a water resistance rating of 10 ATM.
Hammered “Tuscan” dials in four colors
The Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin dials represent a shift from the other Manhattan models. Until now, the serial-production pieces displayed vertical Côtes de Genève striping. Those, however, also had central seconds or eschewed running seconds altogether. The new models feature a hammered surface that Maen likens to the so-called “Tuscan” dials of the ’90s. While the photos show some color variation depending on the angle, Maen classifies the choices as Midnight Blue, Forest Green, Salmon, and Ghost Grey.
Each has polished and applied indexes with Super-LumiNova C1 X1 inserts. The hands are comparably styled and luminous. Note the raised, printed minute and sub-seconds tracks. A complex flat sapphire crystal and similarly shaped brushed and polished bezel complement the look. Finally, we find a nicely proportioned and well-detailed signed octagonal crown.
The ETA 7001 Elaboré
A manual-winding movement is always welcome, and in this case, it’s also important for the design. It allows the Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin to reach the desired overall thickness due to the lack of an oscillating rotor. While an ETA 7001 movement itself isn’t exotic, Maen goes the extra distance by specifying the Elaboré (top-grade) version. It has roughly 42 hours of power reserve and a frequency of 21,600vph. It’s also on display and is decorated using Côtes de Genève striping and blued screws. The case back is adorned with brushed and blasted surfaces. It also includes the model name and depth rating.
The Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin is reasonable and lovely
Maen is offering the Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin for pre-order at €1,079.20 (ex. VAT). Considering the level of finishing and the bracelet quality, I think this is more than fair. I even think it’s far more interesting than the bulk of what’s on offer from larger high-street brands. Sure, the design is reminiscent of ’70s integrated-bracelet watches, but it’s distinct enough to warrant consideration on its own. I’d gladly wear one of these, and it looks like the kind of watch that would be a pleasure on the wrist year-round. Let us know if you agree and the color you’d choose!
