Maen has been gracing us with a string of interesting new releases over the past few months. First, the Swedish brand with Dutch roots released the updated Hudson 38 MK5. After that, Maen continued its partnership with Nico Leonard with the Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin. And last month, I reviewed the refreshed Hudson GMT MKII. Today, we see the release of a much-requested version of the Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin. This piece also marks the start of the new Maen Boutique Exclusive series, which will explore different options for regular models and present more experimental designs.

With the new Boutique Exclusive series, Maen kick-starts a line that will undoubtedly yield some interesting new watches. For the series, the brand will apply a separate buying strategy. Each new release will be available on the website for 24 hours only. After that window closes, the models will be available exclusively through Maen’s retail network. Some releases will be created for specific markets, while others will be available worldwide. Maen will also create some limited editions for specific events or its showroom in the heart of Stockholm. This new program gives the brand the freedom to explore different, more experimental options. I’m certainly looking forward to keeping an eye on the developments!

Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Boutique Exclusive on its side, crown up

The new Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Boutique Exclusive

The premier release is a new version of the Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin. At first glance, the watch might seem familiar, but looks can be deceiving. This new model combines two popular watches and has been repeatedly requested by the brand’s fans. That may sound a bit abstract, but let me elaborate. As most of you will know, the Manhattan collection is Maen’s popular series of ’70s-style integrated-bracelet watches. It has a nice retro design without feeling stuck in the past. Maen offers the Manhattan in 37mm and 39mm sizes, with the former hitting the sweet spot for many watch fans.

Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Boutique Exclusive flat-lay

If we then zoom in, we find that the lineup of smaller models contains the regular Manhattan 37, which has a Côtes de Genève dial and the automatic La Joux-Perret G100 caliber, as well as the Manhattan Ultra 37 Ultra-Thin for those who would love a slightly slimmer watch.

Maen Manhattan 37 models side by side

However, the regular Ultra-Thin has a different dial design with a hammered texture and small seconds at 6 o’clock. On top of that, the watch is powered by the manual-winding La Joux-Perret D100. So, what happens if you combine the two 37mm Manhattans? You end up with the first Maen Boutique Exclusive.

Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Boutique Exclusive flat-lay

The details of the new Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Boutique Exclusive

Let’s go over the details to get a better idea. The new Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Boutique Exclusive features a 37mm stainless steel case with a 7.1mm profile and a 47.4mm lug-to-lug. It is the same case Maen uses for the regular Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin with the sub-seconds register. This new model, however, loses the small seconds and displays only hours and minutes, like the classic Nautilus and Royal Oak.

Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Boutique Exclusive flat-lay

On top of that, the dial design follows the regular automatic Manhattan 37’s example, displaying Côtes de Genève decoration. For the Boutique Exclusive, however, Maen created a new version in fumé midnight blue. The vignette effect adds a layer of depth that looks great, and the blue shade is also a bit darker than the regular blue version of that dial. This new dial also features applied indexes filled with Super-LumiNova. The signature hour and minute hands make reading the time super easy and suit the watch’s style to a tee.

Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Boutique Exclusive case back and movement

The La Joux-Perret D101

If you turn the watch around, you’ll get a good view of the manual-winding La Joux-Perret D101 caliber. It operates at 21,600 vph, has 18 jewels, and offers a 50-hour power reserve. The ultra-slim movement is a time-only version of LJP’s popular D100, which powers an ever-increasing number of watches from independent brands.

Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Boutique Exclusive clasp

Completing the watch is the integrated three-row bracelet that we know from the regular Manhattan Ultra-Thin models. This well-made bracelet features screw-fastened links, meaning it’s easy to size. In terms of quality, the bracelet strikes a perfect balance between flexibility and sturdiness, making it easy to wear while offering a high-quality feel. A butterfly clasp finishes the look, with the Maen logo on one side folding neatly over the other. It’s a small but deliberate detail that ensures it can only be fastened one way. Granted, it’s not always practical, but it looks good.

Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Boutique Exclusive pocket shot

Wearing the Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Boutique Exclusive

On the wrist, this watch truly shines. The slim overall profile makes the Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Boutique Exclusive a joy to wear. While the regular 9.3mm-thin Manhattan 37 with the automatic caliber is far from thick, this version’s svelte 7.1mm profile makes it even better. Despite being super slim, it still feels substantial. The overall build quality is really nice, and there is still a bit of heft to it, giving you the feeling of wearing a high-quality watch.

Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Boutique Exclusive wrist shot

Plus, the style offers something unique. While the retro influences are undeniable, details like the hands’ style and the large hour markers ensure it feels very much like a contemporary watch, and I love that about the Manhattan series. Initially, I preferred the hammered texture of the regular Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin’s dial, but this version of the Côtes de Genève dial is something else. The fumé effect adds an extra layer of visual intrigue, instantly elevating the overall presence.

Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Boutique Exclusive on wrist

Final thoughts on the Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Boutique Exclusive

Overall, I think Maen has another hit with the special Boutique Exclusive version of its popular Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin. The brand knows there’s demand for it, so I’m sure fans will love seeing this version of the watch. With this special edition, Maen created my favorite watch in the Manhattan series. I prefer the two-hand configuration over previous versions, as it perfectly emphasizes the design’s elegance. No central seconds hand, no small seconds sub-dials, but a clean dial design with only an hour and a minute hand… Gérald Genta was definitely onto something with this concept.

Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Boutique Exclusive on wrist, over-shoulder shot

All jokes aside, I think Maen shows that a few tweaks can lead to a fresh, new version of an existing model. As a result, this new Boutique Exclusive will likely fly out the door. As mentioned, the watch is available now for preorder on the brand’s website for 24 hours only. After that, the watch will be exclusively available through Maen’s retail network, with deliveries starting at the end of November 2026.

Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Boutique Exclusive on wrist, hands on lapel

The watch costs €1,499 (inc. VAT) on the stainless steel bracelet. An extra integrated rubber strap is available for an additional €149. The price is in line with the regular Ultra-Thin models, which is nice, as boutique exclusives from other brands are typically more expensive. It’s nice to see that Maen not only listens to its fans but also keeps the price for this first model in the series very decent. It makes me curious to find out what is next for the Boutique Exclusive series. For now, this Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin is a great start.

Watch specifications

Brand
Model
Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Boutique Exclusive
Reference
MBE.001
Dial
Midnight blue fumé with Côtes de Genève decoration and applied luminous indexes
Case Material
Stainless steel with brushed and polished finishes
Case Dimensions
37mm (diameter) × 47.4mm (lug-to-lug) × 7.1mm (thickness)
Crystal
Sapphire
Case Back
Stainless steel and sapphire crystal, affixed with four screws
Movement
La Joux-Perret D101: manual winding, 21,600vph frequency, 50-hour power reserve, 18 jewels
Water Resistance
10 atm (100 meters)
Strap
Integrated stainless steel three-row bracelet with butterfly clasp
Functions
Time (hours, minutes)
Price
€1,499
Special Note(s)
Available online for 24 hours only; after that the watch will be available strictly through Maen's retail network