The J&Berg B2 Returns With Two New Dial Colors
Almost exactly one year ago, J&Berg, a new Finnish brand, launched with its debut model, the B2. The watches were met with near-universal praise due to their looks, materials, and specifications. A clean, modern design that could only be described as Nordic seemed to be a crowd-pleaser. After the success of the initial references, the brand is back with two new variations on the theme, which should prove just as popular.
J&Berg released its first set of B2 watches last year, comprising a series of three limited-edition models. We went hands-on with them and were impressed with the fit, quality, and cost. Readers echoed our enthusiasm in the comments section, and some of them placed orders. Two new color schemes have now joined the model line, and, stylistically, they bring a slight yet meaningful change to the format.
The new J&Berg B2 colorways
Let’s recap the specs briefly. The B2 is a 38.5mm by 45.2mm watch with a 10.4mm thickness. Each includes a flat sapphire crystal with an antireflective coating. So far, the near-universally pleasing dimensions qualify these pieces as interesting. However, the difference-makers come in with a surprising 100m depth rating. The most impressive detail is the Grade 5 titanium construction. Normally, this material is reserved for more expensive watches due to its higher cost and strength.
Color-matched, two-part sandwich dials
Design-wise, the latest B2 watches deviate slightly from the original 2024 models. Whereas the originals had contrasting two-part dials, these pieces have a color-matched lower level with circular brushing and a matte-finished upper part. Finnish landscapes inspire the two new models — Lake Blue and Misty Green. Each comes equipped with a black German-made calfskin strap that uses leather from the Perlinger tannery. A simple titanium pin buckle is an appropriate choice for these somewhat minimalistic watches.
Fans of sandwich dials should also enjoy the B2. The dial’s base layer contains ample Super-LumiNova BGW9 that is visible through the index-shaped openings within the upper layer. The luminous application carries through to the large hour and minute hands. Part of the thin seconds hand also contains the material. This results in great legibility by day and an excellent glow in the dark.
The B2 uses the Miyota 9039
In addition to the Grade 5 titanium case, the B2 is equipped with a solid screw-in case back. It’s refreshing when a microbrand avoids the temptation to show off a workman-like movement. Plus, the matte-finished case back stays on theme with the rest of the watch’s clean design. An affordable watch like this could probably get away with a quartz movement, but J&Berg wisely opted for a mechanical caliber. The automatic Miyota 9039 is a reliable runner with a frequency of 28,800vph and 42 hours of power reserve. It’s a fine choice, but I’d love to see a manual-winding model. It would further support the watch’s elemental approach and might reduce the overall thickness.
Conclusions
From a styling perspective, these new color-matched J&Berg B2 models are an improvement over the original releases. They look cleaner, yet the differences in the two dial layers are visible and well defined. Unlike 2024’s models, the Misty Green and Lake Blue references are not limited editions. With a price of just €495, they represent excellent value. One year later, they’re only €20 more and arguably use a more expensive strap. Increasingly, it seems that smaller brands are offering the best affordable watch options. That’s not a bad thing when they look this good and back up the aesthetics with quality construction and desirable materials.
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