In an industry that often takes itself entirely too seriously, the London-based team at Mr Jones Watches consistently provides a breath of fresh air. While traditional watchmaking focuses obsessively on applied indices and sweeping seconds hands, Mr Jones treats the dial as a literal canvas for storytelling.
Following up on the futuristic, ray-gun-toting Monster Melter 3000, the brand has dramatically rewound the clock to deliver a wildly entertaining prequel. Priced at a highly accessible £225, the Mr Jones Monster Melter 1904 Watch trades sci-fi tentacles for Edwardian gears and grit, delivering a masterclass in whimsical, character-driven design.
A Steampunk Battle on the Wrist
To bring this vintage monster-hunting saga to life, Mr Jones tapped acclaimed English artist and character designer Onorio D’Epiro. With a background in Model Design and Special Effects—and renowned for his beloved “Justrobots” collectible series—D’Epiro’s work has been exhibited at prestigious venues globally, including London’s Victoria and Albert Museum and Mexico City’s MARCO.
For the Monster Melter 1904, D’Epiro transports the wearer to a grim, subterranean sewer at the turn of the 20th century. The dial depicts a brave, mad-inventor ancestor of the original Monster Melter slayer, equipped with a steampunk jetpack, facing off against a terrifying giant arachnid.
Printed using a striking metallic copper ink that catches the light beautifully, the highly detailed vignette proves that watch dials can be genuinely playful and narrative-driven without sacrificing artistic integrity.
Telling Time With Claws and Gadgets
Of course, a Mr Jones creation rarely displays the time conventionally. Brilliantly integrating the time-telling mechanics directly into the artwork, the minute hand is cleverly represented by the outstretched arm of the mad inventor.
The hours, in a wonderfully macabre twist, are indicated by the giant spider’s severed, bright red claw rotating around the dial. Powering this eternal, rotating battle is a highly reliable single-jewel quartz mechanism, ensuring that while the dial’s aesthetic might be delightfully chaotic, your daily timekeeping remains perfectly accurate.
Robust Dimensions for the Modern Hunter
Beyond the artistic dial, the physical architecture of the watch is reassuringly solid and built for daily wear. Housed within a classic 316L stainless steel case, it features a highly versatile “medium/unisex” footprint that suits a wide variety of wrist sizes.
Protecting the intricate copper-ink artwork is a hard-wearing sapphire crystal—a premium, scratch-resistant touch that is rarely seen at this price point. Paired with a supple 18mm brown suede strap that perfectly complements the gritty, Edwardian aesthetic, and backed by a 5ATM water resistance rating, it is a capable piece built for modern urban adventures.
The Ephemerality of the Hunt
Much like the fleeting nature of the elusive monsters it depicts, acquiring this specific piece required serious vigilance. Released as a highly coveted limited edition, the watch was available exclusively via the Mr Jones Watches website for a strict 24-hour window.
Each piece from this brief production run features a unique edition number engraved directly onto the case back, forever marking its place in the production line.
Backed by a 12-month warranty, the Monster Melter 1904 represents a perfectly executed, highly wearable slice of steampunk fantasy for collectors of art toys and horological oddities alike.
