In modern horology, salmon dials have become something of an obligatory rite of passage for brands aiming to capture enthusiast affection. From high-end Geneva Manufactures to independent microbrands, warm pinkish-copper dials populate catalogue after catalogue.
But British independent outfit Studio Underd0g has never been one to follow conventions blindly. With the Studio Underd0g Salm0n 03SERIES / Monopusher Watch, founder Richard Benc and his team re-examine the classic trend with their signature playful irreverence.
Rather than taking visual cues from a poached salmon fillet, the 03SERIES draws inspiration from the shimmering, organic texture of raw salmon skin.
Priced at €1,800, this 38.5mm monopusher chronograph pairs avant-garde dial texturing with high-grade Swiss mechanical watchmaking and British in-house assembly.
* Case Geometry: 38.5mm Diameter Mid-Century Silhouette
* Dial Construction: 2-Layer Sandwich Layout w/ Salmon Skin Texture
* Movement: Swiss-Made Sellita SW510 M Hand-Wound Monopusher Calibre
* Power Reserve: 63 Hours w/ Custom Ruthenium Anthracite Finish
* Craftsmanship: Hand-Assembled In-House in Great Britain
* Strap Fitment: Custom Leather Strap by The Strap TailorRe-Imagining the Salmon Dial: From Fillet to Skin Texture
The 03SERIES Salm0n makes an immediate impression on the wrist by substituting smooth sunburst or grain-brushed surfaces for a deeply tactile, organic texture.
Using a multi-layer sandwich dial construction housed under double sapphire crystal, the dial captures light across varied depths, creating a shimmering effect that mimics natural fish scales.
Studio Underd0g’s trademark visual playfulness extends to the dial geometry as well. The asymmetric sub-dial layout features varied counter sizes offset by understated branding and movement typography.
This intentional imbalance allows the central chronograph seconds hand to sweep across the dial face uninterrupted, striking a delicate balance between idiosyncratic charm and crisp legibility.
Swiss Monopusher Mechanics & British Assembly
While Studio Underd0g built its reputation on whimsical design language, the 03SERIES signals a significant leap forward in mechanical sophistication. Beating inside the watch is the Swiss-made Sellita SW510 M hand-winding monopusher movement.
Unlike standard dual-pusher chronographs, a monopusher operates start, stop, and reset functions through a single crown-integrated pusher mechanism, offering a streamlined aesthetic and satisfying tactile feedback.
“Instead of taking inspiration from a standard salmon fillet, Studio Underd0g captures the shimmering texture of salmon skin, backed by a custom-finished Swiss monopusher calibre.”
The calibre operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and delivers a robust 63-hour power reserve. Visible through the sapphire exhibition caseback, the movement features a custom bridge finished in ruthenium anthracite with Côtes de Genève striping—a decoration developed exclusively for Studio Underd0g.
Mid-Century Proportions & Hand-Crafted Provenance
The 38.5mm stainless steel case utilises current-day precision machining to emulate a mid-century vintage silhouette. Sharp bevels, polished facets, and compact lug proportions ensure the watch wears comfortably across a wide variety of wrist sizes.
Every single 03SERIES timepiece is fully assembled in-house in Great Britain.
Rejecting assembly-line production, each watch is constructed from start to finish by a single technician, whose initials are hand-written on the accompanying documentation.
| Feature Specification | Horological & Architectural Detail |
| Retail Price | €1,800 EUR |
| Case Diameter | 38.5mm Mid-Century Machined Stainless Steel |
| Movement Engine | Swiss Sellita SW510 M Hand-Wound Monopusher |
| Assembly Location | In-House Assembly in Great Britain |
| Strap Package | Premium Hand-Crafted Strap by The Strap Tailor |
Delivered on a hand-crafted leather strap from UK maker The Strap Tailor, the Studio Underd0g Salm0n 03SERIES / Monopusher Watch (€1,800) is a compelling option for collectors who demand Swiss mechanical rigour wrapped in refreshingly wild design.
