There are watches that demand your attention with their bold complications or meticulous tourbillons, and then there’s the Mr Jones A Perfectly Useless Afternoon Mechanical Watch (£595)—a piece that gently reminds you to pause, breathe, and simply enjoy life’s quiet moments. Designed by Kristof Devos and powered by a Swiss-made Sellita SW200 automatic movement, this beautifully crafted 40mm timepiece is a captivating fusion of art, philosophy, and effortless style. The centrepiece of the design is the figure lounging peacefully in a pool, whose elegantly outstretched leg indicates the hour.
Accompanying this laid-back character is a tiny plastic duck that drifts serenely around the dial, revealing the minutes. By glancing at the watch, you’re encouraged to take a step back from the bustle of daily life and appreciate the here and now—a subtle nod to Lin Yutang’s wisdom that time spent doing nothing can be invaluable.
This new mechanical version of Mr Jones’s cult classic has been thoughtfully upgraded from a 37mm to a more substantial 40mm case, broadening its appeal to watch enthusiasts of all genders. The 316L stainless steel case is not only durable but also water-resistant to 5ATM, making it perfectly suited for modern lifestyles. True to the watch’s theme, the entire piece is designed to encourage a sense of calm and relaxation.
Even the visual presentation underscores this message: the circular form of the dial doubles as a swimming pool, with its edges serving as hour markers. The result is a scene that invites you to metaphorically “dive into time,” floating away on the gentle currents of life’s slower pace.
Beneath this whimsical exterior lies serious watchmaking prowess. The Sellita SW200 movement is visible through a sapphire-topped mineral glass exhibition case back, allowing you to admire every component of this self-winding mechanism. With no battery required, the energy that keeps the watch ticking is generated simply by the motion of your wrist, a wonderful reflection of nature’s innate flow. As the watch quietly powers itself through your everyday motions, it reinforces a philosophy that sometimes the best thing you can do is let events unfold at their own pace.
Kristof Devos’s inspiration hinges on that timeless quote by Lin Yutang, urging us to embrace idleness and learn the art of living. Every element of A Perfectly Useless Afternoon Mechanical Watch echoes that sentiment, from the gently drifting duck to the hand-assembled layers of the dial, lovingly crafted in Mr Jones’s London studio. Finished with a stainless steel bracelet, this playful yet sophisticated watch measures 40mm wide, 50mm lug to lug, and just 11mm thick. Whether you’re drawn to its humorous design or its meditative message, one glance at your wrist will remind you to take a breath, let go, and savour a perfectly useless afternoon.
