The world of horology thrives on collaboration, and the unveiling of the MAEN x Nico Leonard Jumping Hour Watch marks a particularly exciting partnership. This limited-edition timepiece represents MAEN’s inaugural foray into the captivating realm of jumping hour complications, brought to life through an exclusive collaboration with the esteemed watch expert, Nico Leonard.
Priced at an accessible £870, this watch beautifully fuses classic horological principles with a distinctly modern execution, creating a compelling offering for both seasoned collectors and those new to the intricacies of fine watchmaking.
Nico Leonard, renowned for his deep passion for horological excellence and his discerning appreciation for unique watch complications, worked closely with MAEN on every aspect of the design and specification. Their shared vision was to create an exceptional quality jumping hour watch that remains within a reasonable price bracket, a goal they have undoubtedly achieved. The resulting timepiece is a harmonious blend of historical inspiration and a bold contemporary twist, designed to resonate with enthusiasts who appreciate both mechanical ingenuity and distinctive aesthetics.
This collaboration not only celebrates the enduring art of horology but also serves as a bridge between traditional craftsmanship and the dynamic landscape of modern watch culture. By combining Nico’s extensive knowledge and influential voice with MAEN’s unwavering dedication to quality and design, this partnership has yielded a truly remarkable timepiece.
The jumping hour complication, a source of fascination for horological aficionados, takes centre stage in this collaborative creation. Gaining prominence in the early 20th century, this mechanism is celebrated for its inherent clarity and remarkable mechanical ingenuity. Unlike traditional timepieces where the hour hand moves in a continuous sweep, the jumping hour movement allows the hour indication to “jump” precisely at the turn of the hour – a mesmerizing and satisfying mechanical ballet.
For the Grand Tonneau Jump Hour collection, MAEN has taken the innovative step of in-house modifying an automatic jumping hour movement (ST1721). This movement has been expertly engineered to display the time through two precisely synchronized rotating discs, seamlessly aligning with the collection’s distinctive and elegantly proportioned design language. Demonstrating their commitment to quality, each movement undergoes a rigorous two-week in-house testing process before assembly, ensuring flawless performance and long-term reliability.
In a thoughtful tribute to Nico Leonard’s significant contributions to the horological community, the iconic Pride & Pinion crown logo is subtly featured as a submark on the dial. This deliberate inclusion reinforces the personal connection between Nico and this exceptional timepiece, emphasizing the values of trust, expertise, and unwavering passion that his brand represents within the world of watch collecting. The presence of the Pride & Pinion logo is a meaningful detail, signifying the shared passion for craftsmanship that is embodied in this truly unique watch.
The case of the MAEN x Nico Leonard Jumping Hour Watch draws inspiration from the barrel-shaped (or tonneau) watches that first gained popularity in the early 1900s. MAEN’s goal was to create a case with a timeless design while seamlessly integrating a modern sensibility. To achieve this, they have crafted a solid and sculpted look by incorporating multiple layers and contrasting textures, adding both visual depth and a distinctive character to the timepiece.
The distinctive tonneau shape is further accentuated by the elegantly polished lugs, which sit gracefully above the dial and inner case, enhancing the watch’s overall dimensionality and refined presence on the wrist. Encasing their in-house modified jumping hour movement, MAEN has meticulously engineered the case to maintain a sleek and comfortable sub-10mm profile, ensuring both refinement and exceptional wearability. The two-piece case construction not only contributes to the watch’s elegant proportions but also enhances its structural integrity, giving it a robust and durable feel. Completing the design is a custom integrated FKM rubber strap, which seamlessly follows the unique contours of the tonneau case, accentuating its striking angles.
Crafted from premium FKM rubber, the strap offers exceptional durability and a comfortable fit for all wrist sizes. The 316L stainless steel butterfly clasp features an elegant perlage finishing, ensuring a secure fit while adding a final touch of refined detail to this exceptional timepiece. The MAEN x Nico Leonard Jumping Hour Watch is a testament to the power of collaboration and a remarkable example of accessible horological artistry.
