The micro brand space is thriving these days thanks to innovative new brands bringing their ideas to life in ways that would have been unthinkable just 10 years ago. The biggest challenges generally revolve around standing out in an increasingly crowded space. Creating contrast is vital, and must be achieved through a unique perspective that’s been executed with care. No small feat. A new brand called Markwell looks to do just that with their initial watch called the Memento Mori, which launches for pre-order this week. This watch tells a unique story, tapping into Masonic symbolism set within a mid-century design brought up to spec for a modern audience.
The new watch is launching in two configurations, both in steel cases but one gets a gold DLC treatment and gilt hands. The case design is distinctive, with an angular cut lug design that features a polished bevel cutting through the brushed walls. The entirety of the 37mm case invites a closer look, where you’ll find a vertically brushed case wall with polished ring framing the box crystal, adding just a pinch to the 10.5mm total thickness of the watch. The distance from lug tip to lug tip is a mere 43mm, meaning this watch will wear as well as many of the mid-century watches that bear a similar design. It’s not quite formal in appearance, but it predates any design that we might now think of as utilitarian.
The case is far from the most peculiar detail about this watch. The name, Memento Mori may have tipped you off that this is a watch which derives its inspiration outside of the usual sources. The founding partners of Markwell Watches are Freemasons, and it is here that we notice many of the symbols associated with Freemasonry, including the name. Memento Mori is a reminder that life is fleeting, and will come to an end – giving us the responsibility to live our lives with purpose and meaning. The dial is composed of Freemasonry symbols representing each hour, with the square and compass with a “G” at the center taking its spot at 12 o’clock. That G stands for Geometry, while the square and compass represent the tools to create 90-degree angles and test the accuracy of their work.
The symbols will be familiar to some, but will send many observers searching for their meaning, which is partially the point of the watch. This watch is being offered to anyone, not just Masons, and its design is an invitation to learn, to explore, and to understand. It could be seen as an instrument to break stereotypes and confront any misconceptions about what the Freemasons are, and what they stand for. It also makes for an inherently interesting watch, especially set within this design language. The ‘Mastermatic’ script at the bottom of the dial ties the look together remarkably well, and drives home the era of inspiration with clarity.
Inside, Markwell is using the Sellita SW200 automatic movement, which is visible through an exhibition caseback, under a ghosted skull and crossbones, befitting of the name of the watch. Another fun easter egg of sorts is the logo mark engraved into the top of the crown, which has been filled with luminescence. The Memento Mori is priced at $969 and is available for pre-order now from Markwell.
