Paris based Merci Instruments is releasing a new watch this week done in collaboration with running apparel brand Tracksmith, and our favorite vintage watch dealer, Wind Vintage. The unexpected trio comes together on a watch that embodies a unique blend of athleticism, classic design cues, and wearability. This isn’t a running watch, but rather, a watch made for runners, according to Rafael Oliveira of Tracksmith. This is a limited edition collection curated by Wind Vintage, who provided a healthy amount of throwback personality to the final design. The watch itself, while relatively simple, has plenty of small details to enjoy.
The new watch is labeled the Tracksmith Timepiece, by Merci Instruments, and doesn’t quite fit into their existing LMM collections. The watch does look to make use of the brand’s familiar steel case, however, measuring 38mm in diameter, and 47.5mm from lug to lug. The case itself is fully brushed, and doesn’t get much in the way of polished chamfers or complex finishes. It appears to be about straight out of the form that made it, and that’s a part of the appeal here. There’s a slightly raw appearance that, in this case, contrasts with the more intricate details on the dial.
A fully indexed seconds track in white frames a dark blue dial which receives applied Breguet style numerals which are fully polished. There is no date here, just polished dauphine style hands, and a red seconds hand, contrasting with the blue dial. The colorway is reminiscent of what we see on some of Tracksmith’s running gear in classic form. At the bottom of the dial we find a “Fab. Suisse” marking below a circled star motif, bringing a decidedly throwback feel to the watch overall.
Inside you’ll find a hand winding Sellita SW 210 movement, similar to what we’re used to seeing from Merci. It brings 42 hours of reserve, and is hidden behind a closed caseback. Use of this movement leans into the vintage vibes established by the design, which is tied together with a tan calfskin leather strap. Just 100 examples of this watch are planned for production, each priced at $700. The watch will be available through the Tracksmith website beginning, Monday, July 15th. Merci Paris / Tracksmith / Wind Vintage