Following the success of the Chronicle field watch, we extended our frontiers with a second line of watches, the Mitch Mason Maelstrom.
The Maelstrom is a sturdy yet versatile series of dive watches from Mitch Mason, built for the venturesome and tenacious individual. The initial lineup was available in four alluring colorways. It keeps one tough, stylish and ready to take on any challenge.
The Maelstrom’s design is inspired by the style of Super Compressor dive watches, with a touch of modern technology to accomplish superior water resistance.
Developed by Ervin Piquerez S.A. in the 1950s, Super Compressor dive watches had unique case structures that could adapt to increasing water pressures.
A compression spring mechanism in the case-back allowed the watch to be compressed as pressure increased. As a result, a tighter seal was created and the possibility of water entering the case was drastically reduced. Super Compressor dive watches also had internal rotating bezels with two crowns on the right-hand side of the case, which have been tastefully incorporated into the Maelstrom.
Launch and pricing details
It was introduced through a Kickstarter campaign in 2022, which was fully backed within 15 minutes. The Maelstrom's initial four colorway lineup has since been discontinued. Its retail price is US$599.
Dial
The dial of the Maelstrom is designed to be clean and highly legible. It retains Mitch Mason's signature dial profile, with elongated cardinal hour markers and sandwiched 12, 3 and 6 hour numerals. The dial sports a subtle sunburst effect that dances in different lighting conditions.
The date window is perfectly positioned on the dial, with date wheels all color matched. With such seamless integration, the date complication is only noticeable when required.
Hands
Mitch Mason's signature hour hand knot-pattern is retained in the Maelstrom. The hands are custom designed to be bold and gallant, facilitating quick time-reading even in challenging situations.
Case
The Maelstrom provides an exemplary wrist presence with its 40mm case diameter. Downward angled lugs keep the watch at a compact 47mm lug-to-lug length, a pleasure on any wrist.
A beautifully bevelled internal rotating bezel, mixed with clever engineering, allows for the Maelstrom to be slim, at only 12mm in height. This is exceptional for an automatic dive watch which boasts 300 metres of water resistance.
There are no flat surfaces on the case of the Maelstrom. Every facet is contoured to play beautifully with light, giving the watch visual contrast at all angles. Looking down at your wrist to tell the time has never been so captivating.
Bezel
The dive bezel of the Maelstrom is located under the watch crystal. It is integrated as part of the dial, giving the watch a sense of depth and texture. This keeps it protected at all times while giving the Maelstrom a refined aesthetic. The bezel is completed with a brushed finish to match the dial and allowing it to glisten.
The internal rotating bezel is bi-directional. It is operated by the secondary screw-down crown located at the 2 o'clock position, which keeps bezel operation precise and water-tight after use.
Caseback
A maelstrom is an aquatic phenomenon which exhibits the ferocious power of water, formed by opposing currents. Apart from its mighty nature, it is also a sight to behold.
The case-back of the Mitch Mason Maelstrom conveys this energy and beauty through an intriguing piece of artwork of a humpback whale making a majestic dive.
Lume
All variants are generously equipped with Swiss Super-LumiNova® lume. The Maelstrom is purposed to be your torch in the dark, be it on your bedside table or in the depths of the ocean.
Even the datewheel is lumed! A feature which is seen in watches far above this price bracket.
Build quality
The Mitch Mason Maelstrom is built to withstand crushing and unforgiving pressures. The solid 316L stainless steel case can survive up to 300 metres of water resistance effortlessly.
This is ensured with dual screw-down crowns and a screw-down case-back. The dial and internal bezel are shielded from damage by a scratch-resistant double-domed sapphire crystal glass with Super-AR on the underside.
Bracelet
The Maelstrom's bracelet is fully custom and pairs seamlessly with the case. It's solid 316L stainless steel construction means that it can withstand the toughest challenges.
The well proportioned H-links give the bracelet the perfect amount of fluidity to flow with any wrist, making the Maelstrom an absolute comfort to wear.
A milled flip-lock buckle with dual pushers ensures the highest security. Screw-in links allow you to resize the bracelet effortlessly, and quick-release spring bars will enable you to switch between your vast collection of watch straps in an instant.
Specifications
Variants: Steal Blue, Marimo Green, Aphotic Black, Ocean Grey, Serenity White
Case and bracelet material: 316L stainless steel
Case diameter: 40mm
Lug to lug length: 47mm
Lug width: 20mm
Thickness (without crystal): 12mm
Movement: Miyota 9015
Water resistance: 300m
Bracelet taper: 20mm to 16mm
Crystal material: Sapphire
Crystal profile: Double domed
Crystal AR coating: 5 layers (super AR)
Dial layout/format: Sandwiched
Dial texture: Sunburst brushing
Lume: Super-LumiNova®
Hands: Signature Mitch Mason design
Case finishing: Brushed and polished
Crown: Signed
Caseback: 3D stamped caseback artwork