Background
You are a new watch brand entering the fiercely competitive world of microbrands. So what do you create?
Do you play it safe with a simple time-only piece? Do you take a risk with a complication? Or do you rethink how time is displayed?
Tomasso and Cristian chose the bold path. With Axon Watches, they set out to make complicated watches more accessible. Their goal was simple: bring features usually seen at higher price points to a wider audience.
The result is the Origo, a watch that refuses to hold back.
Case
The Origo comes in a polished 39 mm stainless steel case. It fits just right on the wrist, striking a balance between modern presence and classic proportions.
The case feels clean and confident. The pushers and crown are well placed and easy to use. Around back, a mineral crystal caseback reveals the movement inside, adding another layer of interest.
Dial
The dial is where the Origo makes its statement. Three apertures sit across the upper half, displaying the day, date, and month from left to right.
But that is only the beginning. The lower half features a photorealistic moonphase paired with a 24-hour indicator. It is a lot to take in at first. Take a moment. Breathe.
The production process is detailed and demanding. Coloured enamel oil is sprayed onto the dial, baked at 300°C, polished, and then repeated six times. The result is a rich, glossy surface available in black or light grey. The lustre gives depth to the many displays, helping them feel layered rather than crowded.
Movement
Powering the Origo is a modified 9000s series movement with a 42-hour power reserve. It delivers reliable performance while supporting the full calendar and moonphase functions.
The rotor is customised with the Axon logo and engraved with “Momento audere semper,” meaning “remember to always dare.” The phrase, taken from Gabriele d’Annunzio, suits the watch’s bold approach. The movement is visible through the caseback, allowing you to watch it in action.
Wearing Experience
Wearing the Origo is an experience of constant discovery. Light plays across the glossy dial, drawing attention to the complications. Despite the amount of information on display, the watch feels balanced on the wrist.
Adjusting the calendar, moonphase, and 24-hour indicator is simple thanks to the well-designed pushers and crown. The watch feels alive with detail, inviting repeated glances and quiet admiration.
What Would Make Me Happier
The Origo already offers an impressive set of complications at an accessible level. The dial design feels like a canvas that deserves an even wider range of colours. Deep blue, rich burgundy, or even a sunburst finish could add fresh character while keeping the same layout.
While the Origo’s apertures are undeniably innovative in displaying the day, date, and month, they may not be as immediately legible for some people. The design prioritises creativity, but in certain lighting conditions or at a quick glance, reading these elements could require extra attention.
Price: Kickstarter launch price - £435 (Super Early Bird - Available from 10th March 2026)
Specifications
- Dial: Multi-layer cold enamel dial in black or light grey, baked and polished through a six-stage process
- Case Diameter: 39 mm
- Thickness (incl crystal): 12.2 mm
- Lug to Lug: 45.8 mm
- Lug Width: 21 mm
- Case Material: Polished stainless steel
- Movement: Modified 9000s series automatic with triple calendar (day, date, month), photorealistic moonphase and 24-hour indicator
- Power Reserve: ~42 hours
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal
- Caseback: Mineral crystal exhibition caseback with engraved customised rotor
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM / 50 m
- Bracelet / Strap: Quick-release Buffalo leather strap with stainless steel buckle
