Background
At a recent watch event, we met a fascinating gentleman, Bogdan. His love for mechanical objects began in his youth in Communist Romania.
Repairing and tinkering with everyday items was part of life, especially clocks and, later, watches. That curiosity never left him.
Over the years, he trained rigorously, honing both skill and patience. Eventually, he turned that lifelong passion into the watch you see before you today. It is a piece that carries story, history, and heart.
Case
Bogdan works to be fully in tune with both the materials and the process. While he honours traditional watchmaking, he does it in his own distinctive way.
The result is a 41mm stainless steel case with sharp, angular lugs that reach outward, giving it presence on the wrist. The bullhead crown sits atop the case. It gives the watch a bold, architectural feel.
It’s a design that demands attention, yet it never feels forced.
Dial
The dial is a small universe. At 12 o’clock, a hand-shaped, hand-engraved 9-carat gold plaque reads “moon 2.” At 6 o’clock, a copper plaque says “Mansfield UK,” also hand-shaped and engraved. Both are held in place with tiny blued screws, catching the light subtly.
At 2 o’clock, a hand-engraved moonphase aperture adds texture, with a deep blue moon disc that pops beautifully against the dial.
The surface itself is fired, creating a multi-coloured oxide finish. Blue, yellow, and violet shift as the light changes.
Every glance reveals something new. It’s playful, poetic, and precise all at once.
Movement
Inside ticks a Seiko NH35 movement. Reliable, yes, but refined by hand.
The rotor is engraved. Perlage decorates hidden areas. For Bogdan, every detail matters, even those unseen by the wearer.
It gives the watch depth. It gives it soul. A quiet joy hides in these small touches, rewarding those who look closely.
Wearing Experience
On the wrist, the case feels balanced and confident. The angular lugs give it a stance. The bullhead crown adds character.
The dial shimmers and shifts, inviting closer inspection. It is a watch that draws attention without demanding it.
It feels alive. It sparks conversation. And it rewards curiosity.
Every time you glance at it, you notice something new.
What Would Make Me Happy
I would love to see Bogdan continue refining his work while keeping his hands-on approach.
Preserving that raw authenticity, while exploring more hand-finished details or unique complications, would make future watches even more compelling.
There is a kind of magic when craftsmanship, thoughtfulness, and personality meet. This watch is only the beginning of that journey. I can’t wait to see where it leads next.
Specifications
- Dial: Fired for multi-coloured oxide finish, 9ct gold plaque at 12 o'clock, copper plaque at 6 o'clock, hand-engraved moonphase aperture, and blue-fired moon disc
- Case Diameter: 41 mm
- Lug to Lug: 47.5 mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Hands: Gold-coloured alpha hands
- Movement: Seiko NH35, automatic
- Balance Frequency: 21,600 vph
- Power Reserve: ~36 hours
- Water Resistance: 30 metres
- Lume: Around the rim of the dial
- Strap: Light blue leather with contrast white stitching, handmade
