Introducing the Kerrison Collection from Martenero

In a few short years of production, Martenero has set itself apart from the rest of the micro-brand pack with a focus on clean, classic-inspired design and tasteful splashes of color. While Martenero’s calling card and basic silhouette (with the exception of last year’s excellent Edgemere collection) have remained the same, each new offering from the brand has advanced it into fresh new territory. The newest addition, the Kerrison, is no different. Starting with the template of the brand’s dressy Marquis, the Kerrison makes a few small changes that completely alter the character of the watch. Far from stuffy or formal, the new Kerrison is instead extremely versatile.

The basic case shape of the Kerrison is shared not only with the Marquis, but with Martenero’s Founder, Ace, and Ascent collections as well. That said, it’s a handsome piece of steel, with an overhead profile dominated by Omega-style twisted lugs and a thin brushed bezel. Fine, handsome brushing breaks up the bulk of the already thin sides and allows the flowing polished band to take center stage in profile. The mid-size, screw-down crown at three offers wide teeth for an easy grip and it’s signed with Martenero’s thin “M” emblem. Around back, the sapphire display window gives a glimpse at the Miyota heart.

Like the case, the dial isn’t exactly all original to the Kerrison. The applied outer minutes track with its raised rectangular hours indices is straight from the earlier Marquis. So are the cross-hairs at the center of the dial, the six o’clock date window, the dial text and the classic alpha hands. The only major physical change are the inner indices at three, six and nine o’ clock, swapping the Marquis’ conservative applied Roman numerals for more approachable Arabic ones. It’s a small change, but one that adds a much more casual energy to the whole design.

The other new element for the Kerrison, however, packs far more impact. Drawing inspiration from the Edgemere line, the Kerrison’s dial comes in four different colorways: White and Blue, Black and Dark Blue, Dark Blue, and straight from the Edgemere playbook–White and Silver with a stunning touch of turquoise. Each of these brings their own unique essence to the Kerrison, but the white and silver is a clear winner here. The look is classic and under the radar, but the silver outer ring and turquoise seconds hand offer just enough pop to give it one-of-a-kind charisma.

There’s a familiar face waiting inside the Kerrison’s display back: the ubiquitous Miyota 9015. Cost-effective, reliable, and respectably equipped with a 28,800 bph sweep and 42 hours of power reserve, the 9015 has become the default choice of an entire class of watches for a reason.Martenero is shipping the Kerrison with a smorgasbord of minimally stitched leather straps. You’ll have your choice of four different colors, including a light tan, rich tobacco brown, avant-garde gray and classic black. While it’s a fine selection to start with, this watch could shine on a Milanese mesh or perlon strap as well.

In terms of wearability, it’s on the larger side at 42mm but the svelte 10.8mm thickness should help offset this somewhat. Beyond that, however, the Kerrison is a paragon of versatility. This thing can run the gamut from weekend shorts-and-flip-flops duty all the way up to a full suit in a pinch. I wouldn’t wear it to the opera, but how often do you find yourself at the opera? For anything less than the most formal of occasions, this watch will see you through brilliantly.

The Kerrison is currently on Kickstarter (the campaign has already soared past its goal) with the watches going for $399 (Early Bird), then $429 (Second Early Bird), and finally $449 for a single watch after all the early bird promotions are gone. Like past Martenero models, the eventual retail will be $595. Delivery is slated for May 2018.

To get yours, visit Martenero.com.