Latest Review
It’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by the amount of quirky young watch brands pushing to make their name in the horological world—it seems like we are in the current golden age of microbrands and upstarts. Canadian watchmakers Héron, founded in Montreal in 2021, are among that crowd, and looking to make a name for themselves with vintage-inspired styling that is aimed at collectors with old-school taste. With their latest, the Mirabel GMT, the Québécois brand is channeling both aviation functionality and upscale dressy styling to produce a dual-duty timepiece ala upmarket stalwarts like Longines and Patek Philippe.
The Mirabel GMT sits within a stainless steel “C-shaped” case, and measures in at a sporty 37.5mm in diameter and 43.5mm lug-to-lug. True to Héron’s vintage-look aspirations, the enamel painted sector dial has an art deco flair, and features applied Roman numerals, pilot-style “alpha” hands, and a boxed sapphire crystal with underside anti-reflective coating. Four references are available for the Mirabel GMT, with varying dial shades, Delugs Baranil leather strap options, and case finishes. The “black” option features a black dial with gold details and case, and sits on a black strap, while the “brown” option also features gold accents, but wears a luxurious brown dial. Likewise, the “white” edition features a crisp white dial with blue hands and a dark blue strap, and the “blue” model has a blue dial and the same dark blue strap as the “white” version.
Each color option gives a different visual impression, with the blue exuding the dressiest vibe, in my opinion. Naturally, the gold plated models present flashier, but black and brown are neutral enough dial colors that help tame the flamboyance down to a classy level.
Inside each Mirabel GMT is a “true GMT” Miyota 9075 automatic movement, which promises a 42-hour power reserve and allows for dual-zone timekeeping via the 24-hour hand. The movement is held in by a screw-down “world-timer” enamel caseback with perlage, and controlled by manipulating the cabochon tipped crown. Heron rates the Mirabel’s water resistance at 50 meters, so occasional splashes of champagne at a cocktail party won’t do any damage.
While I may not be the ideal candidate for a vintage-inspired dress GMT, I admire the dual-capabilities of the Mirabel, and its penchant for artistic flair that manages to reign itself in just before the tipping point into cliche. I’d go for the white option for a subtler, sportier look—the blingier among us may opt for the opulent brown-and-gold. Héron has done a fine job here crafting an elegant and capable “dress complication” watch, and the price is sure to appeal to both newer enthusiasts looking for a piece to impress, or fans of tool watches who just need one dress option but don’t want to sacrifice functionality. The Héron Mirabel GMT is available now for $690. Héron
