Merci Creates Trio of Stylish New LMM-01 Field Watches

The stylish French based home-goods shop, Merci, has a surprising penchant for great field watches. The first to come across our radar was a collaboration with Hodinkee, the LM-H01, a watch in which we found a huge amount of appeal for its simplicity and well considered details. This year, a new batch of LMM-01 watches have been introduced that pick up that theme, and take it to new heights to great effect. The watches now receive a Merci Instruments label, and all three get unique dial designs that recall early 20th century design motifs in beautiful fashion. They’re all powered by mechanical movements and run under $700, making them all the more compelling. 

The Everest takes the minimal approach of the bunch, with a scant chapter ring at the very edge of the dial, and small applied dots marking each hour. A glossy white dial hosts deep blue pencil hands and a stoic 12 and 6 o’clock Arabic numerals done in Zurich Extended bisect the dial perfectly. It’s a straightforward yet striking design that feels almost medical grade in its sterile approach. The name is a reference to each of us finding our own Everest to climb, a more philosophical nod than literal.

Next, the Nationale takes things into slightly more classic territory with a railroad minute track providing a bit more detail and each of the cardinal positions getting their own numerical hour markings. Blue pencil hands are used here as well, providing plenty of legible contrast without overpowering the somewhat delicate details of the dial. This is easily the most familiar feeling of the bunch, but it manages to hold onto that distinctive Merci Instruments feel. 

Finally, the limited edition collaboration with The Archiwatch called… The Archiwatch. This watch enters slightly more elegant territory with a set of Dauphine hands and a single Breguet style 12 applied at the top of the dial. The design comes from Richard Ménasé, founder of The Archiwatch and is equal parts eclectic and chic. The detailed chapter ring brings a distinctive feel to the perimeter of the dial that does wonders at a glance, not so much for legibility, but for the pure aesthetic value. 

All three of the watches utilize a 38mm steel case and Sellita SW210-1 mechanical movements. Each ships with a black NATO style fabric strap, but a steel band is also available in their shop. These are perfect candidates for the likes of Forstner bands and leather straps alike. 

The Everest and Nationale are priced at €590 (~$600) each, while The Archiwatch, limited to 250 units, is priced at €650 ($670). See more of these watches at Merci, and scope more from The Archiwatch for more great finds.