Mitch Mason Hits The Water In New Maelstrom Dive Watch

Mitch Mason reveals their sophomore effort with a new dive watch dubbed the Maelstrom. The watch follows on last year’s initial field watch, the Chronicle, which was funded (handily) through Kickstarter. The diver takes a slightly more traditional route, but there’s still plenty of the distinct personality we noticed in the Chronicle to be found. The Maelstrom is equally well considered in its dimensions, offers some rather delicate details to discover, and best of all, will be available for under $500.

Conjuring the image of a powerful whirlpool with the Maelstrom moniker, the watch plays into the theme with an internal rotating bezel and a pair of machined crowns for operation at 2 and 4 o’clock. A deep 3-D stamped caseback depicts a large whale that looks to be of the Baleen type to my untrained eye (any George Costanza types can chime in to correct me), crashing through the water in rather dramatic fashion. 

The dial is offered in 4 colorways, from black and grey, to green and blue. Each receives a sunburst pattern running under the shallow curve of the matte bezel under the dial. More detail awaits on the dial, from the color matched date wheel at 6 o’clock, to the sandwich type construction bringing a bit of depth to the situation. Stylistically, we see a similar ‘stained glass’ style pattern within the triangular tip of the hour hand, along with solid blocks of lume that span 2 minutes plus and minus of each cardinal hour, making for a quick read in low light situations without hindering the core layout of the dial. Precision be damned.

The steel case measures 40mm in diameter, and clocks in at 47mm in total length. Paired with the 12mm overall thickness, the Maelstrom should be a breeze on the wrist, particularly for its 300M depth rating. Only a steel H link bracelet is offered for this kickstarter, but the lug span of 20mm and drilled lugs should welcome strap changes of any sort. While the style is that of a super compressor, the case, it should come as no surprise, is not in fact, a super compressor as far as we’re aware. 

Inside Mitch Mason is using the Miyota 9015, and automatic movement with 42 hours of reserve. Don’t expect mega accuracy here at -10/+30, but in our experience it generally runs well within those specs. It also keeps the price right in the sweet spot. 

The Maelstrom will be launched on Kickstarter the 1st of October for the price of $449. Retail pricing will come in at $599 when they arrive. Sign up for updates directly from Mitch Mason and keep an eye out for the release on Kickstarter in a few weeks.