For watch enthusiasts who crave the robustness of a professional tool watch but refuse to compromise on everyday elegance, the search often feels endless. That gap is precisely where brands like Clemence have carved out a passionate following. Following the success of their original model, Clemence is back, making waves with the highly anticipated launch of the Photic MKII dive watch, a timepiece that refines its formula with five captivating new dials and proven technical prowess.
Gone are the days of choosing between a stark black or white dial for your dive watch. Clemence understands that personality is key, and the Photic MKII delivers with a palette inspired by the depths it's built to explore. The collection offers five distinct colorways:
- Moray: A deep, mysterious green.
- Shoal: A serene and sophisticated blue.
- Nemo: A vibrant and bold orange.
- Kraken: A classic, inky black.
- Photic Gilt: A vintage-inspired black with gilded accents.
Each color tells a different story, ensuring there's a Photic MKII to match every individual style.
A Masterclass in Proportions and Craftsmanship
Where the Photic MKII truly shines is in its wearability. In an era of oversized watches, Clemence has stuck to a universally flattering 38.5mm case diameter, crafted from durable 316L stainless steel. With a slim profile of just 9.9mm thick and a manageable 46.5mm lug-to-lug distance, this watch is designed to slide effortlessly under a shirt cuff while remaining a stalwart companion for underwater adventures.
The unidirectional bezel is a standout feature, utilizing a 904L steel ring with a smooth ball-bearing mechanism. Topped with a domed sapphire insert that is highly scratch-resistant, it offers a distortion-free view and a luxurious tactile experience with every click.
Legibility Meets Luminosity
A dive watch is only as good as its readability in low-light conditions, and Clemence has not cut corners. The dial is a masterpiece of layering, topped with Grade A BGW9 Super-LumiNova on the hands and indices. This ten-layer application ensures the watch doesn't just glow; it blazes with a long-lasting, cool blue light in the dark, guaranteeing clarity whether you're timing a dive or just checking the time in a movie theater.
Backing up its professional aesthetic is a serious 200 meters (660 feet) of water resistance, making it more than capable for recreational diving, swimming, or simply facing the elements of daily life.
Power and Precision Within
At the heart of the Photic MKII beats the renowned Miyota 9039 automatic movement. This no-date, high-beat movement is a favorite among microbrands for its reliability, accuracy, and slim profile, and is notably also found in watches like the Baltic Aquascaphe MK2. Clemence has further fortified the movement with strong anti-magnetic protection (over 25,000 A/m), shielding it from the magnetic fields of everyday electronics for more consistent timekeeping.
The watch is offered on your choice of a quick-release leather strap or an upgraded 20mm steel bracelet. The bracelet itself is a feature, complete with a quick-release clasp and a clever toolless micro-adjustment system, allowing for perfect fit adjustments on the fly—a blessing in changing temperatures or after a dive.
The new Clemence Photic MKII represents a significant step forward in the accessible dive watch category. With its compelling blend of style, substance, and smart design, it's poised to become a new favorite. For full specifications, high-resolution images, and to secure your watch, visit the official Clemence Photic MKII product page here.
The Clemence Photic MKII is now available for pre-order, priced at $688 on a leather strap and $785 on the refined steel bracelet.
