In the watch industry, the process of designing a watch, and indeed a new brand is an incredibly difficult endeavour. Seeing as the industry is hundreds of years old, launching a new model can run the risk of being labelled derivative, or uninspired. Thankfully, the team at Horizon Watches have combined their design expertise to produce the Nemo – a model that further iterates on their already established design language, whilst making a more wearable piece that draws on vintage styling and their art deco sensibilities.
Horizon Watches is the brainchild of Singaporean watch entrepreneur Sugiharto Kusumadi and designer Fred Bekher. Kusumadi is best known as the founder of Red Army Watches, bringing microbrands to the forefront of the hearts and minds of collectors – in addition, he was the mind behind the recent Spring Sprang Sprung watch fair in Singapore, which further shone the spotlight on these smaller brands that are flying under the radar. Fred Bekher has done extensive work in watch design, having worked with a number of microbrands on their product designs. However, a lingering thought always crossed his mind, as he wanted something to call his own. A chance meeting between the two kicked off the Horizon Watches brand, and the collection now encompasses three models, with distinctive design elements.
The Nemo is the third iteration of Bekher’s designs, aimed to be slimmer, smaller, but offering more in the way of wearability and versatility. Observing the watch on the surface is the sculpted case design, which is achieved with a clever 2-piece construction. The Art Deco gadroon-like lugs are a result of this multi-partite case, and the finishing alternates between brushed and polished surfaces, giving the case an intricate feel. This is further accentuated by the coin-like edge of the bezel, adding to the refinement of the case. Within the bezel is a sapphire crystal insert, bringing to mind another premium brand that utilises this construction technique for their dive bezels. Furthermore, the numerals and markers are also filled with luminescent material, which increases the legibility of the watch in low-light conditions.
The dial is where the look and feel of the watch is solidified. The 12, 3, 6 and 9 numerals take their inspiration from the Nautilus, a deep-sea cephalopod that has a distinctive shell. This design is another point where the watch evokes an Art Deco/Art Nouveau inspiration – these markers are also much taller than in other watches, standing at 0.6mm tall.
At 4 o’clock, we see the Horizon Watches signature design detail – the Integrated Date Display (IDD). The date indicator is integrated into the circular marker at 4, and the date even glows in the dark – an amazing attention to detail as the watch is not only good looking, but fully functional in low-light conditions. The IDD also has the dual function of keeping the dial design harmonious, with no extra date aperture interrupting the design of the dial. Rounding out the vintage design is the box sapphire crystal, which is 2.50mm thick, and featuring an anti-reflective coating to maximise readability.
The watch provided to us came on a stainless steel bracelet – a vintage-styled flat link design, which is equipped with a quick-change system through the use of double-lever spring bars. These will feature a flat catch-point design which ensures that these levers will not dig into the wrist.
The bracelet is also equipped with a micro-adjust clasp, achieved by the buttons at each end of the bracelet (termed “microsliders”). An FKM rubber strap with pin buckle is also included in the package, giving the owner multiple ways to wear their Nemo the way they would like it.
The Nemo is equipped with a Sellita SW200-1 hidden behind a solid stainless steel caseback, an apt choice for this watch, given its workhorse nature. It is also easily serviced, guaranteeing the future longevity of the watch.
7 colours are available at the time of writing – Ocean (blue), Kelp (green), Abyss (black dial, grey bezel), Clown (orange dial, grey bezel), Coral (silver), Golden Hour (champagne dial, grey bezel) and Pistachio (light green dial, black bezel). Quantities are limited, as many of these watches have already been delivered via the brand’s Kickstarter campaign earlier in 2024.
Overall, the Nemo is a very compelling offering from a microbrand, providing excellent value and design details usually seen in high-end dive watches, whilst possessing a. unique Art Deco/Art Nouveau style that makes it a compelling choice in the world of microbrands. The quality movement underneath the dial gives it great future longevity, and it is a watch that will have great versatility with all the strap options available to it at delivery. The best way to experience this watch is to visit Red Army Watches – it’s a watch that really has to be seen in the metal to be believed.
Technical Specifications:
Measurements
• Diameter: 40 mm
• Case height: 11.85mm
• Lug to Lug: 47mm
• Lug width: 22mm
Movement
• Sellita SW200-1
• Mechanical movement with
Automatic function
Case material
• 316L Stainless steel
Crown
• Screw-down
• 7.5mm in diameter
Glass
• Top hat sapphire crystal
with 3 layer of anti-reflective coating
Bezel
• Unidirectional / 120 click
Bezel insert
• Sapphire
Water resistance
• 20ATM / 200m
Super-luminova
• Super-LumiNova Old radium / BGW9
Strap material
• FKM rubber / Genuine leather
Bracelet
• 316L Stainless steel
• Butterfly clasp
• Push button on link for micro adjustment
Standard packaging
• FKM rubber strap with buckle
• Integrated bracelet
Collector bundle (Additional option)
• Genuine leather strap with buckle
• Cut to adjust Length FKM rubber strap
Warranty
• 1 Year