A tool watch that does it all – The Nimrod by Abinger

Simplicity has its own art form and to me, a well design object must be a representation to that. I always try to apply this ethos in my everyday aspect and for my internal watch geek, it feels great to find that piece that reflects what you want and like.

In the corners of Instagram, I saw a watch that in terms of looks was very attractive, it got my attention, and I was lucky enough to make contact with the owners, again, it was that simple.

Abinger is a brand that feels more mature than it really is. Conceived after a RedBar conversation and because the owner enjoyed a mix of dressy and sports watches, the result was a true GADA watch.

The Nimrod is one of the first watches at this price range (more on that later) that made me realize how good the microbrand space has become over the past year. The attention to detail and proportions have really taken off. I believe the main reason for this development is that brands are focusing more on the designs than into the movements itself, a good change in my opinion.

Another part that we must highlight is that brands coming from the UK have also step into the limelight, they are getting lots of attention and the momentum seems to be there. We have to say that the British Watchmakers Association seems to be a successful initiative.

Staying with the Nimrod, join me to discover a watch that might join my collection sooner or later, it is that good.

Technical Specifications

For a watch to be easy to use, at least for me, size is the first thing that comes to mind. Long gone are the Panerai days (I am sure they will be back) of 44mm. The Nimrod comes alive in a stainless-steel case that measures 38mm at the base and 38.5 including the bezel, quite compact.  The magic is also supported by 45mm lug to lug and the 10.9mm thickness, these are proportions which are only seen in 5-digit Rolex Submariners, and as an enthusiast, I quite miss them.  The curves of the case are nicely finished with bevelled accents and satin surfaces; all looks great feeling quite up market.

The dial is what really got me, the Nimrod version we managed to review is called the Arden Fell and it comes with a rich dark brown sunburst dial which I consider a showstopper. Not only the colour scheme is very attractive, but also the printing quality of the dial. In this department, the Nimrod includes a very traditional font with ‘’open’’ sausage style numerals, they are very attractive and even if is subjective, the explorer layout matches the matte DLC bezel to perfection, it is a clean design which also happens to be  well executed.

The pencil handset is all blacked out at the edge, works well against the dial and it is simple but an elegant solution that allows the Superluminova to work effectively, of course no foreign materials can be found.

Coming back to that matte bezel, the numerals are also lumed and they include a scale to calculate a second time zone. Sure, the purist will say that is not an ISO certified watch, but when you travel, wouldn’t you like to take one watch to do it all? You can dive with the Nimrod not only because it offers 200 meters of water resistance but also because the bezel includes that triangle at 12 o’clock to mark your 15 minutes of dive time.

Powering the watch, we find a Miyota 9093 movement which has been regulated by Abinger, it has 42 hours of power reserve. Might not sound like much but the 9093 movement not only keeps the watch thin but also affordable, I definitely prefer that over a longer power reserve. It is visible through the case back with a custom rotor from the brand, I always wonder if they make the watch with closed case back, would it be even thinner? Not sure the 10.9 could be challenged here but who knows.

On the wrist

We already mentioned that it is easy to wear something that is this thin, the Nimrod is one of those watches that feels right as soon as you strap it on. All the proportions feel at home and then, you have this outstanding mid case which hugs the wrist, I imagine that the guys at Abinger did not stumble upon this, it was planned it to be this way.

The watch comes with an oyster style bracelet which is very comfortable and because it has female end links, it always wears true to its real size. The clasp has on the fly micro adjustment, and it is double triggered, feels more elegant than and fold over and it is well machined. Again, we take all these features for granted nowadays but we are happy to see them here.

One small detail that is not on common is that the case and bracelet have a 1200HV scratch resistance coating. I was wondering why there were no ‘’desk diving’’ scratches on a press sample watch but I can see that this is a real benefit for something that you are going to wear every day.

The watch also came with a brown Cordura strap, I was dubious at first but then, I couldn’t take it off from it, I really think that this would be the way to wear this watch, it not only feels lighter but also looks more every day, not sure why but it just does.

I wore the Nimrod mostly at home, I did not have the chance to put it through its paces, but it was something that I’ve enjoyed quite a bit, I couldn’t stop looking at it. I found the colour brown to be more versatile than it thought it would be, in the end when you say the word ‘’brown’’ boring comes to mind but not here, not with this rich tone, I quite love it.

Concluding thoughts

There are a few watches that can turn your head, this is one of them. It has all the specification and design cues that I love. It reminds me a lot of my Bremont Supermarine S300, but it also has those Panerai like numerals with case proportions of a vintage Rolex. It all sound like an odd mash but it is by far on of the most harmonious watches I’ve photographed, quite a sweet.

Now onto the price, the Nimrod is available to pre order at 650 GBP. At the beginning I was feeling that for watches with a similar movement, cheaper options could be found, but that is the main issue, they would feel cheaper. The Nimrod is a watch that could compete with big boys north of the 1500 GBP mark, the quality is there and the unique design too. This is before considering the regulation of the movement, the bracelet and the hardening process of the entire watch. All of this makes to me the Nimrod quite a bargain.

I would encourage you to reach out to the brand or even me to ask how this watch makes you feel, perhaps your next diver could be brown, but if not, then you have 2 other versions to choose from. The Nimrod also comes with black and green sunburst dials called Nightfire and Herne respectively, I would still go for our Ardent Fell because it offers something different which I do not see often.

The watches are in pre order stage so make sure you can secure one of the versions, they will fly off the shelf.

For more information, please visit https://www.abingerwatches.com/nimrod

Technical Specifiations

Dial

Sunburst black, green, or brown with ceramic Super-LumiNova BGW9 indexes and numerals

Case Material

Stainless steel with DLC-coated bezel insert

Case Dimensions

38.5mm (diameter with bezel, 38mm without) × 45mm (lug-to-lug) × 10.9mm (thickness)

Crystal

Sapphire

Case Back

Stainless steel and sapphire crystal, screw-in

Movement

Miyota 9039: automatic with manual winding and hacking seconds, 28,800vph frequency, 42-hour power reserve, -10/+15 seconds per day

Water Resistance

200 meters

Strap

Stainless steel H-link bracelet with toolless micro-adjustable clasp and quick-release bayonets

Functions

Time (hours, minutes, seconds), 12-hour bezel