Art on the wrist – The Supernatural from MD Watches Studio

There are watches who look like nothing else and I am not referring to shapes or complications but in terms of design. About a year ago, I saw what it was one of the coolest looking watches on Instagram, it was bold, different and then I saw its different models, I couldn’t believe that they were the same watch.

For me this last point was key to pursuit this review, I wanted to understand how much a watch can change when the dial changes. After a long time, we are lucky to have the Supernatural from MD Watch Studio in their Triskel version.

At the beginning, I wasn’t sure or aware of the meaning of the dial pattern, I was just attracted to the use of colours and the fact that is a regulator watch but that was it. Then I started to do some digging and realized the Gaelic connection representing life, death and rebirth which created another layer of interest in me.

Then we come to the more ‘’normal’’ variations where the Supernatural has a different look and feel. Depend on who you ask, it looks more tamed, sophisticated and to be honest, is hard to decide which colour to go for. All of this without considering the price, which is another good angle, we will discuss that later.

The main difference with our Triskel variant is that with the other dials,  the fun elements get more muted although we can all agree that gains in sophistication and minor points on legibility. That said, despite losing its ‘’tremblage’’ like texture, the Triskel has one of the best glossy printed dials I’ve seen at any price point, it is a joy to behold.

Let’s begin to dig in further into a watch that I just can get to leave my wrist.

Technical specification

First, we must explain what the Supernatural is: a regulator watch. When I started to read about watches, I got obsessed with the idea of having the 3 most common complications on a separate layout because I thought it was a very elegant solution that makes sense for precision timing.  As we know regulator watches are heavily linked to trains and railroads and of course, it was usually found in the form of a pocket watch.

The Supernatural’s stainless-steel case is 40mm, quite a departure from original large objects from the past but keeps legibility at the forefront. As mentioned, the round polish bezel holds one of the coolest dials I’ve photographed, there are shades of red, purple, blue green and orange, but they do have a similar bright palette making them match well. The subdials are done in a bright green with gilt markets and a textured centre. This is what got me thinking/appreciating on how well executed the dial is, the small details are vast around the Triskel while keeping the good functionality.

Being a regulator watch, all the indications are separate with the minute hand at the centre, it almost touches the edge of the dial. The large counterbalance seems adequate and clinical with the hours and seconds subdials arranged on a cluster around the 6 o’clock area. At the beginning, it was not as easy to read because we I was not used to the orientation of the hours counter, in fact we got 24 of them in a small space, but it all works well after readjusting my brain to the minute hand.

The watch is controlled by the push and pull crown at 2 o’clock, it is signed and well made with good details for a perfect grip. Turn the watch over and you are greeted with the Miyota 82S7 which can be seen trough a caseback, there is a dyed blue skeletonized rotor that upscales the whole view. It is a lovely composition and one of the few watches which has a movement that I am glad to see.

The Supernatural also offers 50 meters of water resistance and although it might not be your diver of choice, it is great to see that this rating is offered in a dress/casual watch mainly because it means that it can be worn everyday with no worries.

On the wrist

This is where to me the Triskel shines because it is a chameleon watch, let me explain. If you managed to get your hands on with any of the so called ‘’normal’’ varieties of the Supernatural, you would see that they are dressy by nature, sure nowadays everything is more relaxed, but they do tend to be more on the dressy side.

The Triskel on the other hand, can be worn with a suit no issues (which I’ve done) and also with a T-shirt with jeans, it is a good all rounder and while the use of colours could be a stop sign for many, I would challenge those people to keep a mind open because it does blend with ease.

The watch is very slim at 12mm and that includes the double domed sapphire crystal, add that to the 46mm lug to lug dimension and you do have an easy watch to wear. There is of course no lume on the dial and I think that is good for the Supernatural, there is a lot going on and adding thickness to the hands or numerals might be a mistake in my opinion, it is good as it is.

The watch comes with a very high-quality blue calfskin strap and a canvas one in a brighter blue tone as well. They match the dial and bring comfort to the wrist, they both come with a singed buckle and a saffiano textured box, it is a luxury experience which is much appreciated.

I’ve decided to swap the strap for a grey Harris Tweed one, I think it gives a funkier look (not that it needs it) and is perfect for the Autum/Winter season, as I mentioned, the watch is a chameleon.

As mentioned, I wore the Triskel with a suit but also for a casual Friday at the office, there is no denying that it does bring attention to it. I was asked by many of my colleagues what the watch was and how did it worked, it was a great conversation starter and at the end that what we all watch geeks want.

Concluding thoughts

You can easily tell that I am enjoying the Supernatural quite a bit, not only because of the looks but also what it brings to my watch box, it is a completely different experience to wear it.

Is not only the number of details that I enjoy but also how they are executed, I can truly say that I haven’t been able to review a watch with this quality at this price level which brings us to the monetary side of the equation.

The Supernatural is offered on any of its variations at 412 GBP which to me is astonishing. From the originality to the wearing experience, it is a watch that punches well above its weight, so much that I am tempted to get one of the classic variations as my wife has decided to take my Triskel for a spin and I haven’t seen it for the last 2 days.

If you are in the market for a unique and classy watch that can make you feel special without breaking the bank, this is a piece that I am sure you will enjoy. MD Watch Studio has been doing some great work, and we are curious to see what is next out there. Their new Connemara seems to be hitting the right notes, the future seems bright.

For more information please visit: https://www.martindesignwatches.com/ 

Technical specifications

-          Case material - 316 L Stainless Steel, Case Thickness - 12 mm

-          Diameter - 40 mm, Between lugs 20 mm
, Lug to lug - 46mm

-          Double Curved Sapphire Crystal Glass

-          Crown: Non-Screw Down

-          Caseback - Screw down with exhibition sapphire crystal

-          Strap - Calfskin with Classy Clasp

-          Water resistance - 5 atm

-          Miyota 82S7

-          Automatic and hand winding

-          Jewels - 21, Frequency - 21'600

-          Running Time - 42 Hours

-          Minutes, Hours and Second Hand

-          Printed Multi Layered Dial