A new way to undertand Field watches – The MUS+06 from Maven Watches

The fact that everything is being done in a minimalistic way in terms of design, sometimes even for me, it is getting a bit too much. Everyone is opting for cleaner lines and pale colours, do not get me wrong, I am all in for it but when is done right.

Ornamental logos, lines and colour palettes are being replaced by white lines that resemble the past in a future manner, and this is the issue at least for me, converting history not always ends up right.

But what is you are born this way? embracing the clean-cut simplicity, no clutter nor distractions, in other words straight to the point. Well, this seems like a better approach as your refinement already comes from a place that it should be, a place that represent that ethos of less is more.

Let us take for example Panerai, this is an extremely simple brand with a unique design. No clutter, nothing unnecessary that will disturb you from reading the time, and we are talking of a design that stood up the taste of time, it is still relevant today. On the other scale we have Cartier, which by nature is the oppositive with everything being done with flair but sacrificing functionality. I like them both.

But then, we see that well-made objects with great looks, start to creep up in pricing and that ethos we mentioned, starts to become a different tune, something like: ‘’with more money you get less’’.  This is when I came across Maven Watches, a brand born in Hong Kong that believes that great objects should be made for everyone and not for a few, all of this without sacrificing the quality.

Today we are lucky to have the pinnacle of their MUS collection which is the +06 Automatic in a beautiful olive green. The MUS collection feels like a utilitarian minimalistic version of a field watch, from the shape of its body to colours, everything screams everyday wearability. Join me to discover a cool one, let’s begin.

The specifications

The basic formula of a field watch is size, comfort and legibility, the MUS excels in all the above. With 38mm in diameter and 40mm in lug to lug, you can already imagine that the watch is ideal for any activity you can think of. The bead blasted case feels utilitarian and very ergonomic, there curves are nicely accentuated by some sharp curves, its unique and I’ve never seen this shape before. On the side we have the model’s name to avoid any unnecessary branding on the dial.

Staying with that olive matte dial, the face of the MUS is an exercise of restrain, everything feels as it has a purpose. The yellowish minute track breaks the dial nicely with numerals in an upside-down configuration to remain legible, a great touch.

The long pencil hands are filled with Swiss Superluminova and do a great job when the dark hits, it is bright and long lasting. There are also two triangles for orientation, and with the sweeping seconds hands in white, the almost monochromatic scheme works wonders.

Another nice touch in terms of design is the date. The camouflaged round window feels more like a numeral than a complication, it really blends in and avoids getting distracted by one of the most symmetrical dials I’ve tested this year.

The MUS is powered by the well know Japanese Miyota 8215, an automatic movement which not only performs well but also provides that mechanical feeling that we watch nerds love. The accuracy out of the box has been amazing and almost at COSC levels. It is all controlled by the thin but very easy to grip crown, it’s lovely to operate and we also enjoy that there is no see through case back, a true tool watch as well.

On the wrist

With the dimensions we described the MUS wears like a charm in my 6.25-inch wrist, the thinness also makes an appearance at around 12mm. The official specifications read 14mm but that includes the lovely sapphire crystal so, believe me when I say that wears well.

The watch comes with a well-made green elastic parachute strap. It is a joy to use not only because of the looks it gives but also how the quality gets upgraded, it is a good change from those cheap nylon versions we see on eBay. The lug opening is 20mm which means you can wear the MUS with almost any strap.

I wore the MUS doing the right activities, hiking and gym, it is a watch that can make it. The MUS case is an object that was well thought out by the guys at Maven because the legibility which becomes apparent as soon as you go outside. Nothing reflects on the dial and there is an easiness to wear that cannot be matched, at least at this price point (more on that later).

The strap also plays a huge role on how it wears and feels, the ‘’marine national’’ style makes it stand out, specially with that sandblasted case. The watch also has this small size that reminds you of all-time greats field watches like the Seiko Alpinist but in a more (again) minimalistic vibe.

Concluding thoughts

The watch has been my go-to piece for the last 2 weeks, it is comfortable, and I do love a green watch that can also be a strap monster. The MUS is a watch that can make you smile and understand that a good-designed object should not be unreachable, this is a good segway to the price. The MUS+06 Automatic MRSP is 300 GBP which for an original piece is quite a find, that said, even better, the watch is currently on offer at 255 GBP.

The MUS comes in 3 other different variations, a beautiful sand dial, a blue navy and a rich black which I was tempted to review as well, that said the green is the one in our hearts, it gives this miliary feel that we love.

If you are in the market for beautiful piece of mechanical watchmaking that doesn’t break the bank, the MUS + 06 Automatic should be at the top of your list. I will be keen to see what the design house from Hong Kong comes with, perhaps a diver? We know that those chronographs are beautiful, let’s see what it can be, but I am sure that they will be breathtaking.

For more information please visit: https://uk.mavenwatches.com/products/mus-06-olive-p-38mm

Technical specifications

Watch Movement: Japanese Miyota 8215 Automatic

Case Diameter: 38mm

Case Thickness: 14mm

Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel

Case Finish: Matte

Case Color: Silver

Dial Color: Navy

Strap Color: Navy

Strap Width: 20mm

Strap Material: Elastic Parachute

Strap Buckle: Stainless Steel

Quick Release Feature: Yes

Water Resistance: 200m/20ATM

Weight: 77.2 g