Simplicity at its best – The NK15 and the GS range from Namoki Mods

Simplicity is quite hard to achieve, especially when it comes to watches. The main reason being, is that the 2 avenues to choose from are quite different. As a brand, you can opt to go very minimalistic to the point that the watch becomes austere. Then, there is the next approach which is to pack as much features as possible in one piece, it s quite a challenge but it can also lead to a very unwearable and complicated experience.

With this in mind, we can easily say that round cases are the most versatile, dates are useful but not necessary leaving thinness and size being the name of the game. If a good balance is achieved, in my eyes, the watch can be considered a keeper for any collection. I believe the new line from Namoki achieves all of the above with their new GS range.

This is not the first I review from the house that ‘’mods’’ (or modifies) watches with the best components out there. I am not only talking about how similar they look, but also the quality that they deliver. My NK21 has become on of the most used watches in my collection so, I was keen to see their take into a Grand Seiko product.

One of the reasons why I was so curious was because of the small details that make GS special. We as watch enthusiasts, have all heard about their polishing techniques and incredible dials, this represent quite a challenge for Namoki because the price different is not only is vast but also we must consider all the handmade elements.

I can already tell you that the quality in this NK15 GS is mesmerizing, I have no idea how they created effects that makes it feel as similar as the SBGW301G which is the watch that is based on. I’ve handled both watches and the hands look as sharp as the GS counter-part, I can see myself without distortion on the case size and the cream dial, just looks like a beautiful custard.

Join me to discover, one of the best dials and cases at this price point, I am taken.

The specifications

The case size is just perfection at 37.2mm, not sure what the extra 0.2 are for but I can tell you that feels just right. The stainless-steel polished case has a similar attention to detail to its more expensive inspiration. As mentioned, I can really see my reflection without beings distorted which is the whole point of the ‘’zaratsu’’ polishing and also the muscular bezel gives a nice stand to what is already a perfect case.

That bezel ring encapsulates the beautiful beige/ivory shiny dial, it has a enameled quality to it that is hard to replicate, I can say that this is the most elegant dial I have in my collection these days, it is just outstanding. The markers on this dial are also done to perfection, it has a spot on tridimensionality that reflects the light at every angle, there is no lume but they are easy to read because they stand-out quite well from the shiny hue of the dial. Perhaps the only small change that I would do is that I would add a writing logo instead of the Namoki icon,  a futuristic script might make everything look even more balanced, plus ‘’Namoki’’ as a name, it is quite lovely for a Japanese Mod, again is a small niggle.

The boxed sapphire crystal also creates a lovely distortion while elevating the vintage charm of the watch, it does feel like a piece from 50’s and I meant that as a compliment.

The dial is also quite symmetrical with no date, scissors hands and the word automatic at 6 o clock, a beautiful canvas that uses the NH35 A Seiko movement. It is a mechanical engine that they managed to keep quite thin under 12mm and also with a rotor that avoids any noise whatsoever.

Another nice part is that the watch has 50 meters of water resistance which for a dress watch is more than ideal, this is done thanks to the screw down crown which has become a bit of a signature for the brand.

On the wrist

The 37mm case feels a tad smaller because of the short lug to lug distance which is 44.3mm. by no mean it makes the watch feel undersized, it is a watch that can be worn every day and because of the 19mm lug width, the Namoki feels more substantial, again small details.

Coming back to the lug width, the NK15 comes with a black leather strap that matches the vibe and it is quite comfortable. Because this is a dress watch, a brown alligator would also be a good match but I managed to source a Forstner Bracelet with 8 links and I have to say that it is going to stay like this for a awhile, feels right at home and not only makes it a tad sportier but chic at the same time.

Wearing the NK15 is easy, not only is quite thin but also is quite light. The dial is a joy  to read and because there is no date, it has become my go to watch, I just cannot get enough wrist time. The watch looks great with casual attire but also with more plain everyday clothes, is not a gym watch but perfect for the office and to be honest it is an all-rounder, it does everything well. I will be tempted to use a green nylon strap and I am sure it has some military vibes to match it.

Concluding thoughts

There is something special about the NK15, I believe the proportions are spot on but the case shape and the dial are the cherry on top for me, this is a watch that could easily compete with its GS counter part in terms of look, sure the mechanics are simpler and craftsmanship might be turn down a notch not as much as the price indicates which brings us to the best part.

The NK15 GS is prices at 230 GBP which to me is one of the best value watches I’ve tried this last quarter. For the built quality and looks, you cannot go wrong with this outstanding watch, it has value written all over.

It is worth mentioning that there is a 2^nd version, the NK16 which has a gold plated case and hands, same dial but a more warm feeling to it. I would be keen to see how that feels because the ‘’wow’’ factor with the steel version is another level.

Namoki is know for its components, and the NK15 and NK16 can be modified further with different dials, hands as everything is compatible, I will urge you to check their website and also see their fully assembled pieces, they cannot seem to get those proportions wrong.

For more information, please visit: https://www.namokimods.com/en-gb/collections/modded-watches/products/nmk15-automatic-dress-watch-gs-steel

Technical specifications

·       37.3mm Case Diameter

·       44.3mm Lug to Lug Diameter

·       11.25mm Thickness

·       NMK940 GS Dress Watch Case Bundle with sterile slim caseback

·       Vintage Style Top Hat Box Glass Crystal - Clear AR

·       Polished Coin Edge Crown

·       NH35A from SII - Hacking and Winding movement

·       19mm Black Leather Strap

·       Water Resistant to 50m