Straight from outer space – The Anicorn Cassini Nemesis

It would be hard for me to describe an experience from a topic I am not so familiar with. That said when I hold a well-crafted object with a different backstory, I just want to learn more and more, and that is the power of Anicorn.

As a watchmaker, they have been partnering with plenty brands to create unique watches (and movement modules) that share with us a unique way to tell the time. The list of collaborators is long including M/M Paris and Kojima Productions, but we are not here for those, we are here for a space exploration.

 A fantastic approach to design watches is to try and find inspiration from different sources. Louis Cartier who we all know and admire, was obsessed with anything architectural and we can see why, its design traits are still relevant today.

So, in theory it should be easy to find new ways to create a new object (watches in this case), right? Well design it yes but bring it to life is a different story. Watchmakers are bound by the economies of scale sort of say. Just like cars, things become more accessible when they are generic or ‘’off the shelf’’. Change a millimetre here or there, and the prices become astronomical which is a territory well occupied by brands like Richard Mile or Mb&F, all made in house all bespoke.

But we are not out of luck because brands like Anicorn are making waves on creating something spectacular, different and affordable. How do they do it? Well, is a passion project and their Cassini Nemesis is their latest iteration.

As mentioned, before I won’t go into the specifics on the inspiration (mostly to keep myself safe) but we will try to keep it specific to the watch itself. What I can tell you is that the team focused on Saturn, more specifically in the Cassini mission launched in 1997 to reach the sixth planet from the sun in 2004. The main idea was to understand better its composition, its rings, moons and of course enjoy those beautiful pictures that are now engrained in our heads. More specifically the guys at Anicorn were taken by the north pole of the planet, the darkest side where sun hasn’t reach yet. This is a theme that would be reflected throughout the watch.

Join me to discover one of the coolest pieces that landed on my wrist this year (couldn’t help it).

The specifications

The Cassini is hexagonal in shape, which I have to say wears incredibly well, feels like a natural shape for a watch, a bit like a barrel shape but easier to handle. Everything is covered in sandblasted PVD making the watch feel utilitarian, sleek. The lines of the cases are softer than a straight line which gives the Nemesis a softer approach. Because of all black theme, the 42mm in diameter seem manageable, feels smaller than the numbers suggest.

The dial is where things get very cool and different. A centre wheel dominates the dial while the circle hour hand creates an aperture to read the 8-bit like numerals, straight from an Atari video game. The underneath dial is matte black, and it helps with the contrast and overall reading of the time. I love there are hidden details such as coordinates, brand name and model also covered at some point by the non-symmetrical running wheel, it is all too good to watch.

All of this is happening under the largest sapphire domed crystal I’ve experienced so far, it is beautiful to behold and photograph. It reaches the edges of the Nemesis giving the impression of a very thin bezel. It also has vast amount of AR coating which helps with reflections quite well, it is appreciated.

Turn the watch over and you are created with a sapphire case back which houses a well decorated modified Miyota NH35, blued screws and rhodium coating have been applied to keep on with the theme of the front.

On the wrist

Most of watches are easy to describe, their diameter and dimensions are generic and more or less, it can be compared with another model, not the Nemesis. The previous mentioned 42mm in diameter might suggest that is a big watch but because of the hexagonal case and short lug to lug of 41mm, everything feels more compact.

Another dimension that is important to describe is the thickness at 14.6mm. that might sound like a scary number at a glance but, the conical shape of the Nemesis does a great job making the watch feel planted and again, much thinner than the specs suggest.

The main reason is because the base of the watch where the sapphire case back is, ends being way smaller that the dial of the watch, so with shorter lug to lug and smaller base, all works.

Legibility was one of the key concerns when I discover the Cassini Nemesis. If you think about it, it has all the elements to be illegible as possible but, with small design decisions, they managed to achieve good functionality. For example, the matte dial contrast with the polished centre wheel while the bright white tips of the hands ensure that time is reflected on the numerals. Then, we have the large domed sapphire crystal, this should really make the watch impossible to us due to the curvature and reflection, but the antireflective treatment is very efficient, leaving the watch clear almost at any angle.

The Cassini comes with 2 strap options; a steel bead blasted PVD bracelet which gives the appearance of an integrated watch, it is to my eyes the go to option, looks great and with screws instead of push pins, it is easy to set. The second option is a rubber FMK strap with quick release, looks good and for the summertime it would be ideal as it doesn’t compromise the looks of the watch.

I wore the Cassini mostly on the weekends, and for some reason I felt like going back to my old days when riding a Ducati Monster 696, it has a biker’s appeal but I assume that it must be the sleek design contrasting with the bruteness of the bead blasted case, like when the Beauty meets the Beast. It a comfortable watch but does make a statement, goes well with jeans and shirt, causal wear is achievable, but this is a loose down watch for everyday wear.

Concluding thoughts

After all the description, we still haven’t got the price. By the time of launch, the Cassini will be 650 USD which again coming back to our initial point, it is watchmaking uniqueness at an affordable price, let’s not forget this is mid tear prices for a Seiko nowadays.

My take on the Cassini Nemesis is a very positive one because it brings all the elements that are needed to impress a watch geek without breaking the bank and still being original. Sure, we can say that wearing a Rolex Submariner has a dose of prestige, but life is too short to wear something generic out of the box. This is a unique proposition, and we are all for it.

We are also looking forward to see more avant-garde designs from the brand, it is an exciting time. Did I mentioned they have a Sega Genesis theme watch?

Technical Specifications

·       MOVEMENT: Modified NH35-ATD, 21,600bph, 24 jewels automatic movement

·       POWER RESERVATION: 41 hours

·       FUNCTION: Hours, minutes, seconds

·       CASE: 316L stainless steel, 42mm x 41mm, height 14.6mm, Sandblasted PVD black plating, with AF coating

·       CASEBACK: Exhibition caseback

·       DIAL: 2-Layer dial with etching & infilled with white Super-LumiNova® BG W9 (Blue emission), Black dial ring with etching minutes track

·       HANDS: Sunray brushed black plated hour, minute & second hands, with white Super-LumiNova® BG W9 (Blue emission)

·       GLASS: AR coated sapphire glass

·       METAL OR FKM STRAP: Quick release, stainless steel bracelet / Quick release, FKM strap

·       WATER RESISTANCE: 5 ATM (50 meters)