Australian watch firm Second Hour has recently burst onto our radar with an eclectic range of watches that effectively showcase the sheer variety of styles out there, and having recently had a chance to look at the very rectangular and Art Deco Memoir, it’s time for something completely different as we examine the Second Hour Sattelberg Mk2.
As you’d expect it’s an improved version of the previous Mk1 – more about that later – and it's worth a moment to consider the somewhat unusual name. As well as being a peak in Austria, Sattelberg is also a village in remote Papua New Guinea on top of a mountain.
After World War 1, the Australian government was given responsibility for the Pacific island, located off the coast of Cairns, but it was occupied by Japanese forces in World War 2 before being recaptured by Australia after what became known as the Battle of Sattelberg.
So it’s an important name, with military and historical roots that stretch back a long way. On the back of the case, you’ll find the Sattelberg campaign dates and co-ordinates, to underline the significance.
It's perhaps slightly ironic then that there’s a Japanese Miyota movement inside, given the historical context, but we should probably let that slide and stick to modern watchmaking rather than the geopolitics of the past. The 9015 is simply a great movement with a 42-hour power reserve, which makes perfect sense in a watch like this, ensuring both the reliability and great value that is a consistent hallmark of Second Hour.
Specifically this watch retails for less than £450, and for that you really do get an awful lot. Second Hour has become known for its intricate dials, and this watch is no exception, with an intriguing two-tone sunburst and matte treatment that marks it out from most rivals. It might not be for everyone – some people will no doubt prefer a plainer dial – but it’s undeniably distinctive, thanks to the orange accents as well. There’s a flat sapphire anti-reflective crystal to help make sure that you see everything properly and the whole face really pops.
The brushed and polished stainless steel case is additionally coated in scratch resistant material, which should help keep the Sattelberg Mk2 looking pristine for years to come, wherever you take it over the world: it comes in a zip-up travel case. Three colours are available – copper, blue, and black – with an aesthetic that diverges considerably from the original Second Hour Sattelberg (unsurprisingly known as the Mk1). The first Sattelberg was much more of an overtly military watch, and much plainer in style.
Yet on the latest version we see intricate evolutions in every area: alongside the colours, perhaps the most notable change is the fact that the watch now has a pronounced rehaut in contrasting white, which adds a lot more depth and complexity.
The date window is still above the six o’clock position, but has adopted a distinctive round porthole rather than a rectangular window, while the ‘sword’ hands are similar to before. The glaring exception is the prominent seconds hand, with a big triangular pointer to further enhance legibility alongside the military vibe.
At 40mm, the overall watch dimensions are just about perfect, enabling it to sit comfortably on the wrist – and that comfort is enhanced by a push button micro-adjustment clasp on the buckle, to help achieve the perfect fit.
This excellent bracelet (also brushed and polished) is another of the areas that Second Hour has focussed on and the quality is evident, with a nice articulated wrap-around feel that helps to avoid any gaps in the way it sits (all too often a problem at this relatively modest price point).
It’s actually this unstinting attention to detail, which is evident nearly everywhere, that’s the most compelling aspect of the Sattelberg Mk2 for me. There’s a lot happening within the overall architecture to create a genuine feeling of texture and depth, especially the rehaut and chapter ring mentioned earlier.
The dial, while controversial to some, is easy enough to read and clarity is enhanced at night thanks to those diamond-cut hands that are liberally coated with blue BGW9 lume. In fact, this watch is probably even more readable at night than it is during the day.
While it certainly isn’t a dive watch, despite the tool watch feel, you still get 100 metres of water resistance – more than enough for 99% of the population – and a screw-down crown, with Second Hour pressure testing everything to ensure that those claims are entirely legitimate.
This is a watch that you can wear in most situations, which you won't ever have to worry about – and that is its biggest strength. ‘Affordable quality’ is a bit of a cliché in the watchmaking world, but the offerings from Second Hour always come close to this ideal, with a two-year warranty to boot.
As a result, the Sattelberg has already proved to be a commercial success, with the first production run soon selling out: no surprise thanks to the overall premium feel and finish.
It’s hard to place this watch firmly into a specific genre as it overlaps a variety of styles. However, if pushed hard, I’d probably call it a ‘sports field watch’ – if such a thing exists (It does now).
But this Sattelberg could actually be worn almost as a dress watch, thanks to its relatively slim profile, while the lack of a crown guard also gives it extra field watch vibes. The quick-release bracelet means that it’s easy enough to dress up with a leather strap as well, if so desired.
Yes, some aficionados prefer their watches to be more focussed in a particular area rather than being all things to all people. But for someone who just wants a well-made everyday watch that offers quality with value for money, the Sattelberg Mk2 is definitely worthy of serious consideration – especially as it’s somewhat different from all the other mainstream brands we’re already very familiar with.
Second Hour Sattelberg MKII
Technical Specifications:
Case Material : 316L Stainless Steel with 1200 Vickers surface hardening - case, bracelet and clasp
Case Diameter : 40mm
Lug to Lug : 47mm
Thickness : 10.5mm (with crystal)
Lug Width : 20mm
Crystal : Flat Sapphire crystal with 6 layers of internal AR coating
Movement : Miyota 9015 Automatic (42 hours power reserve)
Water Resistance : 100 metres
Lume : Swiss SuperLuminova BGW9
Bracelet : Screw pin, 7 link bracelet with quick release spring bars
Inclusions : Screwdriver and shipped in our hard wearing, custom made, zip up travel case
Warranty : Two year international warranty
