SECOND HOUR Gin Clear MKII Watch Review

[@watchyawant]

I've had the opportunity to review the Mandala Burst a couuple of weeks ago and I have to say the only thing that bettered the quality of those watches is the human quality of the team behind them. It's a rare thing to meet your heroes and to find out they are actually better than you hoped they would be. Congratulations on yet another stunner!

[@grahambeer8179]

I have a Mk II, in pastel blue. I will buy another (black) for dress occasions. The watch is absolutely superb. Bezel's new coin edge is great. Bezel action is the best I've ever experienced. Screwing in the crown is extraordinary. Thread latches immediately, motion is completely smooth. Cross hatch design on crown creates excellent grip. Watch feels like it is carved out of a single block of steel. Not a fan of the bracelet, but the moment I placed the watch on a strap, the watch "popped". Congratulations on another superb watch, truly raising the quality to a significantly greater degree. Bravo, Second Hour!

[@Mungo-Man]

Peter mentioned that strap changing could be difficult in his review. Did you find this to be the case?

[@grahambeer8179]

@@Mungo-Man yes, it was difficult to find a silicone strap that fit (space between case and spring bars is unusually tight). When I finally found a strap that fit (in a strap pack from Erebus watches), the watch looks and feels incredible! Size of watch is small enough, and it is thin enough (with 300m water resistance!) to fit very slim on the wrist. Fit and finish is insanely high. I believe it could pass as a dress watch or, at the very least, a superb GADA watch. When I first received the watch, I didn’t really like it. I thought the bracelet was more intricate than needed, and unnecessarily shiny. Now that I have it on a restrained dive strap, it is one of my favourite watches. I now appreciate what Peter has created here: an extremely capable dive watch whose fit and finish allow it to be worn as a dress watch. The original Gin Clear was my favourite watch of the past four years. It has taken a while for me to warm up to it, but the Gin Clear mark II is a new favourite. I know of no watch near its price that offers as much well thought out design, capability, and excellent fit and finish as this new Gin Clear. Kudos to Peter!

[@Mungo-Man]

@@grahambeer8179 Thank you for the reply and your first hand experience with the Gin Clear Mk II. Its definitely a watch on my short list 👍

[@Kevinjimtheone]

That's the same price as a CW, MAEN, etc. Microbrands are great, but (IMHO) they either have to offer specs monster like the Chinese brands do or brands like Wise, or just differentiate with a great dial (anOrdain) or a quite different take like Yema. I applaud it took to make this watch, but to me, it looks like a thousand other divers but with good quality. At which point, I can get a CW for the same price, and get a piece that has legacy, too.

[@talanjohn]

Agreed. Ho-hum design.

[@kleinkalibar7486]

Cheapest CW with a NATO is still more expansive than the SH, not sure what you are talking about. What kind of legacy does CW have? They used to be a microbrand as well and have no history that goes back far enough to consider it a legacy brand? They were literally founded in the early 2000s?

[@Kevinjimtheone]

@@kleinkalibar7486 the C60 Trident Pro 300 right at this price. Not only that, it's available from local distributors, so I won't have to pay expensive shipment, customs, etc. at which point this watch would be much closer to a Longines or an even better CW.

[@kleinkalibar7486]

@@Kevinjimtheone No idea where you are from but for me the Second Hour is a good 100 Euro cheaper than the CW and has a steel braclet instead of a NATO strap. That does include customs and shipping. I have several SH, all top notch quality and punching way above the price point.

[@piotrszmidel]

Maybe agree with CW,but Maen?With their shitty customer service?

[@gerardanthony9834]

Thanks for a terrific review, Peter! I’m very impressed with this watch and find the orange to be delightfully hued; not too bright or subdued. Somewhere between a perfect mango and a sherbet! One of my fav colors. And I love the complementary color nuances on the bezel at 12 and the crown ring. Slick! The red-on-black is right smart. Cool smooth movement of the second hand and the dial aesthetics appear well thought out. Handsome bracelet, adjustable too. Nice! The price point is quite attractive. Kudos to Second Hour for a very compelling release.

[@felo6035]

This is a beautifully executed watch. In my opinion well worth the price. For those looking for an excellent microbrand diver, the question is whether or not the style speaks to you. Color selecction is terrific too. Again, in mho this is a tremendous offering. Well done, and thank you for sharing Pete. Sending you good wishes from Miami Florida 👍

[@personanonymous1608]

I really want the Christoper ward super compressor but this watch is $400 cheaper and has a better movement, am I right?

[@SecondHourWatches]

We certainly consider the eta 2825-2 to be more stable and accurate than the Sellita SW200 used in the Chris Wards, and we're not alone in that thinking. We currently have our Black Friday sale on - BF2023-100 for $100 AUD off

[@colincelso9428]

The only niggle I have with the mk2 is the pricing. A lot of micro brands like second hour very quickly forget where they came from. All the people who backed their kickstarter campaign for the mk1 could easily be out priced from this one. It’s great they are improving the watch but at over double the price. Why not give people who missed out on the mk1 a chance to enjoy that watch at a more affordable price. It seemed to be a great watch before the upgrades/price increase.

[@amyellen1035]

I would prefer the indices at 4 and 8, moved to 3 and 9.

[@benjaminvis]

Second Hour is one of those brands that I definitely follow and nothing really hear being mentioned in the negative. That alone is noteworthy. Overall I like what they do, though less so the sportier and divier models, such as this one. That said, actually in this footage it wasn't the dial that jumped out to me, but that bracelet and how well it articulates and how well it sits into the case. Gorgeous lugs accentuating the working of the bracelet. Sure, I'd prefer the flatter and dressier butterfly, but I get it, this is not that kind of watch. I really like what the brand is doing and fantastic that they also bought into the hardening coatings, as it really does put the mind at ease when deciding to buy a lesser known (micro)brand. I guess, ultimately, I don't love their designs. The Mandala is more my cup of tea and yet in the design language and elements I still find it probably just a little bit brash. That's a very personal perception and in fact I put it down to deliberate design choices. It's one of those instances where I'm not sure that I should be frustrated that a brand doing so many things so well hasn't produced a model I truly and deeply desire, or whether in fact I should be glad they didn't (avoiding another one in the neverending list). Also the list of brands that I really should give a go sometimes is growing steadily, and I fear this can be a false motivator, as trying brands for their quality isn't the same as really wanting to wear a watch.

[@AlexanderB.]

It's a nice looking watch with good specs. I noticed the "Gin Clear" font is a bit 80s style! 😆 But I have to say, I'm a bit sick of shiny black ceramic bezel inserts at the moment.

[@nextonthewrist]

Love the colour matching across the 12 o'clock lumepip, crown ring, seconds hand and dial text. Colour used sparingly but to great effect is so hard to find in watches, this is just the right amount. Great video, enjoyed it. Cheers!

[@jeanlefranc3817]

On the plus side, another small brand that demonstrates that spending North of €2000 on any sports watch can only be justified by the love of the brand’s cachet. Which is fine. I love that my BB58 says Tudor on the dial and I am aware I have paid €1500 just to have that. Wouldn’t pay €5000 though. On the negative side : same as Ball or Ch Ward, the brand logo and the seconds hand counterbalance. Smaller brands often think they must be very creative on some design details to catch the eye. And they end up with busy or weird graphics that do not help. Look at Halios : they have nailed it with clean and unobtrusive branding.

[@2K9s]

You hit the nail on the head with this review! Thumbs up 👍 🔨 😅

[@MathewBT81]

Been waiting for this review from yourself, order was in long ago...going white dial, looks like SH have smashed it once again 🎉🏆

[@PeterKotsa]

I think you will really enjoy this, its built and finished to an excellent level, congrats 👍

[@Koishishibaman]

Thanks for the review. I have Mandala from them. Very high quality watch. Also have a Hautman pilbara. You Aussies make good watches!❤

[@PeterKotsa]

aussie aussie aussie, oi oi oi 😂

[@mdv_83]

this gives me big Christipher Ward vibes. But the unique indices is nice! and the 2 tone lume is a nice touch. seamaster style

[@thegorn]

It's a great looking watch. I'd love them to do a yellow colorway. If they color matched the "Bahama yellow" of the Halios Seaforth IV I'd be severely tempted. The only thing that I don't like is the printed logo above the pinion. I think for $1200 Aussie that should be applied, and also a little bit smaller. That would look so much nicer. Also - does the bracelet taper, or is it staight? Hopefully it has some taper. Probably doesn't have 4mm, but am hoping there is 2mm taper i.e a 20mm lug down to 18mm before the clasp. Maybe I'll wait for the version 3 when they can add those things :)

[@lukegalloway2402]

This is lovely Pete. I was worried it would be a bit small but looks great on your wrist. Funny you mentioned the CW as I have been waiting for this release before choosing between the CW 300 pro and this watch. Youve not made the decision any easier 😅 Great review mate.

[@bigloveplatinum]

Have owned several CW divers. They are incredibly well made. Pre-ordered the SH Gin Clear MK2 based on my prior SH models owned. The CWs haven't stuck for me but I have no doubt this one will. Second Hour's customer service far surpasses CW's these days.

[@piotrszmidel]

I wonder how he managed to get Eta's?🤔

[@KC-bv9kf]

My thoughts too 😁

[@wdou451]

Yay, the intro is back! There is a missed opportunity to have the counter-balance secondhand to overlap their logo. The 4,7,12 marker is exciting but messes with my OCD, especially the date window at 6. Either have the markers at normal 3,9,12, with a matching date shape, or have a circular date window for the 4,7,12 marker. I love the crown and the build quality of this watch. This watch is a mess, I think I'll go check them out. Thanks for the review, Peter. Is there any way for me to buy you a cup of coffee to thank you for all the great reviews?

[@PeterKotsa]

Thank you for the offer, that alone blesses my heart 🙏

[@paulhiggins8774]

very nice watches, not sure if I like the printed logo

[@PocketUau]

They use the exact same clasp Sugess uses on their €180 watches. Like I’m not even kidding, that’s the exact one!

[@jaysterling26]

Is the turtle a good idea ( see Certina's branding)?

[@colombey]

I’m an Aussie not far from them and they only sell in USD, confirmed by them. That changed my level of interest from quite interested to no thanks. Which is a shame because they have some nice looking watches.

[@SecondHourWatches]

Hi, all our prices are listed in Aussie dollars now. We're so sorry for the confusion

[@keefw361]

€1000 max as you are getting no brand recognition and potentially unreliable warranty as they go bust. You would also get a decent Orient Star for the same money as these with an in-house movement, history and excellent finishing (zaratzu polishing)

[@aussie8114]

I like this one 👍🏼

[@unaibb]

Best wishes for them. Gin Clear is a very random and zero-glamour name, and the design it´s just ok, nothing out-standing on the dial. And finally the cost for an european customer makes it being at the level of Mido, Certina or Tissot...

[@SecondHourWatches]

Gin Clear actually has particular significance for me. As a Divemaster we often describe water with crystal clear clarity as being Gin Clear, like looking through a Gin bottle. Our Gin Clear MkII is available in Europe via Chronofactum, where you can purchase without import costs and the price of shipping from Australia. Thanks

[@unaibb]

@@SecondHourWatches thank you for your answer, have a good day

[@nikc1313]

Looks a really well finished watch but that counterweight/logo spoil it for me. Also maybe just me but I just dont want the words 'Gin Clear' on my dial. Like one of those ali express models where they just pick a couple of random English words.

[@SecondHourWatches]

Gin Clear actually has particular significance for me. As a Divemaster we often describe water with crystal clear clarity as being Gin Clear, like looking through a Gin bottle. It's also the name of the first generation of this model designed four years ago

[@KC-bv9kf]

For true divers, gin clear means something important

[@kevinthailand2567]

Too much Gin Clear dial branding. As the end of the seconds balance you don't need it embossed on the dial. But too pricey.

[@stavros_katsopr]

Is it OZland that makes all Peters good? Or is it happening i meet the good ones so far? 😉 Cheers mate, be well. Thanks for the review.

[@PeterKotsa]

Haha, ALL Peters are Good bro...didn't you know that?..😊😂

[@stavros_katsopr]

@@PeterKotsa I'll be sure of that, if - by good or bad luck... - i meet that paradise's doorman! 😜😂

[@PeterKotsa]

😘@@stavros_katsopr

[@damacknificent151]

I prefer the mk1 with the 3d logo at 12 o'clock position. I really dont care for mk2 bracelet design

[@johnfadds6089]

Oh man.. 800$ ? Why do I have to pay for that Swiss movement I don't care about :( What about Miyota 9015, same accuracy and high beat, thinner, 200$ cheaper?

[@garyboyle695]

500 or 1000, so you don't want a good movement or a good quality dial, case etc

[@dustinr16]

Too bad they put such ugly hour markers at 12, 4 and 8. Looks awful. Otherwise design, finishing and execution look top notch.

[@finesse49]

I suppose it's fine for anyone who isn't tired of dive-style watches to wear in the shower. 😏

[@garyboyle695]

Don't own a dive watch and never will because I don't give a fuck what other people think.

[@grahambeer8179]

I swim a lot. I use a dive watch to tell time.

[@keefw361]

A Casio will tell the time in the water to €15 😂

[@grahambeer8179]

Thanks. I wear a Casio Duro.@@keefw361

[@dblh84]

Good for you. You're not supposed to give a f**k and should wear what you want, anyway - so congratulations, I guess.🙄 You come across as just another person who hates divers just because you don't get it because "it's unnecessary" - nobody cares.

[@benchapman6769]

That dial is a visual mess of colours and shapes ( yup, those 12,4,8 markers must have fell of a pilots shoulder) , never allowing the eyes to "settle" , compounded by the size of the logo and the end of the second hand ruining any attempt at visual harmony. Somewhere there's a dog looking for it's dinner.