SEVENFRIDAY are one of the newest horological brands to be encompassed within the Banks Lyon portfolio, and they are also one of the newest watch manufacturers to really catch the attention of the general public in recent times. In barely over a year, SEVENFRIDAY has succeeded in becoming something of a phenomenon, largely thanks to the innovative nature of their timepieces and their rigorous efforts to build a substantial online following.
Because of their foundation in May 2012, not to mention their almost meteoric rise in the last 13 months or so, all SEVENFRIDAY watches could be classed as relatively new, but the M1 is one of the very latest introductions by this comparative watchmaking newcomer, only being unveiled a matter of months ago in 2014. Part of SEVENFRIDAY’s second series of watches, the M1 upholds the SEVENFRIDAY habit of timepieces that are imbued with an industrial flavour, yet takes this trademark in a rather different direction; and to great effect.
Unlike the P-series watches, with their obvious multi-layered dials and complex component parts, the M1 borrows inspiration from an industrial turbine, resulting in a much less ‘convoluted’ interface. Boasting an almost unique design, the M1 actually exhibits no hands at all, and hours, minutes and seconds are instead indicated by gyratory discs within apertures upon the dial. Although this system may seem unfamiliar at first, it’s very intuitive, and really sums up SEVENFRIDAY’s desire to do something a little different, without sacrificing any functionality.
The crown of the M1 has been moved to the left-hand side of the case, and the caseback has also undergone some renovation work, so even though this 48mm stainless steel watch may look superficially similar to the P-series –perhaps in part due to the ‘organic square’ profile of the case – it is entirely new in an abundance of subtle ways. The aesthetics of the M1 are highly intriguing, as alternating brushed and matt finishing has been used to distinguish the layers on the dial, so the intricacy of the previous P-series is maintained, albeit in a more understated fashion.
In terms of the movement, the M1 uses a Japanese Miyota automatic movement with a power reserve of approximately 45 hours. Whilst Miyota may not carry the prestige of some alternative movements, their work is eminently reliable, and can be depended upon to perform well at all times. Similarly, mineral glass has been used to shield the dial, as opposed to sapphire crystal, but special hardening and anti-reflective treatments have been used to ensure performance, and it is decisions like this that have allowed SEVENFRIDAY to make their timepieces so incredibly accessible.
Finished by a calf leather strap, the SEVENFRIDAY M1 Automatic watch is an undoubtedly fascinating timepiece, and as we’ve mentioned it is enormously obtainable in terms of price. Retailing at Banks Lyon for £995, this inimitable watch can be yours on 0% finance for 24 monthly payments of £37.31 alongside a 10% deposit, and all of our other SEVENFRIDAY watches can benefit from similarly flexible payment schemes. To find out more, please don’t hesitate to contact us by calling 01524 38 48 58 or emailing [email protected]. We’ll always be on hand to help with any enquiry.
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