English independent watchmaker Clemence is making a significant stride in its brand evolution by crossing over into Swiss-made territory for the very first time. Known for cultivating a dedicated following through carefully considered, accessibly priced timepieces, the microbrand is now introducing a strict limited-edition iteration of its acclaimed Photic dive watch. While previous offerings from the founder Tom Clemence and his team have leaned heavily on reliable Japanese movements to keep costs grounded, this new release represents a fascinating bridge between independent British design and traditional Swiss watchmaking craftsmanship.
The centerpiece of this new release is the transition under the hood. Where standard editions of the Photic MKII diver have utilized Miyota movements—a choice praised for dependability and ease of servicing—the new Swiss Edition swaps in a Soprod M100 automatic caliber. This shift marks a notable milestone for Clemence as it explores higher-tier mechanical options while attempting to maintain the core identity and value proposition that put the brand on the map within the horological community.
What We Know
The Clemence Photic MKII Swiss Edition remains largely faithful to the dimensions and physical architecture of its non-limited sibling, which has earned enthusiastic reviews from gear reviewers and watch enthusiasts alike. The watch measures a highly versatile 38.5mm across the case, though the slightly overhanging bezel extends closer to 39mm. It maintains a compact 46.5mm lug-to-lug distance, ensuring it wears comfortably across a wide variety of wrist sizes. Crucially, despite the change in caliber, the watch retains its impressive thinness at just 10.5mm thick, proving that the integration of the Soprod movement has not compromised the sleek profile that defined the original MKII.
Beyond the mechanical upgrade, the Swiss Edition introduces several distinct aesthetic tweaks that separate it from the standard production models. Most notably, the watch debuts a striking new colorway that Clemence has officially dubbed "Atoll Blue." The brand has built a stellar reputation for its confident, restrained use of color, and this latest hue arrives as a major statement for a company that typically approaches palette expansion with deliberate caution. Complementing the dial is a fully luminous bezel featuring a dedicated numbered layout, enhancing both the tool-watch utility and the visual depth of the watch in low-light environments.
The watch is delivered on a solid three-link stainless steel bracelet equipped with a practical on-the-fly micro-adjust clasp, a feature that punches well above its weight class at this price tier. Inside the 316L stainless steel case, the Soprod M100 movement is meticulously regulated to an impressive accuracy of plus or minus four seconds per day. While not officially chronometer-certified, this level of tuning ensures reliable daily timekeeping. Furthermore, the movement is protected by a soft-iron inner housing, granting the watch robust anti-magnetic resistance up to 25,000 A/m.
Priced at £949—roughly equivalent to $1,275 at the time of writing—the Swiss Edition commands a noticeable premium over the standard Photic MKII, which retails for considerably less. That additional cost reflects both the Swiss movement and the exclusivity of the project, as production of the Photic MKII Swiss Edition is strictly capped at just 25 pieces worldwide.
What We Think
For enthusiasts who have followed Clemence’s trajectory, this limited release is nothing short of a triumph. While the inclusion of a Swiss movement is bound to attract collectors who prioritize Swiss provenance, the true magic of the watch lies in its execution of design details. The Atoll Blue dial is particularly compelling. Blue is notoriously difficult to get right in watchmaking; it can easily drift into mundane territory or become overly flashy. Here, however, Clemence has struck a chord, creating a vibrant tone that feels emotionally resonant and stands as a near-perfect blueprint for a modern dive watch dial.
Given the minuscule production run of 25 pieces, acquiring one of these watches will require swift action when sales open. However, the broader aesthetic success of the Atoll Blue colorway leaves many hoping it will eventually find its way into the brand’s wider catalog. Whether it migrates to the Munro model or eventually integrates into a future standard production run of the Photic, this shade of blue is simply too good to remain confined to a single ultra-limited release.
Ultimately, what makes the Photic MKII Swiss Edition so remarkable is the sheer density of detail packed into a relatively affordable package. From the thoughtful ergonomics and the brilliantly executed bracelet to tactile touchpoints like the crown and the bezel action, the watch feels cohesive and exceptionally well-engineered. For the fortunate few who manage to secure one of the 25 available pieces, it represents an extraordinary value and a testament to the heights independent watchmaking can achieve.
The Basics
Brand: Clemence
Model: Photic MKII Swiss Edition
Diameter: 38.5mm (Bezel measures 39mm)
Thickness: 10.5mm
Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
Dial Color: Atoll Blue
Indexes: Applied luminous indices with Arabic numerals at ’12’ and ‘6’
Lume: Yes, featured on hands, indices, and bezel
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Steel Three-Link Bracelet with Micro-Adjust Clasp
The Movement
Caliber: Soprod M100
Functions: Hours, Minutes, and Seconds
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Winding: Automatic
Chronometer Certified: No, but expertly regulated to +/- 4 seconds per day
Additional Details: Soft-iron movement housing providing anti-magnetic resistance to 25,000 A/m
Pricing & Availability
Price: £949 (Approximately $1,275 USD)
Availability: Launching directly through the Clemence Watches website
Limited Edition: Yes, strictly limited to 25 pieces worldwide
