Independent watchmaking has seen a remarkable resurgence over the past decade, with microbrands carving out dedicated followings by offering exceptional design, robust build quality, and accessible pricing that traditional luxury houses rarely match. Among these independent players, British microbrand Clemence has steadily built a reputation for meticulous design and thoughtful product execution. Known for championing vibrant color palettes and impressively slim proportions, the brand has won over enthusiasts and reviewers alike. Now, Clemence is taking a significant step in its evolution by venturing into Swiss-made territory for the very first time with a striking new limited-edition release.
The brand has officially pulled back the curtain on the Clemence Photic MKII Swiss Edition, a rare and highly refined take on its already acclaimed Photic dive watch. While the standard Photic MKII diver—which has previously earned praise from industry journalists for its exceptional daily-wear credentials—relies on dependable Japanese mechanical movements, this new limited iteration marks a distinct milestone. For its latest creation, Clemence has opted to look toward Switzerland, equipping the watch with a Swiss Soprod M100 movement. This shift represents not only a mechanical upgrade for the young British brand, but also a bold statement of intent as it appeals to collectors who prioritize Swiss horological provenance.
What We Know
At its core, the new Clemence Photic MKII Swiss Edition remains faithful to the DNA of its non-limited-edition sibling, yet it introduces several key updates that set it apart as a true collector’s piece. Beyond the adoption of the Soprod M100 automatic caliber, the most immediate visual differentiator is the introduction of a brand-new colorway that Clemence has christened "Atoll Blue." The brand has justifiably earned praise in the watch community for its sophisticated and deliberate use of color, eschewing overly trendy shades in favor of hues with genuine emotional resonance. The addition of Atoll Blue to the palette is a notable moment for a manufacturer that has historically maintained a cautious and measured approach to expanding its catalog.
In terms of physical dimensions, the Photic MKII Swiss Edition matches the graceful proportions of the standard model. The case measures 38.5mm across the main body, though the slightly overhanging bezel extends the profile closer to 39mm, providing a robust grip and visual presence on the wrist. The lug-to-lug distance is a compact and wearable 46.5mm, ensuring that the watch conforms comfortably to a wide variety of wrist sizes. Remarkably, the transition to the Swiss Soprod movement has not resulted in any dimensional compromises; the watch retains its impressive slimness, measuring a mere 10.5mm in thickness.
Attention to detail extends far beyond the case dimensions. The watch is delivered on a supple three-link stainless steel bracelet equipped with a convenient micro-adjust clasp, allowing the wearer to easily fine-tune the fit throughout the day. Furthermore, the Soprod M100 movement housed inside is rigorously regulated to achieve an impressive accuracy of plus or minus four seconds per day, outperforming standard factory specifications.
The aesthetic refinements do not stop at the dial color. The Swiss Edition also features a fully luminous bezel configured with a clear, numbered layout, enhancing legibility in low-light environments. Production of the Photic MKII Swiss Edition is strictly limited to just 25 pieces worldwide, elevating its status from a standard production tool watch to a coveted collector’s item. Pricing is set at £949, which translates to approximately $1,275 USD at the time of writing. This represents a moderate premium over the standard Photic model, entirely justified by the inclusion of the Swiss movement, limited production numbers, and specialized aesthetic details.
What We Think
Reviewers and watch enthusiasts have responded with overwhelming enthusiasm to the new release. The standard Clemence Photic MKII has long stood out as one of the most compelling value propositions in the modern dive watch landscape, and this Swiss iteration elevates the platform to new heights. While some purists place immense value on Swiss-made movements, the inclusion of the Soprod M100 is viewed less as a marketing checkbox and more as a harmonious mechanical match for a watch priced under $1,300. It is the combination of the new bezel layout and the captivating Atoll Blue dial, however, that truly steals the show.
Blue is arguably the most ubiquitous dial color in contemporary watchmaking, yet it remains notoriously difficult to execute with genuine distinction. Many brands produce blue dials that appear flat, uninspired, or overly dependent on changing lighting conditions to show character. Clemence, however, has managed to engineer a shade of blue that feels alive, striking the elusive balance of the platonic ideal for a modern dive watch. The emotional resonance of the color suggests that founder Tom Clemence and his collaborators have tapped into something special, sparking hope among enthusiasts that Atoll Blue might eventually find its way into other models across the brand’s portfolio, such as the Munro, or integrated into future standard production runs.
Beyond aesthetics, the sheer quality of execution across every component is difficult to reconcile with the watch’s accessible price point. Industry observers have frequently noted that brands operating in this market segment rarely deliver a bracelet of this caliber, yet Clemence has managed to engineer a three-link bracelet and clasp system that rivals offerings costing twice as much. Secondary touchpoints, including the tactile feedback of the crown and the precise action of the bezel, maintain the same uncompromising standard of quality. For the fortunate 25 collectors who manage to secure an allocation, the Photic MKII Swiss Edition promises an immensely rewarding ownership experience devoid of buyer’s remorse.
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 prominent Arabic numerals positioned at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions.
- Lume: Comprehensive application on hands, dial indices, and the bezel assembly.
- Water Resistance: 200 meters
- Strap/Bracelet: Steel Three-Link Bracelet with integrated micro-adjust clasp
The Movement
- Caliber: Soprod M100
- Functions: Central hours, minutes, and sweeping seconds
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Winding: Automatic mechanical
- Chronometer Certified: No official COSC certification, but individually regulated to an exceptional accuracy of +/- 4 seconds per day.
- Additional Details: Housed within a soft-iron inner cage that provides robust anti-magnetic resistance rated up to 25,000 A/m.
Pricing and Availability
The Clemence Photic MKII Swiss Edition is priced at £950, which equates to approximately $1,275 USD based on current exchange rates. The limited edition of 25 pieces goes on sale directly through the official Clemence Watches website. Given the tiny production run and the overwhelming positive reception from the horological community, availability is expected to be extremely brief as collectors move quickly to secure one of the British brand’s most ambitious releases to date.
