The independent watchmaking landscape has long been a fertile ground for creativity, agility, and exceptional value. Among the standout names in this arena is Clemence, an English microbrand that has steadily carved out a reputation for producing meticulously designed, highly functional mechanical timepieces. Now, the brand is taking a significant step forward in its evolution by crossing the channel, so to speak, to introduce its very first Swiss-powered creation: the Clemence Photic MKII Swiss Edition.
Building upon the foundation of the standard Photic MKII dive watch—a model that has earned critical acclaim and enthusiastic praise from horological enthusiasts and seasoned reviewers alike—this new limited-edition release marks a notable departure for the company. While previous iterations relied on reliable Japanese movements to keep costs down and accessibility high, the Swiss Edition embraces a premier Swiss mechanical caliber, paired with exclusive aesthetic updates that elevate the watch into a genuinely special collector’s piece.
What We Know
At its core, the new Clemence Photic MKII Swiss Edition retains the fundamental DNA that made its predecessor a breakout success, yet it introduces a handful of distinct upgrades that set it apart. The most consequential alteration lies beneath the dial. Eschewing the Miyota movements historically utilized by Clemence, this limited release is powered by the Swiss Soprod M100 automatic movement.
Despite the shift to a different caliber, the physical architecture of the watch remains reassuringly intact. The Photic MKII Swiss Edition maintains its svelte proportions, measuring 38.5mm in case diameter—though the slightly overhanging, functional bezel stretches the footprint to 39mm. The lug-to-lug distance is a remarkably wearable 46.5mm, ensuring a comfortable fit across a wide variety of wrist sizes. Furthermore, the integration of the Soprod M100 has not compromised the watch’s profile, leaving the case at a slender 10.5mm thickness. This is an impressive feat for a robust, 200-meter water-resistant dive watch equipped with a soft-iron movement housing that provides anti-magnetic resistance up to 25,000 A/m.
Beyond the mechanical upgrade, Clemence has introduced several visual refinements. Most notably, the watch debuts a striking new dial and bezel colorway dubbed “Atoll Blue.” Known for its deliberate, measured approach to expanding its color palette, the brand has long demonstrated a keen eye for color theory. The Atoll Blue shade is accompanied by a fully luminous, numbered bezel layout that enhances both the legibility and the tool-watch aesthetic of the piece.
The watch is presented on a robust three-link steel bracelet outfitted with a convenient micro-adjust clasp, allowing the wearer to achieve a precise fit on the fly. Inside, the Soprod M100 is meticulously regulated to an accuracy of plus or minus four seconds per day, outperforming standard factory specifications and bringing a high level of chronometric dependability to the wrist.
Priced at £949—approximately $1,275 USD at the time of launch—the Swiss Edition commands a modest premium over the standard Photic MKII. However, given the inclusion of the Swiss movement, the custom dial and bezel treatment, and the strict production run capped at just 25 pieces worldwide, the pricing remains remarkably competitive for independent horology.
What We Think
Evaluating a timepiece that blends accessible pricing with elevated specifications often reveals compromises, but the Clemence Photic MKII Swiss Edition manages to sidestep the usual pitfalls. The integration of a Swiss movement at this price point is a welcome addition for collectors who prioritize Swiss manufacturing origins, though the true triumph of the watch lies in its aesthetic execution.
Blue is arguably one of the most common dial colors in modern watchmaking, yet it is notoriously difficult to execute with genuine distinction. Many brands produce dials that feel flat, lifeless, or overly generic. Clemence has avoided this trap entirely with Atoll Blue. The color possesses a vibrant depth that evokes a genuine emotional response, striking an impressive balance as a near-ideal interpretation of a blue dive watch. It is a visual success that will likely leave collectors hoping the brand eventually trickles the colorway down to other models in its catalog, such as the Munro, or incorporates it into future standard production lines.
In daily wear and tactile interaction, the Photic MKII Swiss Edition punches well above its weight class. It is rare to encounter a brand at this price point capable of manufacturing a bracelet of this quality, featuring solid construction, comfortable articulation, and a seamless micro-adjustment mechanism. Secondary touchpoints, including the operation of the screw-down crown and the precise, reassuring clicks of the bezel, meet the exact same high standards of execution.
Every detail has been scrutinized and refined to a degree that feels disproportionate to its accessible price tag. For the fortunate 25 individuals who manage to secure one of these limited pieces, the watch offers an uncommonly complete package of history, independent charm, and mechanical reliability.
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 the 12 and 6 o’clock positions.
Lume: Yes, applied generously to the hands, dial indices, and bezel markers.
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Steel Three-Link Bracelet with micro-adjust clasp
The Movement
Caliber: Soprod M100
Functions: Hours, minutes, and central seconds
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Winding: Automatic
Chronometer Certified: No, but professionally regulated to +/- 4 seconds per day.
Additional Details: Equipped with a soft-iron movement housing for enhanced anti-magnetic resistance (25,000 A/m).
Pricing & Availability
Price: £950 (approximately $1,275 USD)
Availability: Released at 1:00 PM Eastern time on October 22nd, available directly through the official Clemence Watches platform.
Limited Edition: Yes, strictly limited to 25 individually numbered pieces worldwide.
