During the global pandemic lockdowns, many people found themselves with more free time. Some chose to learn how to make sourdough bread, some indulged in playing video games, and others channeled their creativity into new endeavors. Richard Benc was one of those creative people, and we are pretty sure that if you asked him in 2019 if he had "become a mega-successful watch brand owner" on his bingo card, he would have likely laughed at you. If you told him that one of his most sought-after watches would feature a salmon dial, he would have been surprised. However, this is precisely what happened—the additional time allowed Richard to think he could bring new life to the watch industry with some fun and a lot of whimsy.
Introducing the Studio Underd0g Salm0n, part of their brand new 03SERIES. Unlike typical salmon-dialed watches, this one highlights the underappreciated shimmering salmon skin instead of the flesh. The dial has a dark grey gradient texture, while the larger subdial at 3 o'clock features the typical salmon coloration, as does the outer tachymeter scale.
The chronograph only features a single pusher, known as a mono-pusher, and it utilizes the Sellita caliber SW520M movement. The movement comprises 23 jewels, operates at 28,800 beats per hour, and has a power reserve of up to 63 hours. It can be observed through the screw-down display case back.
The dimensions of the watch are 38.5mm in diameter, 13.6mm thick, and 44.5mm from lug tip to lug tip. It has a lug span of 20mm and comes with a handmade Epsom Calfskin strap. All Studio Underd0g watches have been assembled in Great Britain since 2023, with quality control inspection and regulation provided by UK-based Horologium.
The new Studio Underd0g Salm0n will be available for pre-order on September 17th, 2024, with a price of $2,000. The first 400 orders will be delivered in October 2024, while further orders will be delivered in January 2025.
