Swedish microbrand Maen has added another elegant trio to their repertoire, merging the natural beauty of stone with the integrated bracelet Manhattan line.
The microbrand scene is ever-changing, with about as many brands discontinuing as there are emerging. However, some brands distinguish themselves even within this dynamic landscape, eventually becoming players of their own within the wider watch industry. Founded in Stockholm, Sweden, by two Dutch watch enthusiasts, Maen is one of the chosen few that has broken through the woodwork.
From 2017, the brand has earned recognition for its approach to classic watch forms, such as the Hudson diver and Skymaster chronograph. However, its big break came in 2022 with the release of the Manhattan collection, a modern reinterpretation of 1970s integrated-bracelet sports watches.
Since then, Maen has released the Manhattan in multiple sizes, colours, and complications, including a limited-edition jump-hour rendition. Last year, one of its most talked-about additions was the Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin, which presented itself as a sports-chic spin on the original design. For its 2026 additions, though, the brand has leant more into the dressier side of things, introducing three new two-hand models set with unique stone dials.
A Royal Inspiration
Standing 37mm in case diameter, 47.4mm lug-to-lug, and 7.1mm thick, the Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Stone Dials are three of the most elegant watches in its roster. While you might have rolled your eyes a little at their inspiration, 1970s integrated-bracelet sports watches, the design isn’t as contrived as that might initially sound.
Perhaps one of the biggest cues taken for the case profile was from the 1970s iterations of the Vacheron Constantin Chronomètre Royal, which sported a semi-elongated, geometric octagonal case paired with a gently concave bezel. Encased in steel, the Maen Manhattan uses its own unique take on the silhouette, widening it slightly without compromising the elegant wearing experience of the Ultra-Thin line.
Though integrated-bracelet watches like these often wear a lot larger than expected, the initial 37mm case diameter makes it far more palatable across a plethora of wrist sizes. Speaking of which, the integrated bracelet wraps easily around the wrist, largely thanks to the short links that allow for greater articulation.
Terminating in a butterfly clasp, the watch remains highly comfortable and secure on the wrist. Despite its dressy nature, you shouldn’t be afraid to take it with you daily. Maen has ensured that the watch is outfitted with 100m of water resistance, so wherever you end up, it’ll be there by your side.
Stone-Faced
The design of the Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin, compared to its peers, remains incredibly minimalistic. With just a logo, description, and baton hands, it’s about as elegant as dress watches get. It isn’t without good reason, though, as the lack of distractions allows the unique stone dials to shine.
The first of the three is a brown-orange stone called Golden Swan. Featuring warm golden, brown, and earthy tones with unique natural banding, it provides a contrasting warmth against the gold-grey of the steel.
But if you wish to lean into the minimalism, the Onyx dial might just be for you. It’s exactly what you expect it to be: black, giving the impression that the hands are moving silently through empty space. While Maen could have simply made this watch with a black dial, the unique glossiness of onyx provides a subtle layer of dimensionality to the watch, further highlighted by the lack of other extraneous features.
However, the most compelling of the three is the third dial: Snowflake Obsidian. In contrast to the other two, snowflake obsidian is not a true stone; instead, it’s a volcanic glass, occluded with white mineral spots called spherulites.
Consisting of tiny, needle-shaped clusters of cristobalite, a type of quartz, the spherulites grow naturally as the obsidian begins to lose its transparency. The result is a glossy black similar to onyx, but with naturally occurring spots that look like snowflakes or, to me, a foggy car window. Whichever one you choose, though, you’ll know that it’s yours and yours alone. Naturally occurring stone in the dial means it’s impossible for two to look alike, giving your watch its own distinct character.
La Joux-Parfait
But while the dial is stripped back, the movement of choice is anything but. Maen has opted to use the manual-wind La Joux-Perret D101. Operating at a steady 3Hz (21,600VpH) atop a 50-hour power reserve, the movement visibly ticks away through a display caseback. Though it only operates the hours and minutes, it’s a delightfully finished movement featuring sunray-brushed gears, blued screws, and Côtes de Genève along the base plate.
Being able to see the movement is special to me for two reasons. One is that, especially with a dress watch, it’s an immediate tell of whether the watch is functioning or out of power. The other is that you can see how seriously Maen takes its watchmaking, finishing the movement to a degree that even larger brands overlook at the same and higher price points.
Initial Thoughts
While the Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Stone Dial trio might be playing off modern watchmaking’s biggest trends, they’re doing so with a unique flavour not seen anywhere else. From their distinct take on integrated-bracelet watchmaking, to the choice of stones, to the finishing of the movement, Maen proves time and again that it doesn’t want to just be seen as another microbrand.
The Swedish-Dutch brand is making a concerted effort to deliver the best watchmaking possible at an agreeable price point, and it shows in every facet of its horology. For that, it has my utmost respect, and it should have yours, too. But if you love them enough, they might even have your wallet soon enough!
References & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reference | Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Golden Swan / Onyx / Snowflake Obsidian |
| Dimensions | 37mm case diameter x 47.4mm lug-to-lug x 7.1mm thickness |
| Case | Stainless steel |
| Dial | Golden Swan / Onyx / Snowflake Obsidian stone |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Caseback | Open, sapphire |
| Movement | Manual wind La Joux-Perret D101 |
| Power Reserve | 50h |
| Beat Rate | 3Hz / 21,600VpH |
| Water Resistance | 100m / 10bar |
| Strap/Bracelet | Interchangeable integrated steel bracelet with butterfly clasp |