Over the last decade or so there have been a lot of casualties in the world of horology. Small independents that I have personally championed have not been able to sustain prolonged success. That makes the story of SEVENFRIDAY even more impressive in my book. It seems incredible that 12 years have gone by since I originally spoke with co-founder Dan Niederer about the brand's conception. After years of working in the corporate luxury sector, he decided to fly solo and establish his own label. This was a bold move because his vision was to create retro-style cushion watches powered by automatic Japanese movements. Certainly, at the time this was a novelty for a company located in Zurich. Fast forward to the present day and SEVENFRIDAY has produced over a hundred models including the sublime ME3/01 ”Stone Blue”. 

I’ve always seen SEVENFRIDAY as a very progressive brand and they have positively exploited social media to their advantage. A couple of weeks ago owners Dan Niederer and Arnaud Duval launched a podcast-style video on Facebook. In the second episode, they focus mainly on the launch of the ME3/01 ”Stone Blue” which is the latest installment in the ME (Evolution series). One of the terms they use to describe this model is haptic which pertains to the relationship of objects using the sense of touch. I found these insights into the methodology behind the design very interesting. 

Aesthetically the ME3/01 ”Stone Blue” has a very striking “Retro Futuristic” appearance. Even though this watch is easily identifiable as a SEVENFRIDAY creation it is in my opinion one of their most sophisticated watches to date. Highlights include a complicated multi-layer (5) dial with lacquered aspects and polished rhodium inserts. If you base this watch purely on design merit it has the same curb appeal as pieces from Haute Horlogerie brands such as De Bethune, MB & F and Urwerk. Normally I am not a huge fan of PVD coatings on watches. However, in this instance, I believe the subtle blue treatment is an inspired touch. In fact, this model in particular has an Italian essence and chic. Dan and Arnaud use the word ‘sprezzatura’, which translates as the art of looking great with effortless grace.  

Beneath the curvaceous sculptural 44.5mm x 44mm 316L stainless steel case lies a self-winding Japanese skeleton movement soured from Seiko. The Calibre TMI NH70 comprises 24 jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. Functionally the ME3/01 ”Stone Blue” features hours and minutes. These indications are displayed on discs and visible via bespoke sapphire crystal windows. The watch also has a power reserve of 41 hours and is water resistant to a depth of 50 meters. As a perfect finale, the timepiece is presented on a refined blue suede strap with a complimentary stainless Steel butterfly clasp. 

The ME3/01 ”Stone Blue” is equipped with an NFC chip embedded in the case back, allowing secured authentication and registration. For a watch of this quality, I believe the $1,590 retail price offers consumers good value for money. 

For more information about the ME3/01 ”Stone Blue” follow this link: https://sevenfriday.com