STERNGLAS Merion

The watch industry is a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation, where time-honored techniques meet cutting-edge technology. In this ever-evolving landscape, Sternglas has carved a niche for itself by offering watches that seamlessly marry classic design principles with modern sensibilities. Their latest release, the Merion, is a testament to this philosophy, presenting a fresh perspective on the classic dive watch. But before we delve into the specifics of this aquatic marvel, let's take a moment to understand the brand's journey and its commitment to accessible quality.



STERNGLAS emerged from the vibrant city of Hamburg in 2016, founded by Dustin Fontaine. Fontaine's passion for horology was ignited during his student years while working in a small watchmaking workshop. This experience instilled in him a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistry involved in creating a timepiece. With STERNGLAS, he set out to democratize good design, making high-quality watches accessible to a wider audience. The brand's name, a nod to the German word for "star glass," reflects their dedication to incorporating sapphire crystal – a material known for its scratch resistance and clarity – in all their watches.



This commitment to quality without exorbitant price tags has resonated with watch enthusiasts, propelling STERNGLAS to become a recognized name in the affordable luxury segment. They've achieved this by focusing on minimalist aesthetics, durable materials, and reliable movements, all while maintaining a direct-to-consumer approach that cuts out unnecessary markups. The Merion, their latest offering, builds upon this foundation, adding a splash of vibrancy and a host of functional features that cater to both everyday wear and underwater exploration.



The Merion immediately captures attention with its striking dial, available in two captivating colorways: Algae Green and Deep Sea Black. Imagine the rich, verdant hues of an underwater kelp forest, or the mysterious depths of the ocean floor. These are the images evoked by the Merion's gradient dial, which transitions seamlessly from a lighter center to a darker periphery. This captivating effect mimics the play of light as it filters through the water, creating a mesmerizing visual experience that draws the eye and sparks a sense of adventure.



Complementing the dial are the bold, luminous hands and indices, ensuring optimal legibility in any environment. Whether you're exploring the depths of the ocean or navigating the urban jungle, the Merion keeps you on track with its clear and concise timekeeping. The hands, a stark contrast to the dial, provide a crisp, easy-to-read display. This attention to detail, combining aesthetics with functionality, is a hallmark of STERNGLAS design.



Encircling the dial is a unidirectional rotating bezel, a crucial tool for divers to track elapsed time. The bezel's 120-click mechanism provides a satisfying tactile feedback, ensuring precise adjustments. Its operation is smooth and deliberate, instilling confidence in its reliability. The bezel's markings are crisp and clear, further enhancing the watch's functionality.



One of the standout features of the Merion is its dual crown system. Positioned at 2 o'clock, the first crown controls the rotating bezel, while the second crown at 4 o'clock allows for time and date adjustments. This unique configuration not only adds a distinctive visual element but also enhances the watch's user-friendliness. The crowns themselves are thoughtfully designed, with knurled edges for easy grip and a color-coded system to indicate when they are unscrewed, a subtle yet practical reminder to ensure water resistance.



Speaking of water resistance, the Merion is a true dive watch, boasting an impressive 20 ATM rating. This means it can withstand the pressure of being submerged up to 200 meters, making it suitable for recreational diving and other water activities. The watch's robust construction, featuring a screw-down case back and dual screw-down crowns, ensures that it remains watertight even under demanding conditions. This level of water resistance provides peace of mind, knowing that your timepiece is as comfortable in the depths of the ocean as it is on dry land.



Crafted from 316L stainless steel, the Merion's case is a harmonious blend of brushed and polished surfaces. This combination adds visual interest and reinforces the watch's robust character. The 41mm diameter strikes a balance between presence on the wrist and everyday wearability. While the dimensions may seem modest on paper, the Merion wears larger than its size suggests, thanks to its relatively short lugs and substantial case construction. This creates a satisfyingly weighty feel without being cumbersome, a testament to the careful consideration given to the watch's ergonomics.



Protecting the dial is a double-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. This ensures exceptional clarity and scratch resistance, preserving the watch's pristine appearance for years to come. Sapphire crystal, known for its hardness, is a premium material often found in higher-end watches. Its inclusion in the Merion speaks to STERNGLAS's commitment to providing exceptional value. The anti-reflective coating further enhances the viewing experience, minimizing glare and allowing the dial's intricate details to shine through.



Flipping the watch over reveals a screwed-down case back adorned with an engraving of two flying fish. This whimsical detail symbolizes the adventurous spirit of the Merion, a watch designed for those who embrace life with passion and seek out new experiences. The flying fish, defying gravity and soaring above the waves, embody the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to explore. This symbolic engraving adds a touch of personality to the Merion, reminding the wearer of the watch's adventurous spirit.



Powering the Merion is the Seiko TMI NH35, a self-winding movement renowned for its reliability and robustness. This caliber is a popular choice among watchmakers, and for good reason. It boasts a 41-hour power reserve, meaning that once fully wound, it can keep ticking for almost two days without needing to be worn. This is a testament to the movement's efficiency and ensures that your Merion is ready to go whenever you are.



The NH35 also features Seiko's patented Magic Lever System, an ingenious mechanism that enhances the winding efficiency. This system allows the rotor, which oscillates with your wrist's movement, to wind the mainspring in both directions. This bidirectional winding not only reduces the time it takes to fully wind the watch but also ensures a more consistent power delivery, contributing to improved accuracy.



Furthermore, the NH35 is equipped with Seiko's Diashock system, a shock-absorbing mechanism that protects the delicate components of the movement from impacts and vibrations. This feature is particularly important for a dive watch like the Merion, which is likely to encounter bumps and jolts during its underwater adventures. The Diashock system ensures that the watch can withstand the rigors of active use without compromising its timekeeping precision.



Another noteworthy feature of the NH35 is the hacking seconds function. This allows you to stop the seconds hand by pulling out the crown, enabling precise time setting. This may seem like a small detail, but it demonstrates the attention to precision and functionality that defines the Merion.



The Merion's case, measuring 41mm in diameter, is crafted from 316L stainless steel, a material known for its corrosion resistance and durability. This makes it an ideal choice for a dive watch, as it can withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater environments. The case's construction is also noteworthy, with a screw-down crown and case back ensuring water resistance up to 20 ATM. This means that the Merion can be submerged to a depth of 200 meters, making it suitable for recreational diving and other water activities.



But the Merion's appeal extends beyond its technical prowess. It's also a watch designed for comfort and versatility. The integrated metal bracelet, a first for STERNGLAS, is engineered for a seamless fit and effortless adjustability. Thanks to a removable pin system, you can easily adjust the bracelet's length without the need for specialized tools. This innovative system ensures a perfect fit for any wrist size, making the Merion a truly inclusive timepiece.



The bracelet itself is a work of art, with a combination of brushed and polished finishes that complement the watch's overall aesthetic. The links are meticulously crafted, with smooth edges and a comfortable weight that drapes nicely on the wrist. The bracelet also features a safety clasp with three micro-adjustment positions, allowing for fine-tuning to achieve the perfect fit.



For those who prefer a more sporty look, the Merion also comes with a highly elastic rubber strap. This strap is crafted from durable, water-resistant material and features a quick-change system that allows you to easily swap between the bracelet and the strap without the need for any tools. This versatility makes the Merion adaptable to various occasions and styles, whether you're dressing up for a formal event or heading out for a weekend adventure.



The Merion's dial is another highlight, available in two striking colorways: Algae Green and Deep Sea Black. Both options feature a mesmerizing gradient effect that mimics the play of light underwater. The Algae Green variant evokes the lush hues of a kelp forest, while the Deep Sea Black captures the mysterious depths of the ocean floor. The dial's textured surface adds another layer of visual interest, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.



The hands and indices are coated with Luminova, a luminous material that glows brightly in low-light conditions. This ensures excellent legibility, whether you're exploring the depths of the ocean or simply checking the time in a dimly lit room. The hands are also thoughtfully designed, with a distinct shape that enhances readability and adds a touch of personality.



The Merion's bezel is another key feature, providing a functional and stylish element. The unidirectional rotating bezel is a crucial tool for divers, allowing them to track elapsed time underwater. The bezel's 120-click mechanism provides a satisfying tactile feedback and ensures precise adjustments. The bezel's markings are also filled with Luminova, ensuring visibility in low-light conditions.



The Merion's dual crown system is another unique feature that sets it apart from other dive watches. The crown at 2 o'clock controls the rotating bezel, while the crown at 4 o'clock is used for setting the time and date. This separation of functions not only enhances usability but also adds a distinctive visual element to the watch. The crowns are also screw-down, ensuring water resistance and adding to the watch's robust construction.



With a retail price of $749 USD, the STERNGLAS Merion offers exceptional value for a watch of this caliber. It combines a robust design, a reliable movement, and a host of thoughtful features, making it a compelling choice for watch enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of horology, the Merion is sure to impress with its blend of style, functionality, and affordability.



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