SEVENFRIDAY ME1/02 Review

Around six months ago we had the pleasure of reviewing the SEVENFRIDAY M2/05 Action Talks watch. This was our first hands on experience with a Sevenfriday watch and we left the review impressed by the brand.

SEVENFRIDAY was started by Daniel Niederer in Zurich Switzerland in 2012 with inspiration from industrial design. SEVENFRIDAY is one of those brands that you can identify purely off of their case design, which in the case of SEVENFRIDAY is rounded square shape that features a multi-layered dial. The brand has experienced great success and even has a cult like following of enthusiasts. For a little more back story on SEVENFRIDAY please read the above linked review of the M2/05 Action Talks.



While the M2/05 Action Talks was a statement piece that basked in perceived opulence but didn't take itself too seriously, the watch we're looking at today is a much more organically refined evolution of the squared case found in previous SEVENFRIDAY designs. The watch in question is the newly released ME1/02 from SEVENFRIDAY.

When we first saw the press release of the new ME Series, we instantly knew we needed to get one in to review. We just loved the updated design language and how the dial was now broken into three areas each with their own sapphire crystal window. SEVENFRIDAY's head designer Arnaud was heavily influenced by famous designer Raymond Loewy and his Most Advanced Yet Acceptable (MAYA) design principle when penning the ME Series.



The MAYA principle basically strives to achieve a fine balance between innovative design while still keeping the look familiar. The end result is a design that is both advanced and recognizable. This way you get something that is new and exciting without being rejected for being too radical, pushing people just past their comfort zone. One of Loewy's most well known creations was the original Coca-Cola contour bottle, which vastly improved the design of the Coke bottle but kept it just close enough to the previous glass bottles to be widely accepted and ending up becoming a cultural icon. With the ME Series, the industrial case design was transformed into a more organic shape even being slightly aerodynamic. The case almost looks as if it's been at the bottom of a swift flowing stream, being slowly polished into such a smooth end product. The result looks like it could be a futuristic space age model while still carrying forward the traditional SEVENFRIDAY design language. In this the watch is something truly new while still being familiar, falling right in line with the MAYA principle.



SEVENFRIDAY quickly sent out an ME1/02 for us to review and when it arrived the first thing I noticed was the slightly smaller size of the new watch compared to the M2/05 that we previously had in for review. Now I'm definitely not a small watch guy, I basically don't like a watch if its lug to lug length is less than 50 mm. With the case design of SEVENFRIDAY watches, they tend to appear larger than they actually are. The 47 mm M2/05 has no lugs so the design is basically all case and dial. While this makes a larger watch fit smaller wrists since the lug to lug is only 47 mm, the watch has a very bold appearance. The M2/05 was also 1 mm thicker than the ME1/02, making it seem larger as well. The ME1/02 brings the case size down 3 mm and the thickness down 1 mm over the M2/05. With the flowing organic design of the ME Series, the newer size just makes the watch look sleek, not something I would have said about the striking look of the ME2/05.



The next thing I noticed about the ME1/02 was the bezel and dial design. You can still see the traditional round dial in place, but here you have a three spoke piece of brushed stainless steel breaking it up. The upper and lower sapphire crystals have a rounded diamond shape, while the left-hand side crystal is more oval like. These crystals are extremely unique in their shapes and I would imagine SEVENFRIDAY went through a lot of trial and error creating these sapphires. The outer bezel also appears to slope down before being domed over the dial. The result along with the five layered dial just give this watch an unbelievable sense of depth.



The final thing I noticed during my initial time with the SEVENFRIDAY ME1/02 was the deployant clasp. I'm just a huge fan of deployant clasps and feel they should be standard issue on all watches which cost more than a few hundred dollars. The ME Series was in fact the first release from SEVENFRIDAY to feature a deployant clasp. The clasp is a straight forward double click butterfly clasp that opens easily and closes with re-assuring strength. Hopefully SEVENFRIDAY adopts this clasp for upcoming watches as well.

Now that we've gone over some history of SEVENFRIDAY, the design of the ME Series and also my initial thoughts on the watch, let's move on to its technical specs. The ME1/02 is crafted out of stainless steel and has a case size of 44.5 x 44mm with a lug to lug length of exactly 44 mm. The case thickness is 14.7 mm at the thickest point and the weight is 113 grams on our scale. The weight difference between the ME1/02 and M2/05 is drastic, with the ME1/02 weighing 45 grams less than the M2/05. On wrist this reduction of weight is really noticeable.



As we touched upon earlier, the dial and bezel of the ME1/02 are really one and the same. The dial is completely filled with a brushed piece of stainless steel that comes off the edge of the case slightly concave and then bulges over the dial. This piece of stainless steel is then cut into three openings covered with sapphire crystals coated with anti-reflective coating underneath. Between these cut outs resides the SEVENFRIDAY text logo. The opening from 11 to 3 displays the minute disc while the opening at 9 shows the hour disc. The opening at 9 o'clock also has a gold PVD coating to add a bit of contrast. The hour and minute pointer triangles are done in polished 3N gold with white painted centers. The gold highlights are also found around the minute disc as well as the layer sitting above the minute disc.

While at first the dial layout might not make sense, but telling the time on the ME1/02 couldn't be any easier. The readout at 9 o'clock basically tells the time, with each hour being represented by a large Arabic numeral and then each 30 minute interval being shown as the hour and thirty minutes, i.e. 7:30. As the time advances the disc will slowly turn giving you a general idea of the time. To see exactly what minute the time is, you then look at the minute disc and pointer located at 12 o'clock. This minute disc is broken down to show an Arabic numeral for each 5 minute increment up to 60. Between each 5 minute numeral are hash marks to show the exact minute.



While the dial cover is all brushed stainless steel, the sides of the case and case back are all polished. The contrast in finishes really gives your eyes even more to take in while looking at the ME1/02. The right hand side of the watch features the non-screw down crown featuring the SEVENFRIDAY logo on its top. While the crown does have some nice scalloping, most of the crown is covered by a rubber ring. This piece of rubber not only provides excellent grip when operating the crown, but the green rubber also looks great. This design really reminds me of crowns you see on Richard Mille watches.

In its resting position, the crown allows for manually winding. The movement provides a nice feel and sound to manual winding, maybe the winding felt smoother than I'm used to since the crown was covered in rubber, but it felt extremely satisfying. Pulling the crown out allows you to set the time. Since there is no date function on the ME1/02, there is only one crown position. Turning the crown quickly advances the minute disc while slowly turning the hour disc. It is a visual treat to set the time since you can see so much movement on the dial.



Flipping the watch over shows the solid stainless steel screwed down case back. With the non-screw down crown the watch only offers 50 meters of water resistance, which is more than enough for a quick dip in the pool or walking in the rain, but this isn't a sports or dive watch, so more extreme activities should probably be avoided with the ME1/02. Besides listing the water resistance, the case back also tells of the global story behind the ME1/02. The watch is designed in Switzerland, contains a Japanese movement and is constructed in China. The ME1/02 also comes equipped with an NFC chip that allows you to connect to the SEVENFRIDAY app and do such things are registering the watch.

Speaking about the Japanese movement, the ME1/02 uses the Seiko TMI NH70 (M) automatic movement. The movement beats along at 21,600 bph (3Hz) and offers a 41 hour power reserve. The movement is quoted as having an accuracy of between -20 and +40 seconds per day. On our timegrapher we measured an accuracy of +5 seconds per day, which is much better than what is quoted and just inside of chronometer guidelines.



The lug width of the ME1/02 is 26 mm and although the case doesn't have traditional lugs, any 26 mm strap should work with the watch. The strap that comes with the ME1/02 is extremely nice though. I remarked on the review of the M2/05 how nice that strap was and this strap is just as nice. The strap is handmade from genuine calf leather and is green on the front with a beige backing. The strap also tappers down to 22 mm where it meets the brushed and polished stainless steel deployant clasp. The clasp features the SEVENFRIDAY text and logo and is a traditional double click butterfly clasp. The clasp is about as nice as you can get with a butterfly clasp being easy to open and closing with confident clicks.

I normally do not receive retail packaging when a review sample gets shipped to me. SEVENFRIDAY did include the retail packaging with the ME1/02 which is similar to that of the M2/05. The watch comes packaged inside a miniature wooden shipping crate with SEVENFRIDAY branding on it as well as various markings you'd find on real crates. There is also a section where you can add your information. It's just a fun little addition to the overall presentation of the watch which I feel some brands don't put much thought into.



During my time with the SEVENFRIDAY ME1/02 I tried to wear it as often as I could. I'm kind of out of any honeymoon period with any of my personal watches, so I found it easy to rotate the ME1/02 in. Surprisingly I found myself really liking how the ME1/02 wore, I initially felt the watch would feel small with the 44 mm lug to lug measurement. I'm not sure what it is about the design of the ME Series, but on my 7.25 inch / 58.5 mm wide wrist, the ME1/02 felt right at home. The wide strap kept the watch centered and it never favored either side of my wrist, which is something I can't stand on smaller watches.



The reduced weight of the ME Series compared to the M2/05 also pretty much made the watch disappear on my wrist, not once was I met with any wrist fatigue. The watch accompanied me on tons of errands as well as going out to dinner and drinks a few times. While I'm more used to sports or dive watches, the design of the ME1/02 fit in just fine with my typical dress of t-shirts, shorts and sneakers. The ME1/02 attracted a ton of attention, maybe even near what I was getting with the Ulysse Nardin Freak X and Freak ONE. The watch is just such a different design that it just makes people take notice of it. With the dial/case being rather large, it also commands some attention. When I showed some of my friends and strangers the watch in more detail most really liked how the time was displayed by two separate discs in different areas of the dial. I'd say the ME Series aren't really meant to be subtle watches, so just take into account that the watch will get noticed if you're considering one.



With a retail price of $1,617, the ME1/02 offers a truly unique watch for the money. What you are really paying for with the ME1/02 is the design, so it was a bit tricky thinking of some watches to compare the ME Series to, but we'll give it a shot.

The first watch we'll bring up is the 2021 GPHG winning CIGA Design Series U Blue Planet. The dial of this watch shows off the Earth through a micro-engraved design. Like the ME1/02 the Blue Planet also uses a separate minute and hour disc to display the current time. Also like the ME1/02 the Blue Planet uses a lugless design but this time in a 46 mm case. The Blue Planet retails for $999 in stainless steel, which is a bit less than the SEVENFRIDAY.



Next up we'll move on to the automatic jump hour watches from Mr Jones and take a look at the Ricochet XL. The watch is crafted out of stainless steel and measures 45 mm in diameter with a lug to lug of 53 mm. The watch features a fun dial with four robots playing pinball. The time is displayed using separate discs for hours and minutes on the pinball machines scoreboard. The watch is powered by a Chinese SeaGull TY2709 automatic movement. The Ricochet XL retails for $795.

Moving on we have the Triptych Automatic Wandering Hours which is made out of stainless steel and had a case diameter of 42 mm with a lug to lug of 50 mm. The watch features a wandering hours module built on to a Miyota 9039 automatic movement. The watch tells the time by having a set of three rotating discs line up an hour along a 60 minute scale on the outside of the dial from 1 to 5 o'clock. The Triptych retails for $1,099.



Finally we have the Gorilla Drift Wandering Hours which is crafted out of forged carbon and titanium and has a case size of 44 mm and a lug to lug of 57 mm. The watch uses a Swiss made ETA 2824-2 automatic base caliber with a Vaucher made wandering hours module. The Gorilla Drift displays the time similarly to how the Triptych does, using a series of three rotating discs that have a specific hour point to a minute value between 10 and 2 o'clock. The Gorilla also retails for nearly twice as much as the ME1/02 at $3,250.

Naturally these watches are vastly different but all use unique ways and multiple discs to tell the time. It's hard to really set a value when comparing these watches since the movements range from Chinese made movements to fully Swiss Made movements and modules. The SEVENFRIDAY ME1/02 does fit nicely in the middle of the four watches I brought up when just looking at specifications, but the extraordinary and unique design really does put it in a class of its own.



So is the SEVENFRIDAY ME1/02 for me? This is a hard one since I really like the watch, but the watch does skew more to the dress segment when I'm so engrained in sports and dive watches. I do really like the evolution in design from the standard SEVENFRIDAY case to the new ME Series and love the reduction in weight. One thing that I think would be interesting to add would be either a seconds display in the lower cutout or partially skeletonize that area to show some more movement on the dial. I'm a sucker for animated dials, probably one of the reasons I've always liked the Freaks from Ulysse Nardin. It also takes me a bit to get used to non-round or integrated watch shapes. The case shape of the last SEVENFRIDAY I reviewed along with the TAG Heuer Monaco Skeleton and even Richard Milles take a while for my set in stone brain to accept on wrist. I also tend to prefer high tech materials like titanium, carbon and ceramic in my personal watches. Like I said, I'm very picky and particular when it comes to my personal watches.



Well then would I recommend the SEVENFRIDAY ME1/02 to anyone looking for a more unique timepiece in the around $1,000 to $3,000 range? Yes I absolutely would recommend the watch to somebody looking for something a bit more interesting than a standard three hand watch. If you're used to a traditional round watch with standard lugs it might be best to find an authorized SEVENFRIDAY dealer so you can try the watch on first. I do feel that the more time you spend with a uniquely shaped watch on wrist, the more you will get used to it. The twin disc system used to display the general time at 9 o'clock combined with the more accurate minute display at 12 is super interesting. Also the attention the watch attracted was up there with some of the most popular watches I've worn out.



I do feel that SEVENFRIDAY achieved their goal of a MAYA principle designed watch with the ME1/02. Having just had the M2/05 here for a few weeks I can see the similarities between the two, but also the evolution in the design the ME1/02 showcases. Finally I'd really like to thank SEVENFRIDAY for sending us the ME1/02 to review and I can't wait to see what they send us next.

For more information about the ME1/02 please visit : SEVENFRIDAY



Technical Specifications

Reference Number: ME1/02

Retail Price: $1,617

Case Size: 44.5 x 44 mm

Lug to Lug: 44 mm

Thickness: 14.7 mm

Weight: 113 Grams

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Bezel: Stainless Steel

Strap: Green Leather Strap with Deployant Clasp

Movement: Seiko TMI NH70 (M) Japanese Automatic Movement

Functions: Hours, Minutes

Power Reserve: 41 Hours

Water Resistance: 50 Meters