’70s Wedge Era design inspired watch equipped with Faraday cage and Japan-made mechanical calibre
Check on Kickstarter
_Introducing MONBREY MB1 series
MONBREY is a watch brand founded by two Hong Kong-based industrial designers, Henry Kwong and Austin Lee. They embarked on the watch industry pilgrimage for the past two decades. With their extensive watch design and development experience, they decided to implement their conceived idea and precipitate this project from their accumulated knowledge.
While they were hesitant about making another “new” vintage watch, they were caught by the angular aesthetic of Cybertruck. They noticed that the wedge theme could be traced to the ’70s wedge era design. Taking inspiration from the past is not new, but the intriguing design similarity came across the past and the future. The Wedge Era in car design was characterized by angular aesthetics and devoid of curves. They started to imagine a new design dimension created by those greatest past watchmakers and how it would precipitate the contemporary watch design. A different design dimension constitutes by the same old past.
Remarks: Water resistance ISO 22810:2012 (HOKLAS Accredited test) and Magnetic resistance ISO 764:2020 are tested/certified by Hong Kong Watch & Clock Technology Centre (Jointly managed by Hong Kong Productivity Council and Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association)
_They talked about us
MB1 is loved by many and we are pound to bring you a product that sparked the interest of so many great watch enthusiasts.
MONBREY will offer their first series MB1: A 38.5mm Antimagnetic Automatic Mechanical Watch. The watch case is made of 316L stainless steel with a distinct finish, featuring angular lugs and a side profile. The case is equipped with a double-domed sapphire crystal. The watch can withstand up to 50 meters (5 ATM) of water resistance and 4800 A/m magnetic resistance. Both are tested and certificated in ISO standards (ISO 22810:2010 and ISO764:2020). It can withstand daily usage without worrying about exposure to common-level magnetic fields and shallow-water activities.
MB1 will be available in 5 variations. L04 is the Kickstarter exclusive edition. We will produce it once for this first and memorial Kickstarter campaign and never be produced again (You will choose the one you like after the Kickstarter campaign). Each variant is signed with an individual serial number and gifts with an extra brown Italian genuine strap.
L01.STEEL is a three-hand automatic mechanical watch with a nature steel round brushed dial. The machined brushing radiates mechanical beauty. All indexes and hands are chromed, each surface achieved with mirror polish or linear brush finishing. Our brand philosophy and principles are well-defined in this iconic reference.
L02.BLACK is a three-hand automatic mechanical watch with a black enamel-coated dial. It has a stealthier, more subtle look. Those striking indices and hands set off this dial, giving it a strong presence despite its tranquillity. The word “Antimagnetic” is printed in red across the bottom of the dial.
L03.WHITE is a three-hand automatic mechanical watch with a white enamel-coated dial. The bright reflection results in a dynamic white dial that shifts in a different light. Based on the same design layout, the white dial is more aggressive and retro-futuristic.
L04.BLUE is a three-hand automatic mechanical watch with a satin finish grainy blue dial. The dial is shimmering vividly under direct light. It also turns almost dark navy blue or shifts towards a teal tone depending on the light. L04 is the Kickstarter exclusive edition. We will produce it once for this first and memorial Kickstarter campaign and never be produced again.
L05.GOLD is a three-hand automatic mechanical watch with a gold PVD case. It is equipped with a black enamel-coated dial. All indices and hands are gold PVD plated, each surface achieved with mirror polish or linear brush finishing. Those striking indices and hands set off this dial, giving it a strong presence despite its tranquillity. That is no other colourway like yellow gold can trigger such a flood of polarising emotions that range from searing envy to sanctimonious disdain.
_Case Design Inspiration
The case design is inspired by the ’70s~’80s wedge-era car design and the Cybertruck angular aesthetic. The wedge era in car design was characterized by a distinctive angular aesthetic, such as DMC DeLorean, Lamborghini Countach, Aston Martin Bulldog etc., and we found the intriguing similarity of the Cybertrunk up to this day. We attempt to bring this interesting blurred timeline design into our watches. The past inspires our design but also looks to the future.
_Case Material
The case material is 316L stainless steel, and the sizing is restrained. The design is simple, elegant and wearable, but the side profile ensures a strong, distinctive and recognizable appearance. The case has a distinctive finish. Linear brushed on the case side and lug top surface, mirror polishing on the bezel and edging of the lug. These variations enhance the profile sharpness and catch reflection beauty.
The case back has been given a black PVD treatment to match the appearance of the car chassis and rocker panel. It provides a visual thickness reduction. Consider the case back is constantly in touch with your skin. The black PVD possesses a far higher resistance to sweat due to its material properties. Easy to clean and maintain.
_Sapphire Crystal + Hidden I-Ring
The sapphire crystal has a very low possibility of being scratched. It measures nine (9) on the Mohs scale, while diamond measures ten (10) on the scale (mineral glass has a hardness of only 6.5). It makes sapphire crystal virtually scratchproof.
Our double dome box sapphire crystal comes with internal and external heavy curved. It comes with an anti-fingerprint coating on top and five (5) layers of inner AR (anti-reflective) coating, which provides the best performance under every light condition. The box crystal holds by a hidden crystal gasket (aka. I-ring) construction. Without the blurred edge surrounding the crystal, the beauty of the dial can be seen clearly from any angels. It also benefits the gasket with less direct contact with sunlight and water, avoiding the water-resistant ability by ageing.
_Dial Design
The dial design is directly related to its functionality instead of a carnival of ornamentation. It should not be complicated for complication’s sake. The readability of the time at a glance is the key in most conditions. Yet, a dial should communicate the effort that it is restrained but not boring.
Watch hands and indexes are multi-faceted and carry an abundance of thickness. They add so much depth to our simplistic dial. Also, the multi-faceted surface of hands and indexes are designed to reflect natural light and the sharpness of excellent craftsmanship. It renders different hues and shades from different angles. The multi-faceted edges of the hands and indexes are in equal measure, with the angular styling case in perfect harmony.
_Antimagnetic (ISO764:2020) Faraday Cage
During the ’50s, the adventure and exploration movement triggered the “tool watch era”. A clutch of watches was made to withstand the detrimental effects of magnetism on a watch’s calibre. Antimagnetic watches are also essential to ’40s~’50s engineers and scientists who encounter strong magnetic fields but think about all the devices (Smartphones, magnetic chargers, speakers, computers etc) that surround us today. They all produce magnetic fields that have the potential to mess with the watch’s accuracy. We desire to make this old technology which will incorporate into modern design.
The antimagnetic feature is achieved by enclosing the calibre in a soft iron faraday cage. The cage comprises the cover, movement holder and intermediate bottom. Our faraday cage delivers a high level of antimagnetic protection which resists exposure to a direct current magnetic field of 4800 A/m. In ISO 764 standard, the acceptance residual result is inferior to 30 s/d, but we have achieved a higher level as a result of 13 s/d.
Remarks: Magnetic resistance ISO 764:2020 are tested/certified by Hong Kong Watch & Clock Technology Centre (Jointly managed by Hong Kong Productivity Council and Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association)
_Leather strap
Leather straps are supplied and made by our Italian leather supplier. The strap is made from Italian calf leather and is characterized by a soft touch hand, lightweight, has a semi-matte appearance and pressed cross-hatch grain. It provides a more rigid and structured appearance than other leather types. Every strap has a built-in interchangeable system that secures straps with a simple pull and release. Within seconds the strap can be changed and perfectly docked.
You will have both straps in whatever pack you pledged!
_Metal band // Coming Soon!
We indeed like the metal band, and we do guarantee MB1 will have a metal band in 2023. We didn’t want to use an off-the-shelf band to fulfil the need of having a “metal band” variant. The development and prototype are in progress, and the final product will release later in 2023. The design will fit perfectly on the MB1. As a reward for your support, any Kickstarter backers will receive a massive discount when the metal band is released. Also, the 1st batch of the metal bands will be reserved for Kickstarter backers first.
Andera Furlan, Swiss Watch Designer @andreafurlan.ch
“I like the sobriety of the lines, which start from the inside of the dial to the packaging. The story around the watch is interesting and goes beyond the simple product. Small details and finishes are much appreciated at this price point!”
Brandon Little, Vice President of Design of Shinola @brandonlittle
“The MB-1 is classic and sharp! First glance and you can’t stop staring at the impeccable applied indexing and razor sharp hands. All situated on a polished white enamel dial. The case is focused, contemporary and continues the angularity. Powered by a Miyota Cal 9039 with Anti-shock and ISO 764 antimagnetic rating. With that spec this makes a great everyday wear for those who keep it clean and sharp. It takes a lot to step off the diving board for the first time, and I am looking forward to watching Monbrey’s journey.”
Sunny Yuen, Art Director of 100 MOST HK @sunnnyyuen
“Thanks to the timeless and nothing-too-fancy design, it provides the perfect time-telling experience that is what I am looking for. MB-1 reminds me that time is not just a cold number shown on the phone; every single minute is my life’s moment and deserves a better way to be told.”
