anOrdain Model 2 Large Enamel Field Watch

The watch industry is experiencing a surge in popularity, causing even smaller brands like anOrdain to have waiting lists for their timepieces. Waiting for a watch can be frustrating, whether it’s a mass-produced plastic watch made by robots at The MoonSwatch, a low-cost option from a small-batch microbrand struggling to keep up with their Chinese suppliers, or even a sought-after Rolex that seems perpetually unavailable to trading-desk enthusiasts.

However, when it comes to anOrdain, a bit of patience is required. This Scottish brand meticulously hand-enamels their dials in-house—a laborious and intricate process with a considerable rate of failure. Consequently, they can only produce a limited number of watches each year. But that’s not all. anOrdain’s popularity has skyrocketed ever since Hodinkee, a prominent influencer in the watch industry, started lavishing praise on their timepieces. Now, everyone desires an anOrdain watch, making the wait even longer.

This situation leads to an important question: is it truly worthwhile to wait for a field watch with an enamel dial? The answer to that question lies solely with you, dear reader. Some may be enticed by the idea of owning a highly coveted watch, while others may be captivated by the novelty of an anOrdain Model 2—a field watch featuring an enamel dial, an unprecedented combination until now.

Enamel has long been associated with traditional watch dials, particularly found in pocket watches and luxurious dress watches. It’s uncommon to encounter enamel on a field watch, making it an intriguing combination. When thinking about watches with a comparable style, the early Rolex Explorer 1 immediately comes to mind. Although it featured a lacquered dial with gilt accents, not enamel, the depth and shine of the two materials are reminiscent of each other.

The 2022 version of the Model 2 introduces some new elements. It incorporates gold outlines, resembling gilt, around the numerals and markers. Additionally, a seconds track now encircles the outer part of the dial. While I won’t assert that these features intentionally pay homage to vintage Rolex Explorers, they do bring the Model 2 closer to the allure of older Explorers. Personally, I find this appealing because the juxtaposition of a captivating, glossy dial with gilt accents on a practical field watch has always captivated me.

I’m not even concerned about the well-calibrated Sellita movement powering this watch, or its remarkably crafted case, or the stylish crown guards, or the delightful leather strap it comes with, or even the cool pouch it arrives in. All that truly matters to me is the enamel dial, because it appears that anOrdain has managed to master this finicky, old-fashioned material, conjuring another universe into which I find myself drawn.

Enamel possesses a truly fascinating quality. It can be likened to colored glass, displaying peculiar behavior when exposed to light. Although it does not shimmer in the conventional sense, it possesses a captivating radiance when observed from specific angles. When viewed head-on, enamel exhibits an unparalleled depth, reminiscent of gazing into a serene body of water. However, when seen from different perspectives, its glossy surface reflects light back at the observer, resembling the reflective properties of water. Undoubtedly, there exists no other material that can rival enamel in its unique characteristics.

Under close scrutiny through a magnifying loupe, enamel becomes a mesmerizing spectacle. In the case of anOrdain, one can discern patterns reminiscent of fractals or minuscule specks of the material varying in shades, consistently maintaining a green hue. It evokes the sensation experienced when visiting a beach, where the sand may appear uniform in color from a distance, but upon closer inspection, reveals a multitude of hues that amalgamate to form the perceived color. anOrdain’s enamel can be likened to this phenomenon. Its enigmatic nature grants it an essence reminiscent of peering into an alternate universe, with an organic and unpredictable quality that defies comprehension. It is this very quality that draws me to gaze at the night sky or into the depths of my canine companion’s eyes.

The watch has an impressive fit on the wrist, exemplifying the essence of a field watch. Measuring 39mm, it maintains the ideal size for such a timepiece. Although I generally prefer smaller watches, there is a 36mm option available. However, opting for the 39mm variant grants you a more prominent display of enamel.

In terms of legibility, it excels, although the hands can be a bit challenging to discern. Yet, credit is due to the designers for incorporating skeleton hands, allowing more enamel to shine through. The Swiss movement is commendable, displaying reliability and precise calibration.

Notably, the exceptional craftsmanship of the case sets it apart. I encourage you to examine the accompanying images to grasp its uniqueness, particularly the crown guards and the unconventional meeting point between the case at 9-o’clock and the lugs. This design deviates from the smooth surface integration of a Calatrava-style case, demonstrating anOrdain’s recognition-worthy originality. It pays homage to 19th-century watch aesthetics, which aligns perfectly with the prevalence of enamel during that era.

Experience the allure of an exquisite enamel dial embraced by a timepiece that exudes effortless elegance, all at an affordable price point of approximately $2k. This remarkable offering from anOrdain truly embodies exceptional value, perhaps even warranting a reconsideration of their pricing strategy in light of the overwhelming demand. Speculating on the future, one cannot help but wonder if these captivating green Model 2 watches will evolve into coveted collector’s items, gaining both sentimental and financial worth over the next two decades. While intuition suggests the likelihood, it would be remiss to solely base one’s decision on this aspect. Instead, allow yourself to be captivated by the possibility of stumbling upon an entirely new realm of existence – a unique and enticing reason to own one of these timepieces.