Microbrands have exploded over the past few years, but few emerge from entirely new regions. That’s what makes the Leman Panama so compelling — it’s not only the first watch from Panama, but one that’s deeply tied to the country’s identity.

Founded in 2022 by two young Panamanians, Javier and Edwin, Leman Watches began as a shared passion project — born out of admiration for the craft and legacy of watchmaking. After overcoming the usual challenges of a new brand, their debut model launched on Kickstarter in 2024 and was fully funded with strong community support.

Rather than playing it safe with a generic design, Leman leaned into cultural storytelling from the very beginning. The result is a watch that doesn’t just come from Panama — it represents Panama. From the textured dial inspired by the iconic Panama hat to the Harpy Eagle engraved on the caseback, every detail was chosen with purpose.

A Watch That Wears Its Origins

From the moment you see the dial, it’s clear the Leman Panama is doing something different. The woven texture mimics the signature pattern of a traditional Panama hat — subtle enough not to feel gimmicky, but instantly recognizable once you know the reference. It adds visual depth and gives the watch a tactile quality that separates it from other minimal dress watches.

The rest of the design keeps things clean and balanced. A pair of subdials display the day and date, while a moonphase complication sits elegantly at the center. The double-domed sapphire crystal adds some charming distortion at the edges, helping the light play nicely across the textured dial. Around back, the Harpy Eagle — Panama’s national bird — is beautifully engraved into the stainless steel caseback, reinforcing the connection to the country’s identity.

Despite the layering of features, nothing feels crowded. It’s a layout that feels considered — decorative, but purposeful.

Three Versions, One Story

The Leman Panama is available in three color options, each bringing out different aspects of the design. There’s a bold all-black version with crisp white subdials for a more minimalist and modern feel, and a monochrome version that adds contrast with a vertical black stripe running through the dial.

But for this review, I’ve been wearing the Beige model — and it’s easily the one that feels most cohesive. With its soft tones and textured dial, it leans fully into the Panama hat inspiration. The colorway gives off a casual, summery vibe that pairs perfectly with light linen or relaxed tailoring. It’s understated, but distinctive — the kind of design that quietly stands out without needing to shout.

Comfortable and Confident on the Wrist

What impressed me most about the Leman Panama is how well it wears. At 38mm wide and just 7.2mm thick, it’s a slim and compact watch that disappears under a cuff — but thanks to the dial texture and moonphase layout, it still has real presence. The 45mm lug-to-lug length gives it a comfortable stance on the wrist, and the proportions feel dialed in whether you’re used to smaller watches or not.

The included leather strap is also a pleasant surprise. It feels firmer and more premium than most stock straps in this price range, with a clean finish that complements the overall design. Quick-release spring bars are a nice quality-of-life bonus, though I haven’t felt the need to swap it out — it suits the watch well straight out of the box.

This is the kind of watch you can wear to a formal occasion or a café without missing a beat. It leans slightly dressy on paper, but in person, it’s more relaxed and versatile than you’d expect.

Inside the Case — Movement & Build

Powering the watch is the Miyota 6P20, a quartz movement that supports day, date, and moonphase complications. While some enthusiasts might prefer mechanical, this is a smart and reliable choice at this price point — especially considering how few calibers offer this particular combination of functions for this kind of money.

The watch also features a double-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, which gives off a soft bluish tint in certain lighting conditions. At this level, sapphire is a welcome inclusion and a key durability upgrade over mineral glass. Water resistance is rated to 50 meters, which is more than adequate for everyday life.

Altogether, the build quality feels well above what you’d expect for a debut release from a small brand — especially one entering the scene from a region without a watchmaking tradition.

One Minor Quirk

The seconds hand on my unit doesn’t align perfectly with the markers. This is a fairly common quirk with quartz movements due to stepping motor tolerances, and it doesn’t affect timekeeping. Still, once you see it, it’s hard to unsee.

I reached out to Leman about this, and they told me they hadn’t received similar reports — so it may just be an isolated case. Either way, it’s a minor flaw in an otherwise well-executed package, and not something that detracts much from the overall experience.

A Watch With Purpose, Not Just Specs

At $229 USD, the Leman Panama is priced competitively — but what makes it truly valuable is its identity. This isn’t just a watch designed to hit spec checkboxes or mimic luxury brands. It’s a product of cultural expression, wrapped in a clean and wearable design.

The specs are solid throughout: you get a moonphase complication, day and date subdials, a double-domed sapphire crystal, and a well-finished leather strap with quick-release spring bars. Inside is the Miyota 6P20, a quartz movement that makes the multi-function layout possible while keeping the design slim and accessible. It’s a practical choice, and one that fits the overall concept.

Interested in picking one up? Use code WRISTFINDS10 for 10% off at lemanwatchco.com.

Final Thoughts

The Leman Panama isn’t just a debut — it’s a milestone. It introduces not only a new brand, but a new part of the world to the independent watchmaking map. And it does so with taste, clarity, and cultural pride.

From the woven dial to the eagle caseback, it’s a watch that stands for something. It’s not trying to chase trends or punch above its weight. It’s simply telling a story — and doing it well.

You can also check out my hands-on impressions over on YouTube, where I go into more detail about the textures, strap, and wearability:

Leman Panama – Specs

• Case material: Stainless steel
• Case diameter: 38mm
• Lug to lug: 45mm
• Thickness: 7.2mm
• Crystal: Double-domed sapphire with AR coating
• Movement: Miyota 6P20 quartz (moonphase, day/date)
• Water resistance: 50m
• Strap: Quick-release leather strap
• Lug width: 20mm
• Price: $229 USD (WRISTFINDS10 for 10% off)