It’s always exciting when a new microbrand enters the scene—especially when it does so with clear direction, refined aesthetics, and a sense of purpose. That’s exactly what Mezei Watch Company brings to the table with its debut Kickstarter campaign. With a trio of automatic watches named London Smoke, Arctic Blue, and Racing Green, this new brand offers a polished yet affordable take on modern dress watches, wrapped in a clean, versatile package that balances elegance and everyday practicality.

Let’s take a closer look at what Mezei is offering, why these models might be worth a spot on your radar, and what makes them stand out in the crowded microbrand space.

A New Microbrand with a Clear Vision

Founded by Sandor Mezei, Mezei Watch Company launches with a modest yet confident three-piece collection. The focus here isn’t on overly ambitious complications or aggressive design—but rather on refinement, proportion, and wearability.

All three models share the same case, dimensions, and movement, but brings its own personality through dial color and finishing. The concept feels cohesive and well-thought-out, positioning the collection as a daily wearer with a slightly dressy edge, rather than a loud statement piece.

This is Mezei’s first campaign, but it already gives the impression of a brand that knows its audience: enthusiasts who appreciate restrained design, solid specs, and good value.

Dial Colors that Tell a Story

One of the highlights of the Mezei debut is the trio of dial colors. Rather than naming the watches generically, each variant has its own identity:

• London Smoke – A smoky charcoal gray with a slight gradient, offering a touch of mystery and elegance. If you’re into stealthy, versatile watches that go with everything, this one’s for you.
• Arctic Blue – A cool, icy shade of blue with a soft sunray finish. Clean and minimal, this version evokes a Scandinavian calmness and works effortlessly with both steel and leather straps.
• Racing Green – A deep, British racing green dial with subtle texture and warmth. It’s a great option for those who like a bit of character and heritage in their watches, especially paired with gold hands and indices for that vintage-inspired charm.

Each dial features a clean, uncluttered layout: no logos, no indices, just baton hands and a subtle date window at 6 o’clock. The result is a design that feels almost zen—timeless and pure.

Unique Caseback Engravings: A Personal Touch for Each Model

One standout feature that really elevates this collection is the personalized caseback on each model. Rather than opting for a generic display case or a simple logo, Mezei Watch Company has gone the extra mile—each dial color comes with its own engraved story, tailored to the theme of the watch:

• London Smoke – A love letter to London, this engraving spans the full caseback with intricate detail. It showcases the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) and Westminster Bridge, forming a highly recognizable cityscape.
• Arctic Blue – The engraving depicts a ship named Mezei navigating icy waters toward a glacier—an elegant metaphor for exploration and calm resilience. It adds an extra layer of storytelling that ties beautifully into the frosty hue of the dial.
• Racing Green – A tribute to the golden era of motor racing, this caseback features a detailed image inspired by 1920s British racing cars. It’s a thoughtful homage to the origins of the Racing Green color, evoking a sense of motion, legacy, and classic automotive charm.

These engraved casebacks aren’t just decorative—they’re part of the watch’s identity. They reflect Mezei’s design philosophy: to create not just watches, but stories you wear on your wrist. It’s a move that shows maturity and thoughtfulness rarely seen in debut collections.

Design & Dimensions: Slim, Refined, Everyday-Ready

The case measures 38mm in diameter, with a 44mm lug-to-lug and a thickness of just 11mm (including the sapphire crystal). Those numbers hit a real sweet spot: compact enough for smaller wrists, yet proportional enough to look balanced on a wide range of sizes.

The case is fully brushed with a polished fixed bezel, adding contrast and visual interest without being flashy. There’s a mix of contemporary sharpness and vintage restraint here.

Specs & Movement

All three models are powered by the Miyota 8215, a reliable automatic movement known for its simplicity and affordability. It’s not a high-beat or hacking movement, but it gets the job done, especially at this price point. It runs at 21,600 bph with a 42-hour power reserve and has been a staple in entry-level mechanical watches for years.

While some might wish for a Miyota 9015 or Seiko NH35, there’s something to be said for the classic 8215: it keeps the watch thin, affordable, and serviceable. For a debut release, it’s a reasonable and proven choice.

Other key specifications include a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and a 50-meter water resistance rating. The 316L stainless steel case is paired with a 20mm lug width, and each watch ships on a leather strap with quick-release spring bars, adding a touch of refinement while keeping strap changes quick and easy.

Kickstarter Details & Pricing

The campaign is currently live on Kickstarter and has already surpassed its initial goal. Pledges start at £299 (roughly $370 USD), which puts it squarely in the sweet spot for microbrand automatics with sapphire crystals and quality finishing.

Delivery is estimated for November 2025, giving the team enough time for production, QC, and fulfillment. Backers can choose their dial color, and each watch comes with a leather strap—though the 20mm lug width means you’ll have plenty of aftermarket options if you want to mix it up later.

Final Thoughts: Quiet Sophistication for Everyday Wear

The Mezei Watch Company debut doesn’t chase trends. It doesn’t scream for attention. And that’s exactly why it works.

With a minimalist case design, well-chosen dial colors, and modest specs at an accessible price, this is a watch built for daily enjoyment. It’s refined, modern, and quietly sophisticated—perfect for those who appreciate a clean aesthetic and want to support microbrands doing things the right way.

If you’re in the market for an affordable automatic with dressy-casual versatility and a touch of personality, this is one Kickstarter campaign worth checking out.

Specifications

• Diameter: 38mm
• Lug-to-Lug: 44mm
• Thickness: 11mm (incl. sapphire crystal)
• Movement: Miyota 8215 automatic
• Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
• Water Resistance: 50m
• Strap: Leather (20mm lug width, quick-release)
• Price: Starting at £299
• Delivery: November 2025

Image Credits: All images used are courtesy of Mezei Watch Company, sourced from their Kickstarter campaign and official website mezeiwatchcompany.com.