De Motu, the Finnish aviation-inspired watch brand, opened its brand-new showroom and workshop in Helsinki last Saturday, inviting visitors throughout the day to explore the space, see the watches up close, and get a look behind the scenes of their instrument-driven approach to watchmaking.

A Brand Rooted in Aviation

De Motu’s identity has always been tied closely to aviation. For years, the brand operated out of Helsinki-Malmi Airport, making them one of the few pilot-watch makers with a workshop located directly at an airfield. The new showroom continues that theme, blending traditional watchmaking with aircraft components and historic aviation objects that reflect the brand’s origins.

Inside the New Showroom

Located on Arkadiankatu in Töölö, central Helsinki, the new space brings De Motu’s character to life immediately. Display cabinets sit alongside a fighter pilot helmet, vintage instrument gauges, and various aviation artifacts, giving the showroom a distinct cockpit-inspired atmosphere. It’s not a typical watch boutique, but an immersive environment that mirrors the visual language of the watches themselves.

A Look Inside the Workshop

I also got a walkthrough of the workshop area. Benches lined with tools, pressure testers, and assembly stations illustrated how small-scale Finnish watchmaking happens in practice. Parts trays held dial components and unfinished cases, and I got to see how De Motu modifies their movements in-house – specifically, the custom big-date complication they add to several models.

Hands-On: Three Watches From the Collection

During the visit, I also had the chance to try some models from De Motu’s lineup. Here’s a closer look at each one:

DMF 44 MK I

The DMF 44 MK I is De Motu’s flagship pilot instrument. At 44 mm and crafted from lightweight titanium, it was developed in collaboration with fighter pilots. The angular, cockpit-style case gives it a bold presence, but the titanium construction keeps it light on the wrist. Despite the size, the downward-angled lugs made it wear far better than I expected — by no means a small watch, but genuinely comfortable. The watch also comes in De Motu’s custom-machined metal presentation case.

DMW MK I Midnight Blue

The DMW MK I Midnight Blue is a more classic interpretation of a pilot watch, but still retains De Motu’s instrument aesthetic. The 42 mm case mixes satin-brushed surfaces with polished edges, and the deep blue sunburst dial shifts from navy to near-black depending on the light. It’s powered by a modified Swiss automatic movement with De Motu’s in-house big-date display at 6 o’clock. Paired with a Milanese mesh bracelet, it balances ruggedness with refinement. Like the DMF 44, the curved lugs made it wear better than the specs suggest.

DMW Matte Black MIL

The Matte Black MIL version takes the DMW formula and gives it a fully tactical personality. The 42mm stainless steel case features a matte military coating, and the dial layout prioritizes legibility above all else. The big-date window sits clearly at 6 o’clock, and the fully blacked-out aesthetic gives it strong tool-watch presence. Super-LumiNova ensures visibility in low light. Again, the ergonomics were noticeably better than I anticipated — De Motu clearly spent time getting the fit right.

Final Thoughts

De Motu’s new showroom and workshop offers a rare look at Finnish watchmaking through a distinctly aviation-driven lens. The space reflects the brand’s roots, the workshop highlights their hands-on production and in-house modifications, and the watches themselves feel consistent with that instrument-first philosophy. It’s an experience worth checking out in person if you’re in Helsinki.

More information at demotu.fi