Hands-On Review: Clemence Photic MKII Divers Impress

The latest iteration of Clemence's Photic diver series, the MKII, presents a notable evolution from its initial release, demonstrating a marked advancement in design, construction, and overall value. This upgraded collection, emerging from a dynamic Scottish microbrand established in 2021, delivers a sophisticated timepiece that challenges larger brands with its impressive specifications and competitive pricing. The Photic MKII features a refined aesthetic and enhanced durability, proving that high-quality craftsmanship and thoughtful engineering can be accessible.

Delving into the specifics, the Photic MKII models boast a streamlined 39.5mm case diameter and an exceptionally slender profile of just 10.5mm, including the crystal, or 9.9mm without. The case, made from 316L stainless steel, is treated with a hardened coating to provide five times the scratch resistance of standard steel. A robust 904L steel unidirectional bezel, equipped with a precise ball-bearing click mechanism, ensures reliable time tracking, while the sapphire 60-minute insert features luminous markings for visibility in low-light conditions. The watch's crystal is a low-profile, box-type sapphire, enhanced with an impressive eight layers of anti-reflective coating on the underside, ensuring crystal-clear readability. A substantial, knurled 7.5mm screw-down crown at the 3 o'clock position reinforces its 200-meter water resistance, signifying its readiness for serious diving. The timepiece is offered with either a meticulously crafted three-row bracelet, featuring quick-release spring bars and an innovative micro-adjustment clasp, or a comfortable black Tropic-style rubber strap.

The dial aesthetics of the Photic MKII represent a refined continuation of the original design, now featuring higher-quality elements. Five distinct color variations are available: the Moray with a matte black dial and slate bezel, the Nemo with a vibrant yellow dial and black bezel, the Shoal offering a gray dial with a slate bezel, the Kraken combining a black dial with a yellow bezel, and the Photic – Gilt showcasing a blue gradient dial with a black bezel. During testing, the Nemo and Shoal prototypes were evaluated, with observations highlighting the superior case finishing that surpasses many watches in higher price brackets. The design also incorporates thoughtful details like drilled lug holes and a uniquely sculpted case profile, further distinguishing it from conventional dive watches.

Powering the Photic MKII is the reliable Miyota 9039 automatic movement, a choice lauded for its dependability and slim design. What sets this movement apart in the Clemence offering is its regulation in three positions, resulting in an advertised accuracy of ±12 seconds per day. This regulation, while not chronometer-certified, significantly enhances performance beyond many entry-level automatic movements. Furthermore, the watch case incorporates a soft iron inner cage, providing substantial resistance to magnetic fields exceeding 25,000 A/m, an impressive feature for a watch in this category. These considerations underline Clemence's commitment to delivering exceptional performance and value.

The overall experience with the Photic MKII divers proved to be exceptionally positive, with both the Nemo and Shoal models demonstrating outstanding tactile qualities. The bezel action is notably smooth and precise, exhibiting no play or misalignment, which is often a critical indicator of a dive watch's quality. Similarly, the screw-down crown operates without any noticeable wobble, conveying a sense of robust construction. The unexpected preference for the vibrant yellow Nemo model underscored the thoughtful design choices, particularly the interplay of its unique hue with the black indexes and bezel. This model, along with the more traditional Shoal, showcased the brand’s ability to execute diverse aesthetic options without compromising on fundamental quality.

The Clemence Photic MKII represents an outstanding proposition in the microbrand watch segment, offering exceptional quality and thoughtful design at an accessible price point. The brand’s commitment to superior finishing, enhanced movement regulation, and practical features like magnetic resistance, all assembled in Britain, positions these divers as strong contenders in the market. The availability for pre-order at a competitive price, coupled with a two-year warranty and a commitment to environmental sustainability through tree planting, makes this a highly recommended choice for watch enthusiasts.