Independent Canadian watchmaker Heron has unveiled its latest release, the Heron Mirabel GMT, a refined reinterpretation of the dual-time complication designed for those who value elegance as much as functionality. Known for blending vintage aesthetics with modern specifications, Heron continues to carve a niche among collectors who seek character and quality without compromise.
Following the success of its Marinor dive watch in 2023, which earned praise for its robust design and thoughtful detailing, Heron now shifts its focus to a more formal direction. The Mirabel GMT brings the traditionally sporty travel complication into the dress watch arena, combining sophistication with practical utility.
At 37.5mm, the sculpted C-case recalls classic mid-century proportions, offering a size that feels both timeless and contemporary. The debut black dial version, Ref. 4001-A, introduces the collection with understated charm and a quiet confidence.
Rather than relying on a rotating bezel or overt tool-watch cues, Heron integrates the GMT function directly into a clean enamel sector dial. Applied numerals and faceted alpha-style hands, including a capped seconds hand, maintain the watch’s formal tone. Small but significant touches—like the heated blue GMT hand on the White reference and a gloss enamel dial—underscore the brand’s dedication to detail. The visual balance is sharp, ensuring the additional timezone is functional without disrupting the refined aesthetic.
Inside beats the Miyota 9075, a “true GMT” automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve and smooth 28,800 bph sweep. With an independently adjustable local hour hand, it’s a feature typically found in higher-end timepieces, making the Mirabel GMT one of the most accessible examples on the market. Crucially, the movement allows the GMT hand to remain fixed on “home” time while the main hour hand is easily adjusted when changing time zones.
The case is capped with a boxed sapphire crystal, coated on the underside for clarity. A polished cabochon-style crown with a resin insert adds a subtle nod to vintage pilot watches. Around the back, a screwed-in caseback reveals a hand-painted enamel world-timer centrepiece framed by perlage finishing—a decorative flourish rarely seen at this price point and a testament to Heron’s artistic ambitions.
The Mirabel comes paired with a lightly padded calfskin leather strap by Delugs, chosen for its clean lines and comfortable wearability. Quick-release spring bars allow for easy swaps, offering versatility without fuss.
Four colourways are available in the collection: Black (Ref. 4001-A), White (4002-A), Brown (4003-A), and Blue (4004-A). Each is priced at $690 USD and arrives with a premium travel case and a signed microfibre cloth—details that reflect the brand’s commitment to delivering a complete ownership experience.
With the Mirabel GMT, Heron redefines the role of the travel watch. It’s a dress watch with a party trick, combining practical functionality with the design sensibility of a bygone era. Based in Montreal and supported by a growing community of enthusiasts, Heron continues to prove that independent watchmaking still has room to surprise.
The collection will be available to order directly from Heron Watches starting tomorrow, June 5th.
Heron Mirabel GMT
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Heron Watches
- Model: Mirabel GMT
- Reference: 4001-A (Black), White (4002-A), Brown (4003-A), and Blue (4004-A)
- Price: $690 USD
- Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
- Case Size: 37.5mm
- Case Thickness: 12.4mm (including crystal)
- Lug-to-lug Distance: 45mm
- Movement: Miyota 9075 Automatic (True GMT)
- Complications: Hours, minutes, central seconds, independent GMT hand with jumping local hour
- Water-resistance: 100 metres / 10 ATM
- Crystal: Boxed sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflective coating
