To mark five years since the original Second Hour Gin Clear launch, Second Hour unveiled the Ripple Edition - featuring hypnotic dial textures that mimic rippling water, available in bold Blue and Red, plus a new limited edition in Pale Aqua.
A Brand Built on Passion and Precision
Second Hour was founded in 2019 by Melbourne-based duo Peter & Akira, united by a shared affection for mechanical craftsmanship and design-led elegance.
Peter is a self-taught watchmaker who brings hands-on experience in engineering and manufacturing, ensuring that every Second Hour watch reflects mechanical excellence and robustness. Akira hails from the fashion world and oversees customer experience with a polished, personal touch, creating a boutique sensibility rare in watchmaking.
Their approach is rooted in small-batch production, strict quality control, and aesthetic coherence - delivering Swiss and Japanese movements housed in solidly built, finely finished cases - all crafted in‑house. It’s a brand philosophy that marries design, durability, and distinctive personality.
Why the Ripple Edition Stands Out
- Eye-Catching Dial – The textured “ripple” dial in radiant Blue or Red captures and refracts light like ocean waves, making each glance at the time an experience.
- Robust Build – With a 40 mm surface-hardened 316L steel case, sapphire crystal, 300 m water resistance, and Swiss ETA 2824 movement, it’s deep dive-capable and dress-friendly.
- User-Focused Features – A precise 120-click bezel, BGW9 SuperLuminova, and micro-adjust clasp ensure usability at sea and comfort on shore.
Combined with a wrist-friendly profile (≈12 mm thick, 47 mm lug-to-lug), this edition strikes a rare balance of sport-ready specs and everyday wearability.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If the Ripple Edition inspires, but you’re also curious about other levels or styles, here are compelling comparisons:
Mid‑Range Swiss Divers £700 – £1,200
Longines HydroConquest
39–41 mm, quartz or L888 automatic, 300 m WR, refined finish - Luxury-brand polish for about £1,150.
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto
40–43 mm, H‑10 automatic (80 hr PR), stylish bezel contrast, polished bead-blasted finish—praised for its finishing relative to price.
Certina DS Action Diver Powermatic 80
With a 43mm case, 300m WR, Powermatic 80 with 80‑hour reserve, the Certina offers a similar spec to the Ripple with deeper Swiss lineage.
Stand-Out Alternatives in Budget/Luxury Mid‑Range
Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400
Larger 43.5mm case, in-house 5-day/anti-magnetic powerplant, 300m WR - an impressive technical jump for around £2,500.
German-made tool diver, 300–500m WR, tegimented case for superior scratch resistance, robust and purpose-built.
Premium Icons £3,000+
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300
Large 43mm robustness, Swiss Calibre 5 movement, practical tool-watch edge - lived-in aesthetic with strong brand backing.
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M
Pioneering icon with 300 m WR, ceramic bezel, helium valve, in-house Co-Axial calibre, renowned heritage and Bond association.
WatchGecko's Final Take
The Gin Clear MkII Ripple Edition offers a unique proposition: micro‑brand originality paired with dive-worthy durability and Swiss heart. It’s ideal for those seeking a stylish, robust diver without paying a premium for brand cachet.
If you value Swiss heritage or in-house innovation, Certina, Hamilton, Longines, Oris, or Omega each offer compelling alternatives at progressively higher price points. Consider your priorities - dial uniqueness, movement tech, brand recognition, and budget - and choose the one that resonates.
