Introducing the Stunning Maen × Nico Leonard Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin: The Perfect Blend of Style and Comfort
It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a year since Maen and Nico Leonard made waves with their first collaboration, the Jump Hour. This Swedish brand with Dutch roots, alongside the Belfast-based Dutch YouTuber, truly hit the mark with their debut release, which launched just in time for Watches and Wonders. The excitement surrounding jump-hour watches was palpable, and the Jump Hour quickly sold out. Now, with their second collaboration, they’ve maintained the distinctive case shape but have introduced a sleek two-hand model called the Maen Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin. Let’s dive in and explore what makes this timepiece so special.
A Quick Look Back at the Jump Hour Phenomenon
When the Jump Hour first debuted, it captured attention immediately. As Mike noted in his introduction article, it was a fresh and innovative take on a classic complication. Over the last year, we’ve seen a wave of jump-hour watches flood the market. The highlight was undoubtedly the Cartier Tank à Guichets, which premiered during Watches and Wonders. Other notable jump-hour releases include the Louis Vuitton Tambour Convergence, the Czapek Time Jumper, and the Christopher Ward C1 Jump Hour Mk V. It’s safe to say that jump-hour watches had their moment in the spotlight.
The Story Behind the Maen × Nico Leonard Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin
Building on the success of their initial project, Maen and Nico Leonard have crafted a follow-up piece that’s sure to delight fans. While the characteristic case shape remains, the jump-hour display has been replaced with a traditional dial featuring hour and minute hands. Additionally, the Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin comes with a stainless steel bracelet, marking a bold shift in design while keeping the integrity of the original.
Specifications of the Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin
This stunning timepiece boasts a stainless steel case that retains the same 34mm width and 45mm length of the Jump Hour but has been expertly slimmed down to a mere 6.4mm profile. This makes for a sleek watch that feels absolutely luxurious on the wrist.
The case features a standout mix of brushed and polished finishes. The lugs possess a polished top surface while the chamfers and central top portion are brushed, adding a touch of elegance. In addition to the natural stainless steel version, fans can also look forward to a gold-plated variant for those who prefer a bolder aesthetic.
The Eye-Catching Design of the Grand Tonneau Case
The exquisite finishing of this case draws attention to a captivating visual trick that wasn’t as prominent in the Jump Hour. Although the case seems wide due to polished bands emphasizing its width, the lugs are actually straight with a seamless flow. The bracelet flares outward to align with the case, providing a cohesive look. While the Jump Hour included a rubber strap, the Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin offers the same option but also features a stunning stainless steel bracelet available at a slight premium.
The New Dial: Simplicity Meets Elegance
The dial of the Maen × Nico Leonard Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin boasts a textured black fumé enamel-coated finish. Additional color options will include turquoise, yellow, and lava red fumé. The understated design showcases the brand’s logo on the upper half and Nico Leonard’s Pride & Pinion branding below, with “Swiss Made” elegantly positioned at 6 o’clock. Two slender, polished sword hands complete the look, ensuring the dial remains both chic and refined.
Innovative Movement Powered by La Joux-Perret D101
On the back, a sapphire display offers a glimpse of the stunning La Joux-Perret D101 movement, which features 18 jewels and operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour. This manual-winding caliber provides approximately 50 hours of power reserve—a significant upgrade from the Seagull jump-hour movement of the previous model.
Experience the Comfort of the Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin
Featuring an optional stainless steel bracelet that tapers from 25mm to 16mm at the clasp, the Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin is all about comfort. The links are easily adjustable thanks to screws, and the bracelet has a stylish ‘70s vibe that’s both flexible and comfortable to wear.
Once on your wrist, this watch wears incredibly well. The bracelet’s flexibility makes it conform beautifully, and the clasp provides a secure snap. As a larger individual, I found the watch’s modern proportions to be both appealing and suitable for my wrist size.
Final Thoughts on the Maen × Nico Leonard Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin
After wearing the watch for several days, I’ve come to appreciate the thought process behind its design. Its character shines through, and while I still hold onto some initial reservations, I now understand they are merely personal preferences. The slim profile and dimensions make it feel custom-fit on my wrist, which significantly enhances my overall appreciation for this timepiece.
Get Your Maen × Nico Leonard Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin
This stunning watch is available for pre-order now on the official Maen website for €1,519 (excluding taxes). An extra €189 will secure the stainless steel bracelet, while the gold-plated option is priced at €239. Remember, pre-orders close at 23:59 CEST on April 21st! After the huge success of the Jump Hour, I have no doubt that this second collaborative effort will also captivate audiences.
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