The DWISS Model A1 is an integrated bracelet beauty from a brand known for crazy, affordable time displays
Tom AustinEstablished in 2011 by designer Rafael Simoes Miranda, DWISS has focused on executing unconventional ways of time-telling. Earning itself multiple design awards in the process, DWISS has quietly created unique watches that not only break indie watch brand norms, but also exude Rafael’s passion for creative watch design. DWISS’ latest piece, the Model A1, takes a slightly more conventional route with its aesthetics, but as we delve into the details of this limited-edition model, you find the brand’s attention to detail shines through. It’s a busy area of the market, so despite the watch being more conventional, it’s daring that DWISS are even doing this, considering it’s quite the departure from their usual designs. It’s coming after some big brands, so let’s see if it has the muscle.
The case
It’s not hard to notice that integrated bracelet watches are everywhere right now, and as a result, making a unique one is quite a challenge. These kinds of watches ideally need to have trim proportions, and the Model A1, with its integrated design, manages to maintain a muscular, powerful look without being bulky. The stainless steel case features eight sides, clearly taking inspiration from Gérald Genta’s playbook, and at 40mm in diameter and just 10.8mm thick, the proportions are just right for a watch like this.
The brushed top surface of the case is completely flat and almost oversized, giving the watch a larger look than it really is. This cleanly transitions into several angles around the sides and the lug area, finished with large, polished chamfers that flow into the bracelet. The result is indeed an angular, subtle look that is both clean and functional. A sloping bezel locks in an anti-reflective-coated sapphire crystal, and the octagonal screw-down crown and exhibition case back offer the watch 100 metres of water resistance. Each case is also numbered in this limited edition run of 500 watches.
The dial
There are four dial options for the Model A1, and once again, these are a much more conventional departure from DWISS’ oft-adventurous designs. Finished in a familiar waffle motif, the dial options are available in black, green, and blue, with a final piece unique variation in white, offered exclusively for the watch with the serial number 001. There are some fresh details amongst the familiar design, however, with the hour markers made from Super-LumiNova C1 X1 BL blocks, and the hands being treated with the same three-dimensional effect. The contrasting date window is also luminous at its border, too, which, while a unique touch, may be unpopular with the date-window haters among us.
The dial is clean and highly legible, has some dimensionality, and the details are well-finished. It perhaps would have been interesting to see some more daring colourways, but as with any new range, I’m sure there’s plenty of room for that in the future. The waffle motif is also a safe choice, which is unusual for a brand like DWISS, but it looks great nonetheless.
The bracelet
As with any integrated bracelet watch, the bracelet is an intrinsic component of the entire watch’s design. The watch head’s angular features are replicated through the tapered stainless steel bracelet, composed of several flat Y-shaped links with polished chamfers. The bracelet is closed with a butterfly deployant clasp for a seamless fit.
The bracelet is interchangeable, as there are accessible spring bars underneath the watch, although it is currently unclear if the rubber straps from DWISS’ other models, like the M3, will fit. Hopefully, there will be some dedicated straps for the Model A1, because the trend is slowly shifting towards allowing rubber alternatives for steel integrated bracelets.
The movement
Previous DWISS models, with their more exploratory complications, have featured heavily modified Sellita movements, but there are a couple of other times where the brand has diversified to other options. The Model A1 is one of those, as it features a La Joux-Perret G100 Soigné movement, the highest grade of this particular self-winding calibre. It’s an attractive movement, also found in the likes of Furlan Marri’s Sector line, sharing architecture with the Miyota 9000 series with notable upgrades to the mainspring and escapement.
Adorned with machine-applied Geneva stripes, perlage, and blue screws, the G100 is becoming a more common alternative to ETA and Sellita, and it makes sense to see DWISS opt for something with a touch more attention to detail. On top of that, it delivers a whopping 68-hour power reserve, and with Élaboré-grade adjustments, allows for an accuracy rating of +7/-7 seconds per day, regulated in four positions.
DWISS Model A1 price and availability
The DWISS Model A1 is limited to 500 numbered pieces and is available from June 24th, directly from DWISS. A piece unique white dial Ghost model will be available via auction only on the DWISS website on the day of launch. Price: CHF 1,600
| Brand | DWISS |
| Model | Model A1 |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 10.8mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Waffle motif in black, green, or blue One-of-one model in white |
| Bracelet | Y-link steel bracelet, butterfly clasp |
| Movement | La Joux-Perret G100, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 68 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Limited to 500 pieces |
| Price | CHF 1,600 |
Made in partnership with DWISS. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.