The Second Hour Sattelberg Mk2 returns to the field, this time in style
Buffy Acacia
Second Hour rose to instant acclaim with the Mandala, securing its reputation as a microbrand capable of beautiful intricacy. With the Sattelberg field watch, the Australian company was clearly trying its hand at something a little bit more stripped-back. Given the overwhelming success of that sold-out model, the Sattelberg Mk2 heralds the return of the collection, this time packed with more of the dressy elegance we expect from Second Hour.
The case
Clearly, the case was the one thing about the Sattelberg that Second Hour was truly happy with. It remains unchanged from the first version, which definitely isn’t a bad thing. The slender, sloping bezel and petite lugs give the watch a casual elegance that doesn’t feel overly sporty or delicate. Its 100 metres of water resistance makes it capable enough for swimming, so robustness isn’t a problem either. What’s most impressive is the surface hardening treatment that grants a 1,200 Vickers rating, almost as hard as ceramic. That means it’s incredibly resistant to scratches for something that just looks like ordinary stainless steel.
The 40mm diameter is actually quite a nice change from most microbrand field watches that tend to hover around 38mm, so it fills out the wrist a bit more. That said, the lug-to-lug distance of 47mm is still going to fit most wrists on the smaller side, too. The total thickness is only 10.5mm including the flat sapphire, which is nice and svelte for an automatic watch with solid water resistance. The crown is unguarded for a vintage look, easy to grip, and signed with Second Hour’s floral logo.
The dial
The brushed crosshair dial of the first Second Hour Sattelberg was quite utilitarian, but the Mk2 dials have gone for a completely different look. A central section of blazing sunburst finishes and gradient colours completely transforms it from a tactical field watch to a collection centrepiece. The dials are available in a glacial blue, a coppery brown, and a deep purple which ranges from black, through amethyst, into lavender.
Despite the dressy centre, the accompanying details of the Sattelberg Mk2 ensure that it retains all of its original functionality. The hands are bold and distinct for quick reading, and the Arabic numerals on the dial’s perimeter are large and contrasting. Their application also heightens the dial’s sense of depth, as does the steeply sloped chapter ring with minute markers. Second Hour is a bit of a wordy name with difficult symmetry for a dial as balanced as this, so it makes a lot of sense to just have the floral logo placed below 12 o’clock. Speaking of balance and symmetry, the 6 o’clock date window is unobtrusive but usable.
The strap
Aside from the character overhaul performed on the dial, the Sattelberg Mk2 has been given a brand-new bracelet with impressive features, including the surface hardening to match the case. The links alternate between a silky-soft brushing and a lustrous polish, both on the front and the back, so it’s clear that no details have been overlooked. The clasp is finished to an equally high standard and features on-the-fly micro-adjustment for daily fluctuations in temperature and wrist swelling. Given that Second Hour is a company from Melbourne, we certainly know what it’s like to have four seasons in a day. If the bracelet isn’t your cup of tea, there are also additional leather straps available for purchase with vintage contrasting stitching. If you want the bracelet but already own a Sattelberg Mk1, it is backwards-compatible.
The movement
Powering the Second Hour Mk2 is the Miyota calibre 9015, which is one of the Japanese manufacturer’s premium movements. It’s still relatively affordable and mass-produced, but its specifications rival that of entry-level Swiss movements like the ETA 2824. For example, its 4Hz beat rate gives the second hand a smooth sweep, and the 42-hour power reserve is more than adequate for a daily wearer with automatic winding. Then, there’s the total height of 3.9mm, which contributes to the overall slenderness of the case. Its average daily accuracy from the factory is -10/+30 seconds per day, but most examples perform well within that range. The caseback is solid and etched with the dates and coordinates of the Sattelberg campaign in New Guinea, in 1943.
If you fell in love with the original Sattelberg for its simple charm, then the Mk2 probably isn’t for you. However, for the audience who adores the finer things in life, then the Mk2 may be exactly what they’ve been missing. It has all of the adventurous capability of the first model but allows Second Hour’s sophisticated personality to shine. It’s a serious value proposition as well, considering the attention to detail and the quality of that new bracelet.
Second Hour Sattelberg Mk2 price and availability
The Second Hour Sattelberg Mk2 is now open for pre-order, with shipping expected imminently this October. Price: US$580
| Brand | Second Hour |
| Model | Sattelberg Mk2 |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 10.5mm (T) x 47mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel with surface hardening treatment |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating |
| Dial | Blue, copper/brown, black/purple |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Bracelet/strap | Steel bracelet with surface hardening treatment, folding clasp Leather strap, pin buckle |
| Movement | Miyota 9015, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Available now for pre-order, shipping expected October 2024 |
| Price | US$580 |
Made in partnership with Second Hour. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.