When I previewed the Hemel HD2 Sea Dart last May, it was on the basis of some renderings and one prototype photo with the wrong bracelet. Still, I know the kind of work Marvin Menke of Hemel turns out and the Sea Dart looked like it was going to be a fine addition to the Hemel’s stable and I was right. The watch is now available for immediate delivery and I’ve got some fresh photos to share.
The Hemel Sea Dart is named for the Convair F2Y, an insane, hydro ski-equipped American fighter jet that was the only supersonic jet capable of a water take-off and landing. In this vein, the HD2 combines elements of cockpit dials and skin diver watches into a thoroughly modern tool watch.
The Sea Dart is a comfortable mid-size, its brushed and polished case measuring 39mm wide, 45mm long, and just 11.5 mm thick. A classic 20mm beads-of-rice bracelet is standard. Like the aircraft, the watch is built for action with a double domed and anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal, a 120 click bezel, C3 SuperLuminova, and 300m water resistance. Inside, is a smooth (28.8k bph) and reliable Miyota 9039 automatic movement.
The dials have a modern, instrument-style layout and a sunray surface. Purists may opt for Black, but the more adventurous can choose Gilt, Navy, Pineapple, Robin’s Egg, Salmon, Juniper, or even a full C3 lume.
The entire Hemel concept was born in New York at Hemel House, the brainchild of Marvin Menke. Marvin is a Fashion Institute of Technology graduate and design industry insider with thirty years of experience. Hemel was originally the name of his design consultancy and the watches were initially meant to be a gift for his clients around the holidays or to mark special events. The more he shared the idea with friends and colleagues, the more they encouraged him to bring it to market. Hemel has been in the boutique watch industry since early 2016.
“Hemel is really a reflection of myself and how I work as a designer,” says Marvin. “It’s a reflection of my relation to watches and how I connect them to other areas that inspire me like graphic design, history, photography, product development, and community building. I link all these elements together and describe a new way for a boutique brand to exist. This is why I’m still in love with design even after more than thirty years.”
The HD2 Sea Dart is $499, or $449 for the Robin’s Egg League of Microbrands “Sea League” special edition. For more information or to order your own, visit HemelWatches.com.
