【F】 New: The Second-Gen Studio Underd0g 02Series

Three years in the past, Richard Benc and his Studio Underd0g model launched the 02Series assortment. The design was primarily based on the enduring Dirty Dozen area watches, with the addition of Studio Underd0g’s typical playful sauce, in fact. That resulted in 4 variations, all of which shared the identical layered dial building. Except for the matte black Midnight variant, all of them had seven layers of Super-LumiNova beneath the sapphire dial. Now, the 02Series returns, together with the totally lumed Pink Lem0nade and Steffany Blue variations. But as an alternative of the sooner black- and white-dial variations, there at the moment are two new sunburst dials in purple and cherry crimson. In addition, the case and the motion have each obtained updates.

Three years doesn’t appear to be an awfully very long time between updates. However, so much has occurred since then. At the start of this yr, Studio Underd0g introduced that it acquired the Horologium workshop, the place its meeting and testing happen. Richard Benc renamed it The D0ghouse. This transfer offers him larger management over the manufacturing processes and opens the door to scaling output to fulfill demand.

At the identical time, Sellita launched its up to date SW200-2 Power+ motion, the successor to the SW200-1. The most vital enchancment is the rise in energy reserve from roughly 40 hours to 65. So, let’s see what these adjustments imply for the up to date Studio Underd0g 02 Series.

The Studio Underd0g 02Series 2.0

First of all, let’s speak in regards to the case. I don’t assume anybody complained in regards to the 37mm stainless-steel case on the primary 02Series. The second technology now has a barely bigger 37.5mm case, however it’s additionally half a millimeter thinner, giving the watch an 11.5mm profile. Keep in thoughts that this contains the two.1mm-thick double-domed sapphire crystal. Sure, the 02Series has a hand-wound motion, however that’s nonetheless very good and slim for a area watch. Also, the 46mm lug-to-lug span stays.

As talked about, the Studio Underd0g 02Series additionally comes with an up to date motion. The earlier model housed a manual-winding Sellita SW210-1 with a 42-hour energy reserve. The second-generation 02Series options Sellita’s new SW200-2 M Power+ hand-wound motion, which gives an elevated energy reserve. Sellita says it’s 65 hours, however Studio Underd0g mentions a 63-hour energy reserve in its press launch. The motion runs at 28,800 vph and options 26 jewels.

The caliber sits behind a chrome steel case again that includes an embossed jellyfish. As greater than 50% of jellyfish species are bioluminescent, this animal is a nod to the seven layers of Super-LumiNova on the Pink Lem0nade and Steffany Blue variations. It’s additionally a form reminder that the 02Series is waterproof to 100 meters.

Colorful and layered dials

I believe Studio Underd0g 02Series assortment was the primary to characteristic this layered dial building. After that, we additionally noticed it on the Brunswick 38 cocktail watches in collaboration with Fears. The inspiration for the 2 new dial choices of the 02Series got here from that exact same collaboration. The Manhattan was the primary watch to characteristic a sunburst end beneath the dial’s clear sapphire prime layer. The new cherry Red L0lly and purple Nightshade dials share that very same thought.

If you’re extra into full-lume dials, you’ll be comfortable to know that the Pink Lem0nade and Steffany Blue variations have returned. All dials characteristic contrasting printing and proudly point out that they’re all assembled in Great Britain. The purple Nightshade even contains a vibrant crimson minute monitor and description across the luminous numerals for an additional little bit of shade.

The 02Series 2.0 within the hand and on the wrist

I’ve to say, the new-generation 02Series by Studio Underd0g feels very sturdy within the hand. I’m undecided if that’s as a result of Richard Benc now owns the premises the place the watches are assembled, however they really feel very grown-up, in contrast to their appears. And that’s not a criticism; these watches are nonetheless as playful and unique as you count on any Studio Underd0g watch to be.

If I needed to decide a favourite out of the 4, I’d go for the Red L0lly. The cherry-red sunburst base beneath the sapphire dial one way or the other appears gentle and sharp on the similar time, and I just like the off-white printing and lume on the palms. If I needed to decide one of many lume dials, the Pink Lem0nade can be my selection. It’s the one which finest represents Studio Underd0gs enjoyable and playful method of adapting basic designs to the right here and now.

The new slim and durable 37.5mm case sits very comfortably on the wrist, and the polished bezel stands out properly towards the circular-brushed lugs. It’s additionally good that these lugs characteristic drilled holes, which make it very straightforward to swap out the included calfskin straps for different 18mm choices. Those holes additionally add to the utilitarian character of the 02Series field-watch-inspired design.

The up to date Sellita Power+ motion inside means you received’t need to manually wind it as usually because the earlier technology. In addition, accuracy may be very acceptable, at round ±7 seconds per day. These enhancements and the brand new sunburst dials present that the second-gen 02Series is an much more severely enjoyable than the primary.

Available now

The newest Studio Underd0g 02Series is now out there on the brand’s website and by appointment at The D0ghouse, beginning July seventh, 2026. The watches price €950, which is €100 greater than the unique 02Series fashions. However, with all of the latest value hikes and the enhancements provided, that also looks like an inexpensive value to pay.

What do you consider Studio Underd0g’s new 02Series assortment? Let us know within the feedback beneath.