A Brand's Story : Second Hour by Extropian

Who is Second Hour?

Born in 2019 in Melbourne, Australia, Second Hour is a passion project and the brainchild of husband and wife Peter and Akira. They are on a mission to revive the craftsmanship of the watch industry that we know and love. Their goal is to return to a time when beautiful, handmade pieces were the norm, not the exception—a noble quest, we might add.

Why Second Hour?

If you are keen to own a watch designed 100% in Australia, with a high degree of quality control, and to deal directly with the brand's owners, then it doesn’t get much better than Second Hour. Not only will you benefit from each piece being uniquely tested, but you'll also enjoy the rare experience of dealing with true enthusiasts. In a world where corporate layers often dictate processes, Second Hour offers a more personal and friendly environment.

What are the key design elements?

Second Hour watches have a distinct design language that is neither country-themed nor quirky. Everything feels balanced. We would say that the trapezoid markers on their Gin Clear model are a standout; they look great and give the watch a distinctive feel. Another nice element is the use of guilloché dials and patterns, found on models like the Mandala Burst and one of their latest watches: The Memoir.

Another quick point is that their watches are considered "tool" watches. The steel has been coated to achieve an impressive hardening of up to 1200 on the Vickers scale in several of their models.

How do they work?

Once a brand like Second Hour is established, everything may seem simple, but it really isn’t. The amount of know-how and experience required to run an independent company must be extensive. That said, being based in Australia may present additional challenges, particularly with logistics, but their dedication to offering good products and personalized customer service—along with a 2-year warranty—gives buyers peace of mind.
Second Hour uses the best materials and movements possible for a brand under the US$ 1000 price range, consistently exceeding expectations. The result is a cohesive product that stands out in terms of both quality and design.

Who are they for?

Second Hour watches are for people seeking a well-built product with no quality issues and a warranty that promises a hassle-free experience. This is a brand that cares about its reputation, which means you can expect a customer-first mentality.
As for the overall wearability and look, Second Hour watches cater to a broad range of enthusiasts. If you're in the market for a dress watch, The Memoir might be for you. If you're seeking adventure or diving watches, The Gin Clear or The Giant Stride may be more your style. There's a Second Hour watch for everyone.
There’s also the casual wearer who wants a quality timepiece. The Mandala Burst truly put Second Hour on the map, with its subtly decorated dial achieving a symmetry few brands have managed. Since they are all sold out, it’s clear this was one of the brand’s most popular models, and arguably one of the most successful microbrand launches in recent years. They’re having success, and they deserve it.

The Gin Clear MKII

Another one of their best sellers, The Gin Clear MKII, as the name suggests, is the second iteration of their original diver from 2019. The MKII incorporates all the elements an enthusiast would want in a dive watch: a ceramic diving bezel, a Swiss automatic movement, a bracelet designed for both functionality and comfort, a thin profile, and a lacquered dial that looks outstanding.
The proportions are also excellent, with a 40mm case and a 41mm bezel for better grip. Lots of Super-Luminova ensure the watch is legible in any condition, and, of course, the hardened surface ensures durability. All models are currently sold out, which is not surprising with a price tag of US$ 805. That’s value.

The Sattelberg MK2

There is something liberating about a no-nonsense field watch. The Sattelberg is named after Sattelberg in the Huon Peninsula in New Guinea. It’s probably the most focused watch in their current lineup. With a dégradé dial and several color options, the Sattelberg seems like a joy to wear daily. The long, pointy seconds hand contrasts well with the square-shaped hour hand and lancet-style minute hand. Then there’s the large red square at 12 o’clock, with red markers aiding orientation—everything is designed for legibility. The 10.5mm thinness is also appreciated, making a noticeable difference in daily comfort. Powered by a Miyota movement, the Sattelberg remains competitively priced at under US$ 570, making it one of our favorites.

The Memoir

This is the first attempt by the Australian brand to make a dress watch, and they’ve really succeeded in our opinion. The Memoir is a square watch with perfect proportions. There’s an undeniable Art Deco inspiration, and each version brings something unique to the wearer in terms of look and feel. The 28mm case, with a lug-to-lug measurement of under 40mm, makes it easy to wear on a variety of wrist sizes—it’s a unisex watch, after all. The watch is fitted with a Swiss-made quartz movement, keeping the Memoir thin and classy. One of the standout features is the guilloché dial. The Memoir is divided into two sections, with a clous de Paris pattern in the center, a square sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock, and sharp dauphine hands. Everything feels special and well-crafted. The Memoir is currently available for US$ 389 and comes in green, blue, white, black, and our favorite: red.

Conclusions

We can confidently say we are living in a great time for microbrands. Watches are getting better while costs remain low. How much can you get from an independently owned brand? It’s a question we keep asking ourselves, and the results are always impressive to see and experience.
Second Hour is a refreshing brand with a unique twist, and despite all the elements they are playing with, the most impressive for us is the quality of their final product—not just the materials used, but also the fit and finish.
We can’t wait to see what comes next from this Australian brand. We’re sure a chronograph or a GMT might be on the cards.