American Indie Brand Fleming Introduces the Updated Series 1 Mark II

Founded by Thomas Fleming, Fleming is part of a new generation of American independents approaching watchmaking as a complete design exercise rather than a sum of components. The inaugural Series 1 Launch Edition already set the tone, cohesion between case, dial and movement, unified by the behaviour of light, offering a combination of refined proportions, strong case architecture and a high-end movement developed with Jean-François Mojon. The new Series 1 Mark II now offers nearly every element slightly reworked or updated to reinforce this idea of total integration, presented by the Pacific and Redwood references, a nod to Northern California, expressed through material, tone and light.

Like the Series 1 Launch edition, the Series 1 Mark II case measures 38.5mm in diameter and 8mm thin (9mm with the domed crystal), so it fits well within the classical dress watch category in terms of size; the proportions are elegant, yet the architecture is more complex than that of a traditional dress watch. The three-part midcase construction is central to the design. Brushed upper and lower surfaces border a polished central band that flows through the hollowed lugs in a continuous line of light across the case. 

For the Pacific version, the case is crafted in tantalum, a notoriously difficult-to-machine material with a natural blue-grey hue. Its density, resistance, and finishing challenges make it rare in watchmaking, and here it shows the watch’s cooler, perhaps more technical personality. Redwood opts for 18k 5N rose gold, bringing warmth and a more classical presence.

The dial of the Mark II is still based on a sector layout. The main surface features directional brushing, creating shifting gradients. The applied markers, now positioned at two-hour intervals atop a black-polished ring, introduce a different rhythm. The sub-seconds at 6 o’clock mirrors the main dial construction.

Pacific, like the ocean, plays with cooler tones, shifting between blue, turquoise, and near-black depending on the light. Redwood is warmer, offering gold, bronze and brown hues. The colours themselves are not as important as the behaviour, how the dial changes in light and evolves throughout the day.

The new calibre FM.02, like the FM-01 for the inaugural series, was developed with Jean-François Mojon. It has a slim profile under 4mm, operates at 21,600 vibrations/hour and delivers a 168-hour power reserve from twin barrels. For this new version, bridges have been reshaped with broader anglage and more sculptural forms, and bespoke wheels mimic the curvature of the case and lugs. Finishing is extensive and consistent, with brushing, graining, frosting and polishing applied throughout. The interior angles, 189 in total, are executed by hand, including components not visible to the wearer. The movement executions mirror the dial, anthracite tones for Pacific and gold hues for Redwood.

Both models are delivered with two calf leather straps and a matching pin buckle, in tantalum for Pacific and gold for Redwood. The Series 1 Mark II is limited to 25 pieces per version and is available directly from the brand. Pricing is set at CHF 55,500 for Pacific and CHF 53,500 for Redwood (excl. VAT).

For more information, please visit www.fleming.watch.