Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Maen x Nico Leonard Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin
After the Jump Hour model, Maen and Nico Leonard are back with a thin time-only version.
Stockholm-based, Dutch-rooted microbrand Maen is now a rather familiar face, being known for compelling and accessible watches such as the Skymaster Chronograph or the Manhattan series. Last year, however, the young brand made quite some noise by collaborating with Nico Leonard, a fellow Dutch watch YouTuber, widely known for his outspoken style. The result was a fresh, accessible take on the jumping hour complication, housed in a tonneau case. The two parties are back this year with a new watch, drawing inspiration from their inaugural collaboration yet more classic, thinner and everyday-oriented, the Maen x Nico Leonard Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin.
Last year’s Grand Tonneau Jump Hour set the tone and introduced the design language, with its tonneau-shaped case and bright coloured dials. Far from being a large or thick watch, it has nevertheless been updated this year as Nico Leonard and Maen launch the Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin, the microbrand’s thinnest watch to date – and it is properly thin, indeed.
The basis remains the same, with a barrel-shaped case measuring only 34mm in width and 45mm in length. The two polished brancards on the side extend to become the lugs and frame a central brushed element, with quite a lot of steel to it. Where the new Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin impresses is on the thickness side, as the case is a mere 6.4mm in profile. The result is a watch that’s visually present when viewed from the top, but slender and comfortable on the wrist. It includes sapphire crystals on both sides and a decent 50m water-resistance.
Last year’s model combined a classic jumping hour display (hours on top, dragging minutes on the lower side) with a sunray-brushed dial base in bright colours. For their latest collab, Maen and Nico Leonard have opted for a classic, restrained two-hand display with central hands, but a dial with more visual impact than last year. It features a sophisticated double-layer construction with a texturised smoked (gradient) finish, enhanced by an enamel coating to create depth and vibrancy. The watch is available in four striking colourways: black fumé, turquoise fumé, yellow fumé, and lava red fumé, as well as a fifth model with a gold-plated case and a black dial.
Responsible for the slenderness of the Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin is the calibre D101 by La Joux-Perret, a Swiss movement that was designed to be an alternative to the emblematic Peseux ETA 7001. This slim, compact hand-wound movement is here presented in a true no-date version without a ghost position on the crown. It runs at a 3Hz frequency and stores about 50 hours of power reserve.
While the textured rubber strap that was found on the Jump Hour model is still included with the watch, the Maen x Nico Leonard Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin also inaugurates a new metal bracelet, with a rouleaux-style profile and a triple-folding clasp, as well as a quick-release system.
Available from April 14th, midnight (Stockholm time) until April 21st, from the brand’s website, the new Grand Tonneau Ultra-Thin will be priced at EUR 1,519 (excluding local taxes and duties). For more details, please visit www.maenwatches.com.
