Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Arty, Fresh Paulin Modul D Manual Comes Straight from Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow-based watchmaker adds new models to its Modul collection, and this compact hand-wound model caught our attention.
While many will be familiar with anOrdain, the young brand specialised in accessible yet highly appealing vitreous (grand feu) enamel dials in all possible colours of the spectrum, there’s another brand coming from Glasgow, Scotland that should be under your radar; Paulin Watches. And the two are closely related, being owned by the same individuals since 2023. First launched in 2013, Scottish watchmaker Paulin is known for its in-house typography and playful, contemporary designs. Something that the brand’s latest creations, the Modul D & E, once again emphasize. We’re here to discover what we think is the most appealing version, the Modul D Manual, a compact, fresh hand-wound watch with a slight arty touch.
Watches don’t necessarily have to be too serious. More often than not, watches are traditional, inspired by classic codes of the industry and, well… sometimes unappealing for a population that isn’t part of that small circle of watch nerds. There are inspirations to find everywhere, to enlarge the audience and to offer something less conventional. With Paulin Watches, the brand looks at other, new territories. Think about contemporary art, industrial design, Art Deco, Bauhaus and even the rare art of typography… The result is a collection that blends minimalism with joyful elements, bright colours, bold handsets and yet a rather serious watchmaking content. Paulin watches are not just design statements, they are true timekeepers offered at fair prices with the addition of style.
The Paulin Modul collection, which got its name after the modular construction of its case, is now the brand’s core range. Following 3 brightly toned versions – Modul A in yellow, Modul B in burgundy and Modul C in pink – the brand recently presented slightly more classic editions, the black Modul D and brushed rhodium Modul E. And while the base dials are discreet, there is still the necessary dosage of colour on all other elements of the display – it wouldn’t be a Paulin otherwise…
While there are two other editions of the Modul available, either a 39mm automatic with LJP movement or a 35mm quartz version (far more accessible), we decided to set our sights on the compact hand-wound version, which we believe is the most coherent watch in the range. The combination of a small seconds display with the brand’s artistic touch and a small case somehow makes it relevant. The Paulin Modul D Manual is housed in the distinctive dual-finished (brushed and polished) tonneau-shaped steel case of the collection, with a construction that gave the watch its name. It was designed to accommodate a range of movements, and as such the steel body that holds the calibre is distinct from the brushed steel outer case and attached with two screws on either side.
Dimensions… Small. Refreshingly small, with a 35mm diameter, an 8.2mm thickness (and 6.2mm if you exclude the crystal) and only 40mm in length. Compared to current standards, it is a tiny watch, but one with a strong personality and a fun side. It definitely works with the whole design and inspiration, and also makes it a watch without a gender attached to it. It can easily be worn by a woman, acquired as a couple’s watch, used by a young adult or, as you can see in our photos, by a watch nerd (Frank) with an 18cm wrist. No matter who’s wearing it, it has style. The watch is topped by a Hesalite box-shaped crystal, something to consider when “daily using” it. The water-resistance is rated at 50 metres, which is sufficient.
Let’s now talk about the brighter side, the dial. While the base is now a classic brass base with black matte lacquer, the distinct personality of Paulin has been respected. How? It’s all about the playful typography and the use of colours. There’s something rather Bauhaus and De Stijl in this watch, with this idea of reducing to the essentials of form and colour – black, white and primary colours, as well as simplified geometric shapes. Rectangular hands, bright blue, yellow and red accents, custom-designed typography, it got it all and feels arty, fresh and yet legible day and night, with a generous use of SLN on all elements of the display.
Inside the case of this 35mm Paulin Modul D Manual is a classic of watchmaking, the tried-and-tested Peseux calibre, a.k.a ETA 7001. This compact hand-wound movement runs at 3Hz, offers 42h of power reserve and has proven reliability and serviceability. It is visible, with its blued screws and Geneva stripes, through the transparent back.
Available on a wide range of straps and bracelets – fabric straps, suede leather straps, mesh steel bracelet – the Paulin Modul D Manual is now available from the permanent collection at GBP 990 (incl. VAT) or GBP 825 (export price) and delivered in a cool cork box. It’s fairly priced, looks fun and different, and will certainly please watch enthusiasts and design fans alike. All in all, a very pleasant surprise. For more details, please visit PaulinWatches.com.
