Today W&R will be taking an in depth look at a stunning and affordable timepiece by Marvin Watch. This is the Malton Khaki (ref.M119.13.64.97) from Marvin's Malton 160 Collection. I remember the first time I saw an ad about 2+ years back for this specific model. If I recall correctly, I was thumbing through International Watch mag at the time. I remember because most watch ads are rather mundane to be honest. The Marvin ad had the M119 Khaki sitting on lily pad, with a tree frog wearing a crown, perched on top of the watch. The only thing the ad said beyond branding was "DON'T KISS THIS PAGE". Why was this so great? Because it was comical, memorable, and yet did not distract from showcasing the watch. Since then I have referred to this particular model and color combo as the "Frog" watch.
When first unboxing the Malton, I was pleasantly surprised to find Marvin did not overlook or cut corners on packaging. As they say in life "only one shot at a first impression", Marvin was off to a great start.
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| Marvin Packaging |
The M119 is from Marvin's "Malton 160 Collection" in recognition of the now past 160th year anniversary. Marvin has been keeping time since 1850. Onto the watch, W&R has always been a huge fan of cushion style cases. Marvin used a combination of high polish and brushed stainless steel finishes. The balance between these two finishes allows the watch to be very versatile, whether dress or casual. Green? Not many green watches out there in the wild. Just fine by W&R, as this green works very well and looks fantastic. Marvin calls it Khaki on their website. The dial is more of a rich olive green and the leather strap is an exact match as well. The textured dial gives the watch a bit depth visually. In low light settings the dial can almost appear to be black at times. Overall, the dial is uncluttered and easy to read, thanks to the large applied indices and numerals. Not much lume, with exception of the hour and minute hands. Bad for you lume lovers, but great for a more dressed up/casual looking watch. As with all Marvin watches, there is the traditional touch of red located at the 8 o'clock position on the chapter ring.
As seen in the pics, the large date window shows previous, current, and the next date. There are two little white "hashes" in the middle of the window, indicating the correct date to read. The date wheel changes accurately, quickly, and lines up in between the hashes perfectly.
The Malton is powered by the increasingly popular Sellita SW200 automatic movement, with a 38 hour power reserve. Being a bit of an accuracy "snob" here at W&R, it was time to put the Malton's SW200 to the test. Timed it against the world clock, consistently +2 per day over a two day testing period (tested twice per day). Is the watch COSC certified? Nope, but it ran well within the required specs to be certified. Nice. The case back is skeletonized showing off the SW200. The visible rotor has Marvin's touch of humor labeled "The Swing", followed by Marvin's signature "crown" on the rotor. The Malton can easily be hand wound by the push in crown. The crown is octagonal in shape and bit larger than average for easy gripping. Not being a screw down crown, it is water resistant to only 50m.
The leather strap is out of the box ready to go. Meaning, it is very soft and malleable. If you have ever had some "other" leather straps, you can likely appreciate Marvin's strap the moment it hits your wrist. Saved the best for last, the cushion case. Love a good cushion case. Marvin hit nothing shy of a home run on case design. Beautiful attention to detail throughout the Malton's case.
This cushion is 42x42 and only 12mm thick. Relatively thin considering the shift to much larger watches over the last 10 years. W&R believes that 42mm is the new 40mm. Think back not all to long agon when 38mm was norm for mens watches. The watch is very light, especially on the leather strap. It is offered on a stainless steel bracelet as well. That said, this watch was meant to be on a strap and the only way to go in W&R opinion.
In general, Marvin watches offer a great value. This Malton comes in at $1,250 USD. Outside of microbrands, there are not many watch manufactures that offer this much watch and detail for the money. Try something new, go green! To learn more about pricing, etc., click here Shop Marvin Malton
Pros - fit/finish, cushion case, attention to detail, skeletonized case back
Consideration - 50m water resistance
Specifications & Dimensions:
Strap: Khaki/Green leather
Crystal: AR Coated Sapphire
The M119 is from Marvin's "Malton 160 Collection" in recognition of the now past 160th year anniversary. Marvin has been keeping time since 1850. Onto the watch, W&R has always been a huge fan of cushion style cases. Marvin used a combination of high polish and brushed stainless steel finishes. The balance between these two finishes allows the watch to be very versatile, whether dress or casual. Green? Not many green watches out there in the wild. Just fine by W&R, as this green works very well and looks fantastic. Marvin calls it Khaki on their website. The dial is more of a rich olive green and the leather strap is an exact match as well. The textured dial gives the watch a bit depth visually. In low light settings the dial can almost appear to be black at times. Overall, the dial is uncluttered and easy to read, thanks to the large applied indices and numerals. Not much lume, with exception of the hour and minute hands. Bad for you lume lovers, but great for a more dressed up/casual looking watch. As with all Marvin watches, there is the traditional touch of red located at the 8 o'clock position on the chapter ring.
