INTRODUCING: The CODE41 DAY41 is batshit crazy (in the best possible way)

Fergus Nash

The whole idea of a microbrand is to do things differently from major watchmakers. Whether that be better bang for buck, experimenting with unusual materials, or just creating wacky designs, any taste can be catered for as long as enough interest can be found through Kickstarter. Over the years, the taste of the mainstream has crept into the micro world too, flooding the market with vintage-style dive watches powered by entry-level Japanese movements. While there’s nothing wrong with that model — in fact, some are absolutely great — CODE41 return to the original ethos of being unafraid to experiment. The DAY41 is their latest example, and it begs to be stared at.

The DAY41 began life as a concept for a women’s watch, though as it took shape, it revealed itself to prove that any watch can be gender-neutral as long as you enjoy how it looks. The availability to order it in 37mm or 40mm isn’t just designated to the gender binaries, as the personalisation to order whichever case finish and strap style you want allows you to make it as masculine or as feminine as you’re inclined, without worrying if it will fit your wrist properly. The only exceptions to this are the steel-and-diamonds and rose gold PVD versions, which are only available in 37mm.

The geometry of the case itself is firmly set in CODE41’s design language, with the large circular dial being the focal point within an arrangement of subtle curves and sharp angles that form a cushion shape. The thinness of the lugs, which close in on the strap in a pincer-like fashion, ensures that the focus isn’t drawn away from the dial. That isn’t to say that the case isn’t worth staring at, with its brushed surfaces and edges being finished to a wonderful standard. Attention to detail, like the angular trough cut out from the case sides, adds just enough visual interest to reduce the apparent thickness of the case wall, as you’re no longer just looking at a slab of metal.

The openwork dial is the perfect example of what skeletonisation should be about, in deconstructing the barriers between case, movement, dial, and crystal, creating a complex yet monolithic architecture that is holistic and inviting. The luminous hour markers are built into the structure that holds the movement and, with the exception of the black PVD model, legibility definitely takes a backseat. But that’s the same with all skeleton watches, as the expression of design and the moving parts all form part of an artistic sculpture, rather than a tool for telling the time.

The movement inside is the rarely-seen STP6-15, which is a skeletonised version of Swiss Technology Production’s ETA 2824-2 clone. As such, it’s got everything you’d expect from a robust Swiss movement, with its 26 jewels, 44-hour power reserve (thanks to a longer and thinner mainspring), 28,800 vph beat rate, seconds hacking, hand-winding, and accuracy within -0/+15 seconds per day. In addition, it is incredibly light, weighing only 60g. Found in brands such as Zodiac and Fossil, STP movements aren’t a totally unknown quantity, generally regarded as reliable and well made. However, one consideration is that servicing costs may be pricier than the ETA or Sellita counterparts. 

One of CODE41’s proudest traits is their complete transparency when it comes to breaking down the cost and origin of the parts and processes. For instance, listed on their website we can see that the case and dial are manufactured in China for $110 USD per piece, before being assembled in Switzerland for $26 USD, etc. All up, the total production cost per DAY41 in stainless steel is $356 USD, meaning that the final RRP of $1180 USD leaves $824 USD for CODE41 to recoup. 

If the price breakdown makes sense to you, then the DAY41 would be a great addition to any collection. With the personalisation options, you won’t struggle to find something that aligns with your style, and it will surely be a head-turner — even if it’s only your head to stare at the mechanism ticking away.

CODE41 DAY41 price and availability: 

The CODE41 DAY41 is between $1180 US and $1525 US, depending on the configuration, and will be limited to 800 pieces, shipping before Christmas. For more details, visit CODE41 right here.