Third time’s the charm for Second Hour with the new Mandala Mk3
Tom Austin
The microbrand space is moving fast: it’s made up of fresh new brands that are relatively early in their journeys, and are not burdened with a need to stick to decades or sometimes centuries old themes and design languages. This allows them to adapt and improve their lines promptly, implementing new techniques and being reactive to their fanbase, acting on requests. Often they tend to have just a few different collections, rather than a lengthy catalogue of models to keep up with, thus allowing them to continue to refine and update their core models, keeping them fresh in a competitive market. Australian brand Second Hour is attempting to redefine a genre, blending dress and sport watches into one with the Mandala, which is now in its third iteration and is better than ever.
The case
The Mandala Mk3 is first and foremost a daily wearer, and that label comes with some important criteria, because if any marks are missed, its ability to be a great daily is flawed. The Mandala manages to tick these boxes well, and now the Mk3 takes it a step further. Sized at 40mm, the case is made from hardened 316L stainless steel, which has now received an upgraded surface hardening from 800 Vickers on the old model to 1200 Vickers on the new Mk3. Note that the likes of Rolex’s 904L steel only manages a meagre 200-250 Vickers. The result? A surface that is less easily scratched, and more resistant to bashes and dings, keeping your watch looking fresher for longer – perfect for an everyday wristwatch. The dimensions of the Mk3 remain unchanged, at 40mm diameter, 10.5mm thick, and 47mm lug-to-lug, because why fix something that’s not broken?
The case is even more beautifully finished than before, with brushed facets and polished bevels. Framing the watch is a simple polished bezel and new refined crown guards, to offer even better ergonomics when operating the screw-down crown. Overall, these subtle touches are nice additions that elevate the case itself, and the wear experience.
The dial
Dials can make or break a watch. Some watches manage to make a complex dial look too busy, while others can go too far the other way, keeping things so simple there’s just nothing going on. There’s none of that here with Mandala Mk3. Second Hour’s dials have always been impressive, but now they have partnered with a new dial manufacturer who has managed to elevate them even further. The outer edge of each index is reshaped to match the curvature of the dial, with a captivating stamped guilloché pattern radiating from the centre. There are now seven different colours available, with two-tone Bull’s Eye Blue and Red plus Bumblebee and Mint Fresh tones; as well as the full-colour Salmon, Midnight Black and Silver Blue.
The guilloché section of the dial is framed by a line which traces around each hour marker, framing the decorated part beautifully. It’s one of those details that, if you imagine it wasn’t there, would mean the dial wouldn’t pop quite as much; it’s an interesting touch you may not notice at first. The dial furniture is high quality, too, with the hour markers and diamond-cut hands all polished to a high standard, filled with Super-LumiNova BGW9 to keep them useful when the lights go out. Thanks to a sapphire crystal with no fewer than six anti-reflective coatings, the dial will continue to be legible, no matter the lighting conditions.
The bracelet
The Mandala Mk3 now comes with the brilliant 7-link bracelet originally seen on the Sattelberg Mk2, toned down slightly from the old version’s 9-link bracelet. This new version is treated to an improved finish, just like the case, elevating it to the next level, and maintaining that extra-hard, almost scratch-resisting finish. The reduced links give the watch a more contemporary feel, while remaining functional and comfortable. This is further accentuated by the new push-button micro-adjustment clasp, allowing for tool-less fit adjustments.
The movement
Second Hour has stuck with the tried-and-true Miyota 9015 for the Mandala Mk3: a Japanese-made movement known for its reliability and slim profile. Beating at 28,800 vph (4Hz) with a 42-hour power reserve, it’s a solid choice for an everyday watch. Second Hour regulates it to run within +/- 9 seconds per day, and since this calibre is easy to service, it’s a smart pick for anyone who wants a watch that’s both precise and low-maintenance. The rotor has been carefully decorated to give these Second Hours a more custom feel and is viewable through a sapphire exhibition caseback.
The verdict
Second Hour went to town with the details on The Mandala Mk3. It’s great to see a brand develop and pay attention to the things that matter, and focus on important aspects that we as watch collectors look for. The attention to detail on the dial, the case and bracelet upgrades really give a sense that Second Hour are determined to push ahead against the competition, and are trying to make something that truly stands out.
Second Hour Mandala Mk3 pricing and availability
The Second Hour Mandala Mk3 is available now directly from Second Hour, with shipping beginning in March 2025. Price: A$920 (~US$570)
| Brand | Second Hour |
| Model | The Mandala Mk3 |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 10.5mm (T) |
| Case Material | 316L stainless steel, surface hardened to 1200 Vickers |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Bull’s Eye Blue, Bull’s Eye Red, Bumblebee, Mint Fresh, Salmon, Midnight Black, Silver Blue |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Bracelet | Stainless steel 7-link bracelet with folding clasp & on-the-fly micro adjustment |
| Movement | Miyota 9015, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | A$920 |
Made in partnership with Second Hour. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.