Feynman Fjord
I have reviewed a few Feynman Timekeepers watches in the past, including the One and the Cove. Their latest release, named the Fjord, builds on their unique design language in the microbrand space. Now available for pre-order on their website, I had the pleasure of being one of the first to receive a prototype of the Magma model for review.
As my typical style, here I include some photos and a dab of context. All the finer details, thoughts, and photos are in the review video.
Specs:
- Model: Fjord Magma
- Diameter: 42mm
- Height: 13mm
- Lug Width: 20mm
- Lug-to-lug: 45.5mm
- Weight: ~91g
- Case: 316L stainless steel
- Crowns: Screw-down
- Movement: ETA 2895-2 Elaborated
- Average (4 positions): ±5 sec/day
- Max variation: ± 20 sec/day
- Power Reserve: ~50 hours
- Crystal: Sapphire w/ AR coating
- Water Resistance: 20atm/200m/656ft
- Lume: Chrono.AMR
- Retail Price: $799 pre-order/ $1,105 retail
Pros:
- Overall unique design
- The Yi leather zulu strap is extremely comfortable
- Custom lume pigment
- Simplified dial
- Offset small seconds
- Solid caseback
Cons:
- XII at 12 instead of double lines (disappears at angles or in low light)
- Ghost position when setting time
- Hands (could be differentiated more from the Cove)
- Fairly unused navigation bezel, but it suits the design
Prototype Cons (should be fixed in production):
- Setting the navigation bezel
- Stamped lume, production will be a sandwich dial
- Weak lume
- Debris inside case (see macro pics)
The Video
https://youtu.be/RqauFWeVPOE
Timeline:
- 0:00 Intro
- 2:33 Brand Overview
- 6:05 Specs
- 12:34 Pros
- 15:32 Pros Recap
- 19:24 Cons
- 29:28 Cons Recap
- 31:14 Final Thoughts
One powerful aspect of this watch is that it has no branding on the dial. Feynman Timekeepers has only made a handful of watch models and yet they stand out as a cohesive and distinct brand. So much so, that they forego branding on this model. But when a watch enthusiast sees it, there is no question what brand it is, it’s a Feynman. The signature lizard tail seconds hand is one primary characteristic.
I really enjoy interacting with microbrand owners, and Yong Lim at Feynman Timekeepers is a great person and watch enthusiast. We have a similar mentality regarding watches, that watches are enjoyable at many prices, from low-cost Casios to Haute Horology brands.
My approach to a review is to give unbiased and honest feedback, put all the pros and cons out there. Prototypes often have issues, so keep that in mind as you consider this watch. I think it is important to show people the work, process, and details that go into manufacturing a watch. Owning and running a brand is a labor of love, and it shows with this watch.
The custom lume pigment is great, but the strength of the lume and duration were not good. Hopefully, that is just a prototype issue and having the actual sandwhich dial instead of stamped lume will help. More and more, I am liking watches with dual lume colors. Besides the orange lume, the hands and cardinal bezel are printed white and glow blue.
One of my favorite things wearing this watch around for a week was the strap. The zulu style leather is thin and light, but comfortable and strong. I also appreciate the solid case back on this type of watch, not everything needs an exhibition back.
Macro Shots
The Founder’s Edition macro shot (provided by Feynman Timekeepers), is a closer portrayal to what we might expect with the production dials. The lume coverage is better and has a nice textured look. The Magma lume didn’t have as much texture and you can see the white lines around the edges. You’ll probably also notice some debris inside the case. Again, these issues are part of the manufacturing process and will be remedied in production.
Final Thoughts
The Feynman Fjord is going to be another sell-out success from the Singapore-based microbrand. Putting the Coalesce collection to the side since it is a whole different ballgame, I would rank the Feynman watches as 1. Feynman One (all colorways), 2. Cove Shadow, 3. Fjord (all colorways), 4. Cove (other models).
The Tempest colorway is another I find particularly attractive. And there will be a small limited run of another variant called the Khor, which uses Modern Standard Arabic on the bezel for a different flavor.
I do recommend taking a look at Feynman Timekeepers offerings and if their unique style appeals to your wrist, then go for it. The question is…which one?
