The Clemence Photic MKII: A Dive Watch Redefined
The British brand Clemence has taken its easy-wearing diver to the next level with the MKII model. This watch is a testament to the brand's commitment to refinement and innovation, offering a suite of upgrades that elevate its performance and aesthetics.
The Photic Zone and Dive Watch Depth
The term 'photic zone' refers to the ocean depth where light penetrates, enabling photosynthesis and supporting diverse marine life. Interestingly, the minimum depth rating of a dive watch, often 200 meters, aligns with this zone. While some may see this as a coincidence, it highlights the practical considerations of dive watch design.
The MKII, with its 200-meter rating, is well-suited for reef exploration and wreck diving, despite being beyond the typical scuba diving depth limit. This depth rating allows for a more versatile and accessible diving experience without compromising safety.
Refinement and Upgrades
The original Photic, Clemence's first watch, featured a clean and modern design. The MKII builds upon this foundation with several enhancements. The case is now made from hardened 904L stainless steel, offering superior corrosion resistance and durability. The bezel, a critical component, boasts a smooth 120-click unidirectional ratchet with a Goldilocks tension, ensuring precise timekeeping.
The bracelet is another standout feature, with fully articulated, chamfered links and a two-button clasp with micro-adjust functionality. The watch's overall profile is impressive, measuring just 10.5mm from the domed sapphire crystal, making it remarkably thin for a dive watch.
Aesthetic Excellence
The Clemence Photic MKII showcases exceptional aesthetics, blending classic elements with modern colorways. The 'Shoal' variant, with its light grey dial and ghost bezel, exudes subtlety, while the 'Kraken' edition features a bold pale orange/yellow bezel and grey dial. The 'Moray' and 'Nemo' editions offer black and striking orange dials, respectively, adding to the watch's versatility.
Mechanical Mastery
Powering the MKII is the Miyota 9039 automatic movement, a no-date engine with a 42-hour power reserve. Clemence has fine-tuned this caliber for accuracy, achieving a range of +/- 12 seconds per day across three positions. The addition of a soft iron shield enhances its anti-magnetic properties, making it highly resistant to external interference.
Sustainability and Carbon Positive
Clemence takes pride in its commitment to sustainability. The Photic MKII is assembled in the United Kingdom and is marketed as a 'carbon positive' product. For every watch sold, the company offsets twice its lifetime carbon footprint and plants a native tree in Scotland, demonstrating a dedication to environmental responsibility.
Pricing and Availability
During the pre-order period, which began on November 26th, the Clemence Photic MKII is available at £600 on the bracelet and £525 on a rubber strap. After December 11th, prices increase to £625 on the bracelet and £575 on rubber. Watches will commence shipping in February 2026.
The Clemence Photic MKII is a testament to the evolution of microbrand dive watches, offering exceptional performance, aesthetics, and sustainability. It is a watch that truly stays shallow, both in terms of depth rating and its impact on the environment.
