The RVNDSGN M1 is a welcome challenge to assumptions about minimalism
Buffy Acacia
Microbrands sometimes ask a lot of us, and we’re usually happy to oblige them. Whether it’s a questionable design choice, an annoying 24-hour subdial, or a movement from a questionable supplier, there are all kinds of things we’ll forgive for the sake of owning an interesting watch. With the RVNDSGN M1, you’re not going to find any of those doubts. From the mind of internationally acclaimed designer Zach Raven, the minimalist design – which has already won 5 international design awards including the Red Dot Design Award – is backed up by specifications with no corners cut. But would you learn a new way to read the time to wear one? It’s a lot to ask, but at the current rate of the RVNDSGN M1’s Kickstarter campaign, it seems like there are plenty of people who would.
The dial
The people who believe that minimalism is lazy clearly don’t actually know what minimalism is, because you can still be lazy and design a complicated watch. The RVNDSGN M1 has been thought out from every angle, bringing in inspiration from such lofty manufacturers as Ikepod and MB&F, plus I spy some Ressence influence too. There are four colours available that play with contrast in interesting ways, from the standard white and black dials to grey and rose gold. Reducing the dial down to three basic elements has been executed with extreme precision, ensuring that there are no logos, crystal distortions, or crazy hands to distract you from what’s important: the time and date. Speaking of time, this is where things may get a little tricky at first.
You may assume that the watch shows the hours on the inner markers, the minutes on the middle markers, and then the date along the outside perimeter, but one of those assumptions would be incorrect. Looking closer, there are only 4 markers between each hour on the dial, and that’s because they indicate quarters of an hour. Rather than a minute hand that traverses the dial once per hour, the quarters marker will flick over to the next slot every 15 minutes, until the hour marker catches up on the hour, every hour. If you need to know the precise time down to the minute, this isn’t the watch for you. If you’re wondering how the display was achieved, the M1 uses a domed sapphire crystal with a mask applied to create the marker cutouts, while the markers themselves rotate beneath.
The movement
The RVNDSGN M1 uses a Sellita SW200-1 for its power, which is a clone of the ubiquitous ETA 2824-2. On its own, it’s simply a time and date movement with a 4Hz beat rate and a 38-hour power reserve with automatic winding. For the M1 however, it’s been heavily modified. The seconds hand is gone, and a module has been installed to work the sequential quarter-hour display. Behind the solid steel caseback is a small sapphire exhibition aperture which lets you peek at the movement’s balance wheel ticking away.
The case
Most of our reviews begin by discussing the case, but the M1 is so seamlessly integrated between form and function that you almost forget the case exists. It’s nearly invisible from a top-down view, as it uses a no-bezel construction. The domed sapphire crystal which forms part of the dial almost appears to keep going behind the watch like a globe. But really, a turn to the side will reveal the slender pebble-like case of the RVNDSGN M1. Even the crown has been recessed to keep it as unobtrusive as possible, conforming to the curvature of the case. A polished finish also contributes to a space-age feel.
You have probably noticed already that this watch looks large in photos, and that’s because its diameter is 44mm. The lack of bezel makes that look even larger, especially in white, because the display is 100% dial space. However, there are no external lugs, so that means the lug-to-lug is also 44mm. That’s extremely compact even for some dress watches, so it will always be physically comfortable on your wrist as long as you’re okay with some serious visual presence. RVNDSGN suggest that it wears like a 40mm watch, but I think it will be a unique wearing experience no matter the size effect.
The strap
The RVNDSGN M1 is available on either an Italian calf leather strap in various colours or a stainless steel bracelet with a single-link construction that looks remarkably vintage. I’m a sucker for curved spring bars or hooded lugs to make leather straps seem integrated, and the M1 has both. But I’m also surprised at how great I think the bracelet looks, especially with the Lunar Grey model or the Void Black with its matte coating. The lug width is 22mm should you wish to look for aftermarket strap varieties – however, you might struggle to get a fit because of the curved and hooded lugs. There are no quick-release spring bars or drilled lugs either, so you’d need to be careful getting the stock strap out.
The verdict
Any hesitation about learning a new time system should be considered with a degree of realism. If you really need to know the time down to a minute, there’s a high chance you’ll have several devices within arm’s reach that can perform that job. Knowing the time to the nearest 15-minute interval is probably going to do the job more often than not, although it could get a little confusing if you don’t know whether the quarter has just begun or nearing its end. Ultimately though, watches are accessories first, and the RVNDSGN M1 has managed to find an entirely new avenue of minimalism to explore. Whether it’s for daily or occasional wear, it has plenty to offer.
RVNDSGN M1 price and availability
The RVNDSGN M1 is currently live on Kickstarter, ending on December 19th 2024. Manufacturing and assembly are estimated to take 7-8 months, so fulfilment should begin before September 2025. Price: US$989 (Super Early Bird, RRP US$1,999)
| Brand | RVNDSGN |
| Model | M1 |
| Case Dimensions | 44mm (D) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire with internal mask |
| Dial | White, black, grey or rose gold |
| Bracelet and strap | Italian calf leather or stainless steel bracelet |
| Movement | RVNDSGN-modified Sellita SW200-1 with sequential quarter-hour module, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Functions | Hours, sequential quarter-hours, date |
| Availability | Currently available for pre-order on Kickstarter |
| Price | US$989 (Super Early Bird, RRP US$1,999) |
Made in partnership with RVNDSGN. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.