Fleming Advances Its Vision With the Series 1 Mark II

The latest iteration introduces a more considered design language, enhanced dial depth, and a newly reengineered movement.

Fleming

Established by Thomas Fleming, Fleming represents a contemporary wave of American independents that regard watchmaking as a whole design endeavour rather than merely an aggregation of parts. The initial Series 1 Launch Edition established a standard, harmonising the case, dial, and movement, unified by light's interaction, presenting a blend of elegant proportions, robust case design, and a premium movement designed in collaboration with Jean-François Mojon. The redesigned Series 1 Mark II features nearly all components reengineered or enhanced to emphasise total integration, as seen by the Pacific and Redwood references, which pay homage to Northern California through material, tone, and illumination.

Similar to the Series 1 Launch edition, the Series 1 Mark II case has a diameter of 38.5mm and a thickness of 8mm (9mm including the domed crystal), positioning it comfortably within the classical dress watch category regarding size; the proportions are refined, yet the design is more intricate than that of a conventional dress watch. The triadic midcase construction is fundamental to the design. The brushed upper and bottom surfaces frame a polished central band that extends through the hollowed lugs, creating a continuous line of light across the case.

Fleming

The Pacific edition features a case constructed from tantalum, a material known for its machining challenges and inherent blue-grey colouration. Its density, resistance, and finishing difficulties render it uncommon in horology, and here it reflects the watch's cooler, potentially more technological character. Redwood choose 18k 5N rose gold, imparting warmth and a more traditional aesthetic.

The Mark II dial continues to utilise a sector configuration. The primary surface exhibits directed brushing, resulting in dynamic gradients. The affixed markings, now situated at two-hour intervals on a black-polished ring, establish an altered rhythm. The sub-seconds at 6 o'clock reflect the main dial's design. The Pacific, akin to the ocean, exhibits cooler hues, transitioning among blue, turquoise, and near-black according on the illumination. Redwood exhibits warmer tones, presenting shades of gold, bronze, and brown. The colours are secondary to the behaviour, namely how the dial alters in light and progresses throughout the day.

Fleming

The new calibre FM.02, similar to the FM-01 from the original series, was created in collaboration with Jean-François Mojon. It features a slender profile of less than 4mm, functions at 21,600 vibrations per hour, and provides a 168-hour power reserve from dual barrels. This redesigned edition features reconfigured bridges with wider angles and more sculptural designs, while custom wheels replicate the curve of the case and lugs. The finishing process is thorough and uniform, incorporating brushing, graining, frosting, and polishing at every stage. A total of 189 inner angles are meticulously crafted by hand, encompassing elements not discernible to the wearer. The movement executions reflect the dial, with anthracite tones for Pacific and gold shades for Redwood.

Fleming

Both variants are supplied with two calf leather straps and a corresponding pin buckle, crafted in tantalum for the Pacific and gold for the Redwood. The Series 1 Mark II is restricted to 25 units each variant and is obtainable exclusively from the brand. The pricing is established at CHF 55,500 for Pacific and CHF 53,500 for Redwood (without VAT). For additional information, kindly visit fleming.watch.