Techné Merlin Quartz Watch Review

Techné Watches began in 2007 when the founder Francis Jacquerye “envisioned Techné—a brand inspired by the Ancient Greek word τέχνη (meaning art, skill, craft, or technique). He registered the trademark in the European Union and the UK, laying the foundation for a brand of affordable, rugged and reliable watches, rooted in retro military aesthetics.” Techné also became the first Western brand that used the Chinese-made Venus 175-based ST-1901 hand-wound chronograph movement (by Tianjin Seagull) in its SparrowHawk collection. Each collection they introduce is named after a bird themed Military aircraft, in part to honor the founder’s Great Grandfather who was a WW1 war hero. Through their growth, the company has taken a hybrid approach by using Japanese movements from Seiko, Epson, and Miyota, with Swiss movements from ISAswiss, Ronda, and Soprod. The company has grown to be found in brick and mortar stores around the world.

Techné introduced the Merlin, “Inspired by WWII aviation, the Techné Merlin features a surgical steel case, double-curved mineral crystal and a Seiko VD78 quartz movement with 36-month autonomy. Bold dial with oversized numerals and nylon strap ensure legibility and comfort for pilots and travelers.” They generously sent me the quartz model with orange and black Nato straps to review. Thanks go out to them for sending this to me, and you can order yours at the link above, on sale now in different color combinations and dial layouts as well.

Packaging: The watch comes in a brown cardboard box with “Techné” printed in black on the outer sleeve. Inside the sleeve, is a clamshell style box, a warranty card, and user guide. The clamshell box has “Techné” printed on the outer lid. The box has white faux leather lining the inside and “Techné” printed in the lide and “Techné Instruments” printed on the bottom of the box. The watch sits in a cutout next to the “Techné Instruments” imprint. I appreciate the simply packaging and feel this allows the watch to speak for itself.

First Thoughts: The watch dial is clean and well laid out and the black base color is accented beautifully with the white indices. The subdial second hand brings a nice balance to the overall dial design.

Design: The watch is made with a field watch or pilot watch design. The model I received has a black dial with white indices. Starting at the 12 o’clock, there is a “12,” “3,” and “9,” skipping the 6 o’clock as that is were the subdial second hand is located. Below the “12” is “Techné Principio.” Around the edge of the dial is larger five minute indices as well as smaller 1 minute indices. Below the subdial is “SRA-JAPAN MOVEMENT.” The dome shaped push-pull crown is located at the 3 o’clock position and has fluting which allows it to be easily gripped for opening and adjusting. The dial has lume on the “12,” “3,”, “9,” five minute indices, hands, and on the ten second indices on the subdial as well This model comes on a Nato style strap, and mine included an orange strap and a black strap.

The caseback is engraved with a number of things. Around the top is “Ars Longa Vita Brevis” which translates to “Art is long, Life is short” which can be read as art outlives the artist. Below this is “Techné Principio,” “Ref 246 Merlin” which is the model, the serial number, and “Designed In Switzerland- Japan Movement Stainless Steel- ISO 2281 Water-Resistant 5 BAR.”

Price: $139 USD currently on sale at $83 USD

Overall: I was blown away by how easy to read and how balanced this watch is. It weighs enough that it feels durable and well built, but light enough that it seems to disappear on my wrist when wearing it. The numbers are easy to read at a quick glance and it is simple and convenient to set as there is no day/date complications. There is also enough water resistance to not worry about daily wear, splashes when washing your hands, or getting caught in the rain. I have worn this watch to work, as a daily wear, and I even wore this model to the Philly Microbrand watch show and get compliments on it every time I wear it. It is a great value for the price and the type of watch I feel punches way above its weight class.

Specs:

Name: Techné Merlin Quartz

Design: Pilot/field watch, surgical steel case

Movement: Seiko VD78

Case Diameter: 39.5mm

Case Thickenss: 11.5mm

Water Resistance: 5 bar (50m/155ft)

Crystal: Double curved mineral glass

Strap: 20mm

Closure: Pin buckle