Introduction
The Anordain Model 1 Oxblood is a watch that doesn't scream for attention—it whispers. In a market flooded with hype-driven releases and flipper-friendly steel sports watches, this Glasgow-based microbrand has carved out a niche for itself by focusing on what truly matters: dial artistry. The Oxblood variant, with its deep, glossy red enamel dial, is a masterclass in understated elegance. For the trust-fund-baby collector who already owns a Submariner and a Speedmaster, the Model 1 offers something different—a piece that rewards close inspection and tells a story of traditional craftsmanship.
But let's talk numbers. At a retail price of around $1,500, the Anodain Model 1 sits in a competitive segment dominated by the likes of Nomos, Junghans, and even entry-level Grand Seiko. However, its unique selling point—the hand-finished enamel dial—sets it apart. Enamel dials are notoriously difficult to produce, with a high rejection rate, and Anordain's execution is exceptional for the price. The question for the savvy collector is: does this translate into resale value, or is it a pure emotional purchase? Let's dive into the data.
Manufacture History
Anordain was founded in 2018 in Glasgow, Scotland, by a team of watch enthusiasts with a passion for traditional enamel dials. The brand quickly gained recognition for its Model 1 series, which combines hand-wound movements with vitreous enamel dials made in-house. The Oxblood dial is a standout example of their commitment to color and craftsmanship. Unlike many microbrands that outsource dial production, Anordain produces its enamel dials in their Glasgow workshop, giving them tight control over quality and color consistency.
Movement
Powering the Model 1 is the Sellita SW210-1, a manual-wind movement based on the ETA 2801-2. It's a no-date, hand-wound caliber with 21 jewels, a 42-hour power reserve, and a frequency of 28,800 vph. While not in-house, the SW210-1 is a proven workhorse that's easy to service. The movement is visible through a sapphire display caseback, with perlage on the bridges and blued screws adding a touch of visual interest. It's not haute horlogerie, but it's perfectly adequate for a dress watch at this price point.
Specifications
- Case diameter: 38mm
- Case thickness: 10.5mm
- Lug-to-lug: 45mm
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Crystal: Domed sapphire with AR coating
- Water resistance: 50m
- Lume: None
- Strap: Brown leather with pin buckle
Wrist Feel
On the wrist, the Anordain Model 1 Oxblood is a revelation. At 38mm wide and just 10.5mm thick, it slips effortlessly under a dress shirt cuff. The polished bezel and thin wire lugs give it a vintage feel, while the domed sapphire crystal adds a subtle distortion that enhances the dial's depth. The leather strap is supple out of the box, though some may prefer to swap it for a more premium option. The overall weight is light—around 60g—making it ideal for all-day wear. It's the kind of watch you forget you're wearing, until you catch a glimpse of that oxblood dial in the sunlight.
Accuracy
The Sellita SW210-1 is a workhorse movement, and in my testing, the Model 1 ran consistently within +5 to +10 seconds per day. This is well within acceptable parameters for a non-COSC movement. Over a week of mixed wear, it averaged +7 s/d. For a dress watch that's not meant for timing Olympic events, this is more than adequate. Just remember to wind it daily—the 42-hour power reserve means you'll need to give it a few turns each morning.
Occasions
The Oxblood dial is versatile enough for formal events, business meetings, and daily wear. It's not a sports watch—50m water resistance and no lume mean it's best kept away from the pool or the boardroom after dark. But for a dinner date, a wedding, or a day at the office, it's perfect.
Wrist Presence
3/5. The Oxblood dial is striking but not loud. It catches the eye in good light but remains subtle in dim settings. It's a conversation starter for those who notice details, but it won't dominate a room.
Reference Variants
The Model 1 is available in several dial colors: Oxblood (deep red), Fumé (blue gradient), Salmon (pinkish), and Ivory (cream). All share the same case and movement. The Oxblood is arguably the most distinctive, but the Salmon has a cult following among collectors.
Family References
The Model 1 is the entry point to Anordain's lineup. The Model 2 features a cushion case and an automatic movement (Sellita SW200), offering a more casual alternative.
Other Notable Models by Anordain
Beyond the Model 1 and 2, Anordain also produces the Fumé series, which uses a gradient enamel dial technique. These are limited editions and often command a premium on the secondary market.
Similar Watches
If you like the Anordain Model 1, consider the Nomos Tangente 38 (similar size and hand-wound movement), the Junghans Max Bill Hand-Winding (Bauhaus design), or the Grand Seiko SBGW231 (higher price, but exceptional finishing).
Homages
For a budget-friendly alternative, the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time offers a beautiful dial at around $400, though it uses an automatic movement and lacks enamel.
Investment Value
MSRP is $1,500. Pre-owned prices range from $1,200 to $1,600, with the trend being stable. This is not a watch that will appreciate—it's a pure emotional purchase. Hold it if you love the dial; flip it if you get bored, but don't expect a profit. No major auction history.
Service Interval
Every 5 years, expect to pay around $400 for a full service. Any competent watchmaker can service the Sellita movement, though Anordain offers service through their Glasgow workshop.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Stunning enamel dial, excellent proportions, reliable movement, unique color.
Cons: No lume, 50m water resistance, stiff strap, flat resale.
Final Verdict
The Anordain Model 1 Oxblood is a love letter to traditional watchmaking. It's not for the hype chaser or the flipper—it's for the collector who appreciates the art of the dial. If you're looking for a unique dress watch that sparks conversation without screaming for attention, this is it. Just don't expect to flip it for a profit.
