Anordain Model 2 Porcelain Review: Enamel Art Meets Modern Wrist
In a watch world obsessed with limited drops and titanium cases, Anordain quietly dropped something rare: a porcelain dial that feels like a secret handshake. The Model 2 Porcelain isn't trying to be a hype beast — it's a quiet flex for collectors who know that the real flex is craft. Based in Glasgow, Scotland, Anordain has built a cult following by doing one thing exceptionally well: enamel dials. The Model 2 is their entry into a more classic, dressier silhouette, but with a dial that demands you stop and stare. This isn't a watch you buy to flip. It's a watch you buy to keep — and to wear to gallery openings, private dinners, and the kind of auctions where people nod at your wrist instead of asking the price.
Manufacture History
Anordain was founded in 2018 by Lewis Heath and a small team of watch enthusiasts with a passion for traditional enamel dials. The brand quickly gained recognition for its handcrafted 'Fumé' and 'Porcelain' dials, produced in-house using centuries-old techniques. The Model 2 Porcelain represents their most refined expression of minimalist dress watch design.
Movement
Inside the Model 2 beats a Sellita SW210-1, a hand-wound movement that keeps the case slim. It's a reliable Swiss workhorse with 42 hours of power reserve, beating at 28,800 vph. The movement is decorated with Geneva stripes and blued screws, visible through a sapphire caseback. While not in-house, it's a proven caliber that's easy to service — a practical choice for a small independent brand.
Specifications
- Case diameter: 40mm
- Case thickness: 10.5mm
- Lug-to-lug: 48mm
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Water resistance: 30m
- Lume: None
- Strap: Leather with pin buckle
Wrist Feel
The Model 2 Porcelain wears surprisingly slim for a 40mm case. At just 10.5mm thick, it slides under a dress shirt cuff with zero protest. The polished bezel and curved lugs hug the wrist, and the leather strap (a rich, dark brown from the factory) breaks in quickly. It's not a lightweight — there's a satisfying heft that reminds you it's solid steel — but it never feels top-heavy. The crown is easy to grip for winding, and the lack of a date window keeps the dial perfectly symmetrical. This is a watch that disappears on the wrist in the best way, letting the dial do all the talking.
Accuracy
The Sellita SW210-1 is a proven caliber, typically running within -10 to +20 seconds per day out of the box. In real-world use, expect around +5 to +10 seconds daily with consistent winding. It's not COSC-certified, but for a dress watch that's rarely used for timing, it's more than adequate. Just wind it every morning and you're set.
Occasions
This watch is built for formal and dress occasions, but its clean design also works as a daily wearer if you're not afraid of a little patina on the strap. It's not a sports watch — 30m water resistance means keep it away from the pool — but for the office, a wedding, or a night out, it's perfect.
Wrist Presence
4/5 — The porcelain dial catches light in a way that photos can't capture. It's not loud, but it commands attention from anyone who notices details.
Reference Variants
Two main variants exist: the white porcelain dial with black numerals and blued hands (ref. M2P-WH), and the blue porcelain dial with silver hands and white numerals (ref. M2P-BL). Both are equally stunning, but the white dial is the classic choice.
Family References
The Model 2 sits alongside the smaller Model 1 (38mm, Fumé dial) and the sector-dial Model 3. If you prefer a more vintage size, the Model 1 is worth a look.
Other Notable Models by Anordain
Beyond the Model 2, Anordain offers the Fumé series with gradient enamel dials, the Model 1 Porcelain, and a GMT model for travelers.
Similar Watches
If you like the Anordain Model 2, consider the Nomos Tangente 38 (similar Bauhaus minimalism), the Junghans Max Bill Hand-Winding (another enamel-dial dress watch), or the Grand Seiko SBGW231 (higher price, but incredible finishing).
Homages
For a budget alternative, the Seagull 1963 offers a hand-wound chronograph with a simple dial, and the Timex Marlin Hand-Wound is a cheap manual wind dress watch — but neither has the enamel craftsmanship of the Anordain.
Investment Value
With an MSRP of $1,950, the Model 2 Porcelain holds its value well in the pre-owned market, typically trading between $1,500 and $2,200. It's not a flipper's watch, but a keeper. No major auction history yet, but as Anordain's reputation grows, early models may appreciate.
Service Interval
Service every 5 years, costing around $400. The Sellita movement can be serviced by any competent watchmaker, or you can send it back to Anordain in Glasgow.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Stunning handcrafted porcelain dial, slim comfortable case, unique Scottish independent brand story, excellent value for enamel craftsmanship.
Cons: No lume, only 30m water resistance, manual wind may not suit everyone, limited availability and long wait times.
Final Verdict
The Anordain Model 2 Porcelain is a masterclass in dial-making. It's not a watch for everyone — and that's the point. For the collector who values art over hype, this is a quiet winner that will age gracefully. Just be prepared to wait for delivery.
