Introduction

When I first unboxed the Anordain Model 2 Racing Green, I expected a dress watch. What I got was something far more versatile — a daily-wear companion that doesn’t demand you baby it. The Racing Green dial is a stunner, but the real story is how it survives a week on the wrist without driving you crazy.

Anordain, based in Glasgow, has carved a niche for itself by producing hand-crafted enamel dials at a price point that doesn’t require a second mortgage. The Model 2 is their mid-size offering, sitting between the smaller Model 1 and the larger Model 3. With a 40mm case, it’s squarely in the sweet spot for most wrists.

This review focuses on the Racing Green variant — a deep, glossy green that shifts from near-black in low light to a vibrant emerald under the sun. But beyond the dial, how does it actually wear? Let’s find out.

Brand History

Anordain was founded in 2015 by Lewis Heath and the Oliver family in Glasgow, Scotland. Their mission: to create affordable enamel dial watches using traditional techniques. The brand quickly gained a following for their Fumé series and later the Model 1, 2, and 3. The Model 2 Racing Green is a direct expression of their philosophy: accessible luxury with a focus on dial artistry.

Movement

Inside the Model 2 beats a Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement. It’s a workhorse caliber, 26 jewels, 28,800 vph, with a 38-hour power reserve. Anordain finishes it with a custom rotor and perlage, visible through the exhibition caseback. It’s not haute horlogerie, but it’s solid and keeps good time. In my testing, it ran +6 seconds per day. The date complication is practical, though the quickset works smoothly.

Specifications

  • Case diameter: 40mm
  • Thickness: 12.5mm
  • Lug-to-lug: 48mm
  • Material: 316L stainless steel
  • Crystal: Domed sapphire with AR coating
  • Water resistance: 50m (splash proof, not for swimming)
  • Lume: Super-LumiNova BGW9 on hands and indices
  • Strap: Brown leather with quick-release spring bars
  • Clasp: Polished pin buckle

Wrist Feel

On the wrist, the Model 2 is a quiet achiever. The 40mm diameter and 48mm lug-to-lug make it wear compact — it doesn’t overhang even on a 6.5-inch wrist. The 12.5mm thickness is noticeable but not chunky; it slides under a dress shirt cuff without protest. The leather strap is supple from day one, with quick-release spring bars for easy swapping.

The balance is excellent. The case is all stainless steel, but the weight feels distributed — not top-heavy. The crown is signed and easy to grip, though it’s not screw-down (50m WR means push-pull is fine). The domed sapphire crystal adds a vintage touch without distorting the dial. Overall, it’s a watch you forget you’re wearing, which is the highest compliment for a daily.

Accuracy

In my week of wear, the SW200-1 ran at +6 seconds per day, well within Sellita’s spec. It’s not COSC, but for real-world use, that’s more than acceptable. The movement is magnetically resistant enough for daily life, though I’d avoid placing it next to a speaker. Expect +-10 spd out of the box, settling to +-5 after a few weeks of break-in.

Occasions

The Model 2 is a chameleon. It works for daily office wear, dress events, and even casual weekends. The 50m water resistance means you can wash your hands without worry, but don’t take it in the pool. It’s a desk diver, not a dive watch.

Wrist Presence

3/5 — The Racing Green dial catches light beautifully, but the overall design is restrained. It won’t shout for attention, but those who notice will appreciate the enamel depth. It’s a quiet confidence, not a peacock.

Reference Variants

The Model 2 comes in several dial colors: Racing Green, Midnight Blue, Ivory, and limited editions. All share the same case and movement. The Racing Green is the most popular, and for good reason — it’s unique without being loud.

Family and Similar Watches

The Model 2 sits between the smaller Model 1 (38mm) and the larger Model 3 (41.5mm). If you like the design but want a different size, those are options. Similar watches include the Nomos Tangente 38, Junghans Max Bill, and Stowa Marine 36 — all minimalist, but none with enamel dials at this price.

Investment Value

MSRP is $2,200. Pre-owned prices hover around $1,800-$2,100. The trend is stable; Anordain is a growing brand with a loyal following. It’s not an investment piece, but it holds its value better than many microbrands. No major auction history.

Service

Service every 5 years. Cost around $350 for a full service. Any competent watchmaker can handle the Sellita movement, or you can send it to Anordain in Glasgow.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Stunning enamel dial, excellent proportions, comfortable strap, reliable movement.

Cons: Only 50m WR, no screw-down crown, modest power reserve, average lume.

Final Verdict

The Anordain Model 2 Racing Green is a masterclass in restraint. It delivers a handcrafted enamel dial that rivals watches three times the price, in a case that wears beautifully every day. If you value dial artistry over flashy complications, this is a worthy addition to any collection. Just don’t take it snorkeling.