Studio Underd0g Mint Choc Chip Review: Sweet Nostalgia
In a watch world obsessed with heritage and seriousness, Studio Underd0g is the breath of fresh air nobody knew they needed. The British microbrand, founded by Richard Benc, has carved out a cult following by turning everyday indulgences into dial art. Their latest drop, the Mint Choc Chip, is a love letter to the classic ice cream flavor — and a masterclass in how to make a mechanical chronograph feel like a guilty pleasure.
This isn't just a watch with a green dial. It's a conversation starter, a mood booster, and a surprisingly capable tool. The Mint Choc Chip takes the brand's signature 02-series case and fills it with a dial that looks like it was scooped straight from a gelato shop. But beneath the whimsy lies a serious movement and thoughtful construction. For the young collector who wants to stand out without breaking the bank, this is the watch to beat.
Brand History
Studio Underd0g launched in 2020 with a mission to make horology fun again. Founder Richard Benc, a former graphic designer, wanted to create watches that reflected his love for color and pop culture. The 02 series, featuring manual-wind chronographs with food-inspired dials, became an instant hit. The Mint Choc Chip follows the same recipe: a Seagull ST1901 movement, a 40mm stainless steel case, and a dial that's pure eye candy.
Movement
The Seagull ST1901 is a workhorse column-wheel chronograph movement derived from the Venus 175. It's hand-wound, decorated with Geneva stripes and blued screws, and offers a satisfying mechanical experience at an accessible price point. With 23 jewels, a 40-hour power reserve, and a 28,800 vph beat rate, it's reliable and easy to service. While not COSC-certified, it keeps time within acceptable tolerances for a watch in this price range.
Specs & Wrist Feel
The 40mm case wears surprisingly compact thanks to the short 48mm lug-to-lug. On a 6.5-inch wrist, it sits flat and doesn't overhang. The 12.5mm thickness is reasonable for a manual chronograph, and the domed sapphire crystal adds a vintage touch without bulk. The included leather strap is soft and breaks in quickly, though some may prefer a NATO for a more casual vibe. Overall, it's a comfortable daily wear that doesn't scream for attention — until you look at the dial.
Accuracy
The Seagull ST1901 is typically regulated to within -10/+20 seconds per day out of the box. In real-world use, expect around +10 to +15 seconds daily. It's not COSC, but for the price, the accuracy is acceptable. The manual-wind nature means you'll reset it every day or two anyway.
Occasions & Wrist Presence
This watch is perfect for daily wear, casual outings, and weekend adventures. It's not a dress watch — the playful dial is too loud for formal events. But for brunch, a day at the park, or a night out with friends, it's a showstopper. The mint green dial with chocolate chip indices and a matching subdial hand is instantly recognizable. It's playful but not childish, and the high-contrast white hands ensure legibility. This watch will get noticed, but in a good way.
Variants & Comparisons
The Mint Choc Chip is part of the 02 series, which also includes Watermel0n (red dial with green indices) and Pineapple (yellow dial). The reference number is 02MCC. Similar watches include the Dan Henry 1964 Gran Turismo, Lorier Gemini, and Seagull 1963 — all manual chronographs with vintage vibes. For a budget homage, the Pagani Design PD-1701 offers a quartz alternative but lacks the mechanical charm.
Investment Value
With an MSRP of $550, the Mint Choc Chip is excellent value. Pre-owned prices hover around $400-$500, and the trend is stable. This is not an investment piece — limited drops may hold value, but buy for the joy, not the flip. No major auction history exists.
Service & Maintenance
Service every 3-5 years, costing around $250. Any competent watchmaker can service the ST1901; parts are widely available. No need for authorized-only service.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Unique, eye-catching dial; reliable column-wheel chronograph movement; comfortable 40mm case size; great value for a mechanical chronograph.
Cons: Only 50m water resistance; power reserve could be longer; strap quality is decent but not premium; not a dress watch — too playful for formal occasions.
Final Verdict
The Studio Underd0g Mint Choc Chip is a delightful anomaly in a sea of serious watches. It proves that a mechanical chronograph can be affordable, fun, and well-made. If you're a young collector looking to inject personality into your rotation without sacrificing horological integrity, this is your scoop.
