Here’s a micro brand doing it different. Based in Belfast NI, with watches assembled in Germany, Enosken was founded three years ago and their philosophy is simple; affordable, well made watches for collectors who want tough, high quality timekeepers.
Enosken are creating top notch dive watches, like the Deep Dive E01 model, which has a 1000 metre depth rating – impressive. Rivals like the Marloe Morar for example can offer 310 metres for £449 retail, while a Ulysse Nardin Diver offers just 300 metres for £5300.
So the Enosken Deep Dive models are undeniably fantastic value at £390. That gets you a Seiko NH auto movement, screwdown crown, 44mm case, superlume markers and hands, sapphire crystal. You don’t get the cachet of showing off your Swiss watch brand at the golf club, but you do get a damn good tech spec for Armani fashion watch money. There’s also a 24mm lug width, so you can order all kinds of straps online if you don’t like the factory options. The Deep Dive looks like an almost military grade tool watch – really chunky and well finished.
If you choose the Build Your Own section, then starting at £195 you can custom build your quartz daily watch; bezel colour, dial, strap etc. Some strap and bracelet options cost another £25 -£30 on top, but still good value. We gave this a go and matched a blue/grey weave strap to a blue bezel, white dial combo.
Great fun and as people have been doing this type of online customisation with cars for a decade or more, we think it definitely adds some value to any watch brand. Just imagine if Rolex let you choose the bezel, strap and dial colour on your GMT instead of telling you what to buy via their dealership waiting list racket!
You can add a tool roll/pouch to keep your Enosken watch clean and safe too. These start at £25.
The Drive chronographs have a nice vintage 70s feel about them, with twin sub-dials, date window at 6pm position, and the usual start-stop and flyback buttons on the right of the steel case. Slightly narrower at 43mm case width, and £275. We would love to see an Enosken logo on the dial on all the watches, just adds a touch of brand loyalty we feel.
Check out Enosken here.