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Introducing The Merci LMM-01 Projet Spécial Collection (Live Pics & Pricing)

Three new models celebrate archetypes that speak to die-hard watch collectors and novices alike.

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Quick Take

Following up the cult success of last year's LMM-01 watch, their debut timepiece, Parisian lifestyle retailer Merci is both officially launching its own watch label, Merci Instruments, and releasing a collection of four watches called the LMM-01 Projet Spécial under that new banner. There are a lot of traits from the original models carried through into these new tickers, including the 1930s-inspired stepped steel case, the double domed crystal, and the restrained, heritage-focused design philosophy. However, instead of carrying basic quartz or hand-wound movements, these watches utilize a special selection of Seiko quartz movements – the center seconds models have sweeping seconds hands that make the watches appear mechanical at first glance. Those with small seconds tick as you'd normally expect.

The Field Watch has a bold dial that's extremely easy to read in any conditions.

There are three models in total: the Field Watch (with variations in black and white), the Grand Pa', and the Railroad. The names are very instructive, with the watches drawing inspiration from early military watches, the sorts of basic dress watches that many receive as passed-down heirlooms, and the precision timekeepers used to keep mass transportation on time, respectively. The field watches have bright, clear dials and oblong luminous hands and dot-shaped luminous markers at the hours for easy reading in any light. The Grand Pa' on the other hand has sharp sword-shaped hands that trace their way across a silver dial, and there's no lume to be found. Finally, the Railroad splits the difference, using a really striking two-tone dial with an outer railroad track as the ground for bold luminous hands and rich blue Arabic numerals. All four watches are priced the same at €230 and are available exclusively through Merci (in-store and online).

The luminous hands, blue numerals, and two-tone dial give the Railroad a lot of personality.

Initial Thoughts

I first got to see prototypes of these watches a few weeks ago, and I immediately found them charming. This isn't a huge surprise, as I was a fan of last year's LMM-01 watches and I'm a fan of what Merci does more broadly (if you're in Paris and don't visit the shop you're seriously missing out). There's a certain no-nonsense, pretension-free attitude about the watches – they look great and function well, but they're not trying to impress anyone with unnecessary flash or embellishment. They were clearly designed by someone with a love of watches and some real knowledge of the subject (Merci CEO Arthur Gerbi is a longtime collector), and the little nods to watch history are well-executed. In particular, I love the bamboo-style bracelet that you can add to any of the models. It's got just enough chintz to it and feels like a proper vintage bracelet. 

One of the questions I get asked the most is "What's a great watch I can get for under $500?" The new Projet Spécial pieces give me another great answer to add to my usual list of suggestions here. If you had to pin me down and make me choose one from the four variations, I might go for the Grand Pa' on the bamboo bracelet (as pictured below), but it would be a real toss-up.

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The Basics

Brand: Merci Instruments
Model: LMM-01 Projet Special Field Watch, Grand Pa', and Railroad

Diameter: 38mm
Thickness: 11.15mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: Splash proof
Lug Width: 19mm
Strap/Bracelet: 35 total leather, suede, nylon, and steel strap and bracelet options

The stepped case and domed crystal give the LMM-01 models a distinct vintage flavor.


The Movement

Caliber: Seiko VH 31 (center seconds); Seiko VD78 (small seconds)
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Additional Details: The center seconds movement has a sweep seconds mechanism, so you will not see the "ticking" typical with quartz movements.

The Field Watch models utilize quartz movements with sweep seconds, so they look mechanical at first glance.


Pricing & Availability

Price: €230 (approximately $260); bamboo bracelet and leather straps can be added for €79 each
Availability: Right now, directly from Merci

For more click here.