Has Markwell Created The Most Fun Microbrand Watch Of The Year?
For years, colourful dials have been all the rage. Tiffany blue, salmon, pistachio and every shade in between have found their way onto wrists across the world. But while many brands simply paint a dial and call it a day, Markwell has taken things in an entirely different direction.
The new Hard Candy Enamel Series is exactly what the name suggests. Bright, bold, unapologetically cheerful and inspired by the nostalgic colours of your favourite sweets. More importantly, these are not painted dials. Each watch features a genuine glass fired enamel dial that gives a depth and richness few watches anywhere near this price can match.
And frankly, we are all for it.
A Colour For Every Mood
Rather than releasing one standout colour, Markwell has launched five distinctive versions, each named after a classic sweet flavour.
Blue Razz
Green Apple
Lemon Drop
Grape Jelly
Black Cherry
Each dial catches the light differently thanks to the enamel finish, while the oversized Lumicast numerals create an almost three dimensional effect as they rise proudly above the dial surface. It gives the watch far more visual interest than a conventional field watch, especially once darkness falls and those chunky lume blocks come alive.
If we had to choose one, it would probably be Black Cherry. The deep burgundy enamel paired with the vintage inspired case gives it a warmth and sophistication that still feels playful without crossing into novelty territory.
Vintage Sizing Done Right
One of the first things that stands out is the size.
While many brands continue chasing larger cases, Markwell has embraced vintage proportions with its Telford case. At just 37 mm across and under 11 mm thick, this is a watch designed to disappear onto the wrist in the best possible way.
The compact dimensions also make the colourful dials feel even more authentic, almost like something lifted from an American watch catalogue from the 1950s, only brought bang up to date with sapphire crystal, modern lume and contemporary reliability.
Specifications
Price: Approximately £500 (US$549.99)
Case: 316L stainless steel
Diameter: 37 mm
Thickness: 10.35 mm including crystal
Lug to Lug: 43 mm
Lug Width: 20 mm
Crystal: Boxed sapphire crystal
Movement: Miyota 9039 automatic
Jewels: 24
Power Reserve: Approximately 42 hours
Water Resistance: 100 metres
Strap: FKM rubber with signed buckle
Dial: Genuine glass fired enamel
Lume: Lumicast numerals, markers and hands
Credit - Markwell
A Watch That Doesn't Take Itself Too Seriously
There is something refreshing about a watch that simply wants to make you smile.
The Hard Candy collection isn't pretending to be a military tool watch or the latest luxury sports watch. Instead, it embraces colour, personality and vintage charm while still delivering all the specifications enthusiasts actually want.
The Miyota 9039 is a dependable automatic movement that has become a favourite among independent brands, while the boxed sapphire crystal, 100 metres of water resistance and compact dimensions make this an everyday wearer rather than a display cabinet queen.
In a market where many microbrands seem determined to produce yet another Submariner inspired diver, Markwell deserves credit for doing something genuinely different.
Winding Things Up
The Hard Candy Enamel Series is proof that serious watchmaking doesn't always have to wear a serious face.
Between the beautifully executed enamel dials, vintage inspired proportions and surprisingly accessible price tag, Markwell has created something that feels genuinely distinctive in an increasingly crowded microbrand market.
Not every watch has to be black, blue or green. Sometimes it's perfectly acceptable to wear something inspired by your favourite childhood sweets.
And judging by the Hard Candy collection, perhaps the watch world could do with a little more sugar.
