Series 1 Naiad

Men’s affiliation with mechanical machines, whether they are megalithic like motor vehicles or intricate as a wristwatch strapped one’s wrist, there is particular endearment involved. Since the 19th century, particularly in watchmaking, has captured the desire of humans performing feats that others would consider impossible. This happened to Montres Herodia, a watch brand that was born in 1948 in a watchmaking town along the Jura valley, known as Reconvilier (a city that still exists) by Henri Bargenter, who was a mechanical watchmaker. Two years later in 1950, Herodia moved to 11, Des Eaux-Vives Square, located in Genève. Since then, the brand name registered in the USA on January 14th, 1950, where Henri Bargenter along with the help of Mr. Clement Armand, has increased its distribution all over Europe. Not putting a halt in their distribution, in 1954 Herodia went further to the far Eastern border and started to sell its watches in the Asia region.

Herodia Series 1 Naiad

Herodia has been part of the emerging trends of the 50s and 60s, offering reliable mechanical watches, and all being strictly “Swiss Made.” Today, we would like to introduce their latest offerings that reflect the whole savoir-faire from their 60s package.

Revived in 2018, the Herodia Series 1 is the very first collection from the Swiss manufacturer. They are focusing on their historical tradition with distinctive traits. All models in this series have congruence case dimensions of 42mm in width and 48mm from lugs to lugs. This dimension veers more towards a professional tool watch side, an ideal size for a proper dive watch, having the right balance of wearability and readability. The Series 1 further packs several intricate details at a stunning price.

Wide bezel groove for easy grip

The sunburst blue variation dubbed “Naiad,” displays its case’s execution neatly. Made of 316L stainless steel with mixed finishing of hand satin-brushed on the top and side surfaces, and high-polished throughout the bevel lines to break out the radial brushing at the top with the vertical brushing at its side profile. Special shoutout of the 8mm in diameter screw-down crown that is coined by watch enthusiasts as the “Big Crown” of that 60s era, making it appropriate for the Series 1 Naiad.

Further, both the crown and case back have high-quality gaskets to provide proper 300m water resistance. The classic blue aluminum bezel is an ode to the past, with wide bezel grooves reminding one that this is an unapologetic ready for an action dive watch. From the 60 minute markers to the triangle at 12, are worth the mention as it is a nod to 60s iconic divers.

Satin-brushed done in radial and vertical strokes

Underneath, one will find the Series 1 Naiad featuring an incredibly rich blue sunburst dial with an outer closed minute track for minute indication, pairing with applied hour markers underneath a flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the underside. The Naiad enhanced the retro aspects by having the unique handset, especially the striking red seconds hand and the enlarged minute hand as being an essential indication when one goes for a dive. And all glow green in the dark with C3 Super-LumiNova®.

Powering this new Herodia is the established Swiss Sellita automatic caliber, the SW200 automatic movement, featuring 26 jewels that runs at 28,800bph, and with a 40 hours power reserve. It also allows the wearer to have hacking seconds during time adjustment.

Green Superluminova

Knowing the retro-styling of the Series 1, Herodia does not just stop here. It has been paired with a vintage-style, Italian made sand brown leather strap (oyster-style) with side stitchings, that has a tapered profile of 22mm to 20mm.

The robust and bold version of Herodia’s professional sports watch, the Series 1 harkens one back to the fantastic aspects that are found in those actual 60s dive watches. Series 1 Naiad is an example of well-executed design with high-quality finishing. It is powered further by a reliable Swiss movement that comes at an accessible price. This is what we call a value proposition for any watch enthusiasts, especially for those who sort out for retro dive watches. It is a modern touch of the 60s classic dive watches, and if anything, they did it right on point with their timepieces. The Herodia Series 1 Naiad is a hell of a lot of watch.

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