Basel World 2011 In Review: Marvin Watches
Classic Marvin Clous de Paris Malton 160 © Marvin Watches
Marvin is an interesting company, yes it makes quartz watches but it also makes automatic movements and a regulator, they are also affordable. There will be some new models later in the year but for Baselworld 2011, they are concentrating on their collector box sets.
The boxes themselves are nicely put together with a deep brown faux suede finish. Inside there are three drawers, the two large drawers each have two watches while the third smaller drawer at the bottom contains the paperwork.
‘GASPARD’ © Marvin Watches
There are three different sets each containing four watches, each with a different movement, 1 quartz, 3 automatic, one of which is a regulator. Each one is on a different strap (leather, calfskin, alligator and lizard) which can be changed between the watches depending on your mood. One thing to mention about the straps is that they are considerably easier to change than on many makers, on the underside there is a small catch which when moved to the left releases the strap from the lugs. Simple, so why has no-one else thought of this? Very smart.
There are three different sets of four, named after the three wise men of the Bible, Melchior, Balthazar, and Gaspard, my favorite is the Melchior carbon fiber dials with a white strap included which is an interesting twist.
‘MELCHIOR’ © Marvin Watches
Many manufacturers would charge you a considerable sum for a collection, these boxes cost between 8500 and 8900CHF before taxes, that’s for four watches don’t forget. As an added incentive the number of boxes is limited to eight of each collection, frankly it seems like a steal.
The Final Word
Marvin may not be a name on everybody’s lips, but they produce excellent products at attractive prices. The haute horological pieces are what catch the headlines, but in the real world we need products like those of Marvin as these are the ones we can really afford.
For more information please visit www.marvinwatches.com.
Category: Basel World
About the Author (Author Profile)
Ian Ellery is a guest contributor on The Watch Lounge. When he’s not writing about watches he presents his technology radio show in Geneva, collects vintage watches and attends auctions.Subscribe
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Thanks Ian for taking the time to talk about our Three Kings collector sets! Was a pleasure chatting with you last week at the great Mass
Marvin is definitely my new favorite watch brand. The quality of a Marvin is something I did not expect when I purchased my Marvin M117 back in October. While many things distinguish Marvin from other brands, the number one thing is their relative affordability when compared to other high quality watches.
As a law student, buying a $5,000 watch was something I just couldn’t do. So after seeing Marvin’s prices and reading articles and watching videos about them, I decided to make the purchase. However, what I got was something that looks and feels like a $5,000 watch.
With a Marvin, you probably won’t run into someone who knows the brand like they know many of the popular watch companies, but you will run into many people who will ask what kind of watch you’re wearing. And when you answer, you’ll be proud you were able be the first to tell them about Marvin.
If anyone has any questions about Marvin, their quality, customer service, etc. feel free to email me at bennettrainey88@gmail.com. Additionally, I can provide you with a promotion code that will give you a 5% discount on Marvin watches purchased on their website’s eshop.