History and Interesting Facts about Secondhour Watches

Second Hour: An Australian microbrand for design and craftsmanship enthusiasts

Founding and philosophy
Second Hour was founded in 2019 in Melbourne as an independent family business by husband and wife Peter and Akira Sargison. The name refers to Peter’s life shift – leaving a career in tech consulting to dedicate himself to watchmaking, with “Second Hour” symbolising both the second and the hour.

Production and approach
Completely designed in Melbourne with in-house testing. Movements come from Switzerland and Japan; cases are made from 316L stainless steel with DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating for enhanced scratch resistance.

Model ranges
Second Hour Mandala Mk3 – A sport-elegant automatic with 40 mm case, Miyota 9015 movement, guilloché dial and signature mandala pattern; third generation launched in 2023.
Second Hour Sattelberg Mk2 – Pilot model with reverse-lume dial, Miyota 9015, DLC coating and 40 mm case.
Second Hour Gin Clear MkII – Diver’s model with ETA 2824‑2 movement, 200 m water resistance, ceramic bezel and DLC coating.
Second Hour Memoir – An elegant Art Deco quartz watch with Ronda 1069, measuring 28×40 mm, priced around 580 AUD (~295 GBP); its metal case and detailed dial evoke the 1920s–30s style.

Design and details
Second Hour focuses on structural precision: domed sapphire crystals, DLC coating with hardness up to 800 HV, diamond-cut hands, applied indices with Super-LumiNova BGW9. The dials, especially the Mandala Mk3 with deep guilloché engraving, appear highly sophisticated.

Value and community
Thanks to the combination of Miyota/ETA movements and high-grade materials at prices between 525–795 USD/GBP/AUD, models like the Mandala Mk3 and Gin Clear receive excellent reviews for value. Reddit and forum reviews note:
> “I find this to be a fantastic watch, extremely comfortable and versatile… the finishing on this watch is absolutely outstanding.”
The brand presents itself as a true microbrand – limited production, personal community ties, direct sales via its own website, and a loyal fan base through its “Second Hour HQ” Facebook group.

Summary
Second Hour is a well-crafted Australian microbrand founded in 2019. It offers carefully designed watches with Miyota or ETA movements, DLC coating, sapphire crystal and original dial work. Models like the Mandala Mk3 and Gin Clear are praised for excellent finish and value. The brand builds loyalty through limited runs and personal interaction.

You can see our full range of the most popular watches below.

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