Several years ago I connected with Brandon Gien via networking platform LinkedIn. Based in Sydney, this distinguished gentleman has an amazing CV. Notable accreditations include being a professor of industrial design (University of Canberra, UNSW) and executive director of the Australian Design Council. Impressively he’s also the Chair of Good Design Australia. This organization dates back to 1958 and promotes innovation on a domestic and international level. I had the privilege of meeting Brandon Gien at a design forum in Adelaide and we discussed a very talented watch designer called Rafael Simoes Miranda. Subsequently, his brand DWISS won a coveted Good Design Australia award for their M3S in the 2024 product category ‘Housewares and Objects’.
I’ve known Rafael Simoes Miranda for several years and am a huge admirer of his work. Since 2006 he has designed hundreds of watches for prestigious brands and won numerous awards. These include the Red Dot Design Award iF Design Award and the aforementioned Good Design Australia award. Additionally, he inspires future students in his capacity as a watch design teacher in Milan, Italy. However, it’s pertinent to note most people will be familiar with his name in association with DWISS. This Swiss micro-brand was established in 2011 and has made an indelible impression on the horological landscape.
Over the last 13 years DWISS have released some exquisite watches and the newly released M3S is no exception. This exceptional timepiece is a reimagined 2024 version of the bestselling M3 that won the 2021 Good Design and European Product Design Awards. The new incarnation has been given an architectural facelift. What makes this particular timepiece so extraordinary is the 3D multi-layered dial with ‘Mysterious Signature hours’. Other highlights include raised applied metallic numerical markers, satin-brushed steel fixed bezel, screw down crown and sapphire crystal with anti-reflection coating. Overall I believe the innovative composition is highly effective and the quality is superlative.
Beneath the 42mm stainless case is a self-winding movement sourced from Swiss manufacturer Selita. The Calibre SW200-1 comprises 26 jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. This entire mechanical splendor is visibly showcased via the exhibition sapphire crystal window. Functionally the M3S features hours displayed with a coloured disc and minute via a large skeletonized hand. The watch is also water resistant to a depth of 200 meters and has a power reserve of 42 hours.
The M3S has a price range of $1,400 - $1,600 depending on the choice of strap (rubber or stainless steel bracelet with easy interchangeable mechanism). This watch also is available in green, blue (white dials) and red, yellow (black dials). All variants are equally as striking and will appeal to certain preferences.
For more information about the M3S follow this link:
