Nectere introduces its debut timepiece Order from Chaos. With a design language that balances precision and unpredictability, it challenges the conventional and explores a new way of seeing time. The journey begins tomorrow on Kickstarter.
New & Reviewed: Nectere Order from Chaos
The New & Reviewed: Nectere Order from Chaos at USD 475. Limited to 175 pieces per colour (3 Colours available).
Left to Right. The Dune (Orange), The Mist (Silver) and The Forest (Green)
“Hey, what’s the watch you’re wearing?” a stranger asked Stanley out of the blue at the train station. It’s been a while since anyone on our team was approached so casually in public. The watch in question? It’s from our friends in Hong Kong. Nectere’s debut collection, Order from Chaos. Stanley was shown the watch long before its official release. The sketch was so captivating that it ultimately led to us receiving a prototype for review.
The Case
The standout feature of the watch is its case, which draws inspiration from the “butterfly effect” a concept introduced by Edward Lorenz in the 1970s and later brought into popular culture through films like Run Lola Run, The Adjustment Bureau, Cloud Atlas, and Back to the Future. Those acquainted with Lorenz’s theory might notice echoes of it in the case’s four-step design and the gentle waves along the bezel, symbolizing the unpredictability found in chaotic systems. While it resembles an unpredictable theory, the watch is crafted based on the golden ratio which therefore give it a proportional and beautiful look.
The watch is crafted from 316L stainless steel, featuring a harmonious blend of mirror-polished and brushed finishes. The Order from Chaos boasts a refined 38mm width, a 40.5mm lug-to-lug length, and a remarkably slim profile at just 8.5mm thick. Its thoughtfully controlled dimensions ensure a comfortable fit, making it a versatile choice for both larger and smaller wrists alike.
The Dial
The Order from Chaos is available in three striking colorways: The Dune (Orange), The Mist (Silver), and The Forest (Green). Of the three, The Dune intrigued us the most. Perhaps it was the festive spirit of the Lunar New Year, or the vivid hue reminiscent of mandarin oranges, but the vibrant color gave the watch a lively, celebratory feel.
The dial itself is thoughtfully designed, with its carefully crafted lines and structured pattern offering a visual contrast an “order from chaos” (ordo ab chao). The dial’s intricate design begins with a brass base, which is stamped with precision before a sun-ray pattern is laser-etched, and then painted. While this process is more time-consuming and costly than simply painting a dial, it’s this level of detail that we truly appreciate, especially considering the watch’s entry-level price point.
The Movement
Powering the artistic Nectere is the Seagull ST-17 Ultra-thin Manual Movement, a hand-wound mechanical caliber that beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour and delivers a power reserve of up to 39 hours. While some may be hesitant about a Chinese-made movement, we found its timekeeping to be commendably accurate. Its manual-wind construction also plays a key role in maintaining the watch’s slim profile of just 8.5mm thick, including a domed sapphire crystal. Though the ST-17 is a relatively common movement, its widespread use makes it easily serviceable by experienced watchmakers around the world. In that sense, it’s a smart and pragmatic choice that prioritizes reliability, wearability, and long-term support.
In terms of finishing, from what we could glimpse through the open-heart window in the caseback, the movement appears to be more finely decorated than most watches in this price range.
The Strap
Complementing the artistic watch is a Hong Kong-made strap. While it may have been a prototype, we found it to be the weakest element of the overall package. Despite featuring a “quick release” mechanism, the strap’s quick-release mechanism was a bit finicky, requiring more time than expected to attach. That said, the leather itself is soft, supple, and comfortable on the wrist. It is a redeeming quality that shouldn’t be overlooked. In the end, our critique may be more of a minor nitpick than a dealbreaker.
Competitive Landscape
Interestingly, at the price of USD 475, Nectere don’t have much competitors. At this price range, we cannot even buy anything on Robin’s article in the fun and modestly priced watches. However, with much digging into our archives, we managed to find two watches that will rival the Nectere.
First up is the Citizen Kuroshio ’64, a modern homage to the iconic Citizen Parawater, Japan’s first fully water- and dust-resistant watch, released in 1959 as a result of Citizen’s pioneering research efforts. The Kuroshio ’64 features an automatic movement and a beautifully textured dial, created through an embossed pattern inspired by ocean waves a tribute to the spirit and legacy of the original Parawater.
The second contender is the Seiko 5 Denham, a watch that draws inspiration from the beloved SKX series a gateway into the world of horology for many enthusiasts. Seiko has long been the starting point for countless collectors, and the Seiko 5 Denham continues that tradition. With a price point aligned closely to Nectere’s, it offers a compelling alternative for those seeking style, heritage, and reliability in an accessible package.
Concluding Thoughts
This watch is undeniably a playful choice. While it might not be an everyday wear for everyone, its distinctive design and unique character are sure to catch the eye of the fashion-forward. Its release cleverly avoided the crowded season when most maisons unveil new models, offering collectors a refreshing and unconventional take.
Priced at USD 475, it’s an accessible and fun addition for those looking to add a bit of flair to their weekend rotation or for style-savvy individuals who appreciate the fusion of the “butterfly effect” and golden ratio in a timepiece.
