Story Highlight
– Héron launches updated Marinor Gen II dive watch.
– Features slimmer case and cleaner dial layout.
– Improved materials enhance scratch and water resistance.
– Powered by automatic Miyota 9039 movement.
– Two new colorways added to existing options.
Full Story
Héron has unveiled the Marinor Gen II, an enhanced iteration of its popular Marinor dive watch that made its debut in October 2023. This release marks a significant evolution for the Montréal-based company, transforming it from a small independent brand into a distinguished boutique watchmaker recognised for its expanding product lineup and dedicated showroom.
The updated model retains its name, ‘Marinor,’ which merges the French words for ‘marine’ and ‘north,’ symbolising a tribute to Héron’s geographical roots and the North Star. However, the latest version introduces subtle yet impactful changes. Building on the original’s successful design, the Gen II boasts a refined and more streamlined silhouette following nearly a year of design enhancements.
In comparison to its predecessor, the Gen II offers a slimmer case thickness of 12.2mm, down from 12.9mm. Improvements include a more precise dial arrangement, upgraded Super-LumiNova for better visibility, a reduced-profile buckle, and a new tool-less micro-adjustment mechanism.
Notably, key design features remain intact, appealing to enthusiasts of sophisticated dive watches. These elements include the boxed sapphire crystal, a curved sapphire bezel, the distinctive North Star hour marker, flat-link bracelet, and durable hardened steel construction.
Utilising 316L stainless steel throughout the case and bracelet, the Gen II enhances surface hardness significantly, from about 180 HV in standard steel to roughly 1200 HV, providing superior scratch resistance. The watch is rated to withstand water pressure of up to 250 metres, benefiting from a screw-down crown and caseback that enhance its protection from both dust and moisture.
The interior of the watch is powered by the automatic Miyota 9039 movement, which operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve of 42 hours. With a 39mm bezel and 46mm lug-to-lug measurement, the watch strikes a balance between practicality and aesthetic appeal, ensuring a compact and comfortable fit.
The Marinor Gen II is available in two new colourways, expanding the selection to four options. The Menthol Green variant reflects the brand’s northern essence, while the Gilt & Black version aligns with conventional dive watch aesthetics. Each watch bears a mark of endorsement on the caseback, a signature from The Captain.
Price: £480, available at heronwatches.com.
