Independents

I first found out about Sushkov Maxim's watches through an article in SJX watches, and thru a 2021 post here on this site.

I quite liked the idea of a MOP dial in a dress watch, and since I wanted a smaller ~38mm watch with thickness <10mm, we began a conversation, and we went with a ETA7001 movement and a steel case.

Through several iterations, Max made helpful suggestions that helped to refine my very raw initial thoughts.  I had initially wanted a dial with just MOP, but Max persuaded me to go with two MOP pieces, with a meteorite subdial.  He also did some additional finishing to the movement, with additional internal angles.

Almost 1 year after our initial discussion, the watch finally arrived all the way from Russia.  When it arrived, my heart stopped for a moment as the package was torn partially, and a corner of the watch box peeked out (er... nice job, DHL)  But fortunately all was intact!

I was very pleased with how the dial turned out.  The 2 pieces of MOP have subtly different shades of pearlescent white, and provide a subtle contrast at most angles.

He also black-polished the name plate and the hour markers, and I like the custom-designed hour markers.  To avoid the watch being too monochrome, Max also made the minute markers a dark red, to add a little dash of colour.  The meteorite subdial is the other aspect I enjoy, adding some texture to the dial. And finally, the hands are bold and assertive, while still remaining legible and dressy.

The movement has had some additional enhancements done, adding anglage and interior angles (pic from Max's workshop)

And finally, how does it wear on the wrist?  It definitely wears a bit bigger than 38mm due to the slim bezel, but does not overpower my skinny wrist as the lugs are short (lug-to-lug is 43mm).  Out in sunlight, the MOP dial plays with the light beautifully!  And at <10mm, it slips under the cuff easily - a dress watch indeed!

Overall, considering the very reasonable price for this bespoke watch, given the time and effort that Max spent in designing and making this unique watch for me, I'm very happy with how it turned out.  Granted, the ETA7001 movement might be somewhat small for the case, but it's made up for by that dial.  Max was a pleasure to work with too, bringing me along the design journey (since I was a noob) and explaining the rationale behind the design choices (which was quite illuminating for me). I trusted him, and I'm glad I did. Certainly a dress watch I'd happily wear to the office any day!

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