If you've happened to do some browsing here before, you may recognize this watch. We have featured the HÉRON Marinor a couple of times and for good reason. The highlights of the HÉRON brand and the Marinor model are in two of our compilation articles, but this article is different. One thing we've learned after owning, reviewing, and casually trying on hundreds of watches is that you have to reserve opinions until said watch is on your wrist. Otherwise, you're not doing yourself or the watch justice. Plenty of watches, including the Marinor, LOOK to be a great watch on paper and online, but do they hold up to the scrutiny of the naked eye and the apprehensive heart?
Watches are interesting, to say the least. Precision engineering and technicalities aside, few consumer items are made with as highly specific technical requirements as well as human personalities in mind. For those who understand marketing psychology and the human condition, you'll likely know what I mean. We don't even need watches in the way they were intended, not anymore at least, but interest remains strong and ever personal. So not only do we not need them, but we remain overly selective of which non-essential luxury we choose to adorn our wrists. It must then, for the wearer be all about the preservation of the past and the corresponding emotions that resonate with certain brands and watchmakers. For newer watchmakers, this is critical to understand. When brand equity doesn't come from a previous century to draw from and the model names aren't commemorating pop culture icons and historical events, you must immediately build this into a tight package. Enter HÉRON and their Marinor collection.
The HÉRON Brand and the Marinor
At the core of the HÉRON brand ethos lies a fervent belief: watchmaking is an art accessible to all, a sentiment that reverberates through every tick of their timepieces. Rejecting the ostentatious trappings often associated with luxury watch brands, they stand firm in their commitment to transparent pricing and genuine craftsmanship, contrary to industry norms.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, their watches embody a harmonious fusion of form and function. Rooted in the inspiration of the rugged beauty of Canada's landscape, each design pays homage to the spirit of adventure and exploration. From the depths of the oceans to the towering peaks of mountains, their watches are built to endure the most demanding environments, without compromising style or performance.
This holds true for their Marinor collection—an homage to humanity's maritime conquests. Inspired by the iconic dive watches of the 1950s and steeped in the lore of seafaring tales, each timepiece is a testament to their dedication to authenticity. But their commitment to excellence doesn't end with design alone. They've spared no expense in crafting watches that defy the ordinary,
In celebrating the legacy of the dive watch, they aim not to reinvent the wheel but to honor its enduring legacy. It's a celebration of design that transcends mere functionality, weaving a narrative that resonates far beyond the confines of the watch world. Every Marinor watch invites you to embark on a journey—an odyssey of exploration, discovery, and timeless style.
HERON Marinor: On the Wrist and Review
We'll get into the details around each major part of the Marinor in due time, but we'll cut to the chase with the biggest takeaways. Let's dig in.
The watch is incredibly comfortable
We were looking at the watch, forgetting to check the time
There was a sense of relief wearing a hardened steel watch
First things first, the watch is incredibly comfortable. Much of this has to do with the micro-adjust system built into the clasp and the design of the bracelet links. The wrist side of the bracelet features rounded edges while the top links feature flat edges. This feature allows the links to wrap around the wrist seamlessly while providing awesome depth and light reflection from the angled surfaces. Steel bracelets, if not done right, can be incredibly disappointing (see your Seiko SSK and SKX) but this is fantastic. The clasp features the namesake Heron and is brushed to match the bracelet.
The dial is beautiful and is one of the most interesting colors available in any watch, let alone a dive watch today. Is it blue or green? Technically the dial and bezel are a "Caribbean Blue", which makes sense given the water hues also vary based on lighting and the presence of bacteria and elements, but we digress. The colors are beautiful and the fumé gradient dial looks anywhere from navy blue to aquamarine, depending on the light. It's incredibly unique in the world of watches and you can be sure that no one else you pass in the airport will feature anything close, at least we didn't.
If you've worn stainless steel watches before, you know what to expect. You know that your wrist will somehow hit every doorjamb, knob, dresser pull, and appliance handle in the house on day one. Usually, when we review and photograph watches sent to us, we review them based on feel and first impressions, as these watches are to be returned and passed on. The last thing you want is to send the watch back with a new decorative scratch. This was not the case with the Marinor. This watch was one of the few we wore like it was our own. It flew across the US, spent time in gyms and the outdoors, and also took a plunge in a pool. The comfort found in wearing a hardened steel, nearly scratch-resistant watch was so relieving that we forgot it wasn't ours. And we're proud to say that it still looked fresh from manufacturing upon return. Here's proof:
Gorgeous isn't it? It was even wife-approved - a distinction not even our fondest of personal watches have achieved. And this is the real beauty behind this collection, it can be appreciated simply for its beauty, not its history or specs, and that's refreshing. Too often we have to justify or explain our purchases to the onlooker who poses the questions of death like: "Why does that cost x?" or, "What's so special about y?" or the dreaded "Did that go to the moon or something, too?". SMH.
The Details and Specs
Most of what we've discussed so far is opinion, and when the rubber meets the road we expect data. For a watch like this to meet the demands of daily life and accompany us on the most daring adventures, it needs to be tough, not just appear as such. Check. The Marinor meets and then exceeds all the minimum standards to be a competitive dive watch in today's landscape. The icing on the cake is the hardened steel and the domed sapphire bezel. Check out the high points below.
Hardened Stainless Steel - 1200HV
Automatic Miyota 9039 (No Battery Required)
Boxed Sapphire Crystal (AR Coated)
Dome Sapphire Bezel - 120 Clicks Countdown Bezel
Swiss Lume: Blue Super-Luminova (BGW9)
Brushed Case and Bracelet
Screw Down Crown & Caseback
Water Resistance: 300 Meter | 1000 Feet
Diver Bracelet | Screwed Links, Quick Release & Micro-Adjustment System
Not only do the tech specs hit the mark, but the watch comes in at a nearly perfect case size of 39mm, a respectable lug-to-lug of 47mm, and an incredibly adaptable lug width of 20mm. This means (and HÉRON offers) that you can express your personality and preference with endless strap options.
The Details and the Little Things
We can't deny that watch buying is an experience, and we want all of it to be special. When we purchase the object, we want the unboxing and opening to be nearly as special as the actual product. Companies like Apple and the James Brand know this, which explains why their customers remain loyal and anticipatory of every release. HÈRON delivers on this end as well, and it isn't common to do so at the sub $1000 price. Even the Rolex Submariner leaves you wishing for more when finding a plain case back while handling the $10,000 luxury. HÉRON thought of the little things and delivered the Marinor in a showcase-style, embossed box and included one of the best case backs we've seen on a microbrand watch, rivaling Nezumi's. But again, everything matters, and what matters is everything,
Bringing it All Home
It should be obvious that this is one of the most enjoyable watches we have had the chance to review, and we have thanked HÉRON for the opportunity to get hands-on. We can honestly say that there isn't much to dislike about this watch and if we had our teeth pulled as a result of holding negatives, we'd still be hard-pressed to pick. Now again, watches are personal objects, and to get back to the driving point in the intro, this watch may just not be for you, aesthetically. You may not like brushed steel with a slightly darker hue. The Northstar hour marker at 12:00 may be a bit too polarizing and non-traditional for you too. Hell, maybe you simply don't like birds and the brand name and logo choices don't tickle your fancy. In those cases, you still can't say the watch is objectively bad. There isn't one thing that makes you question its legitimacy as a great product from a brand to watch aside from personal preference.
This is why variety in the watch market exists, we're all different shapes and sizes, with different preferences and interests. But the fact that watches like this exist at least offers something to appreciate, instead of purchasing, for those not aligned with its mission. But for those of us that this watch is created for, you won't find one better for cheaper.
At a list price of $620 USD, the Marinor completely out-kicks its coverage (sorry non-football fans) and offers one of the best experiences is watch-wearing. We highly recommend trying to get your hands on one of these and don't think you'll be disappointed. It was truly a pleasure to be able to review the HERON Marinor and don't be surprised if you see others say more of the same.
You can buy yours and learn more about HÉRON and the Marinor series below. Next time you look at this, don't be surprised to forget to check the time.
Let us know your thoughts, and as always, thanks for stopping by. For more images of the HERON Marinor captured by Balance & Bridge - look here.
Balance & Bridge