DWISS S1 - A Swiss Automatic Where Satellite Discs Carry the Hours Instead of an Hour Hand
Wandering-hours watches tend to split into two camps: either a six-figure luxury brand's exclusive territory, or a budget model that feels closer to a toy. The DWISS S1 sits somewhere in between. What caught my eye was how satellite discs take the place of the hour hand.
📊 Quick Info
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | DWISS (founder Rafael Simoes Miranda) |
| Price | $2,730 |
| Materials/Specs | Cushion-shaped case, 40mm diameter, 44mm lug-to-lug, 13.8mm thick, 100m water resistance, double-dome sapphire glass |
| Key Feature | Two satellite discs alternate between odd and even hours, and you read the minutes from where the number sits on the minute scale |
| Verdict | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ A watch where learning to read it is part of the fun |
✨ 3-Line Summary
- 👍 Biggest strength: The simple two-disc structure pairs nicely with the cushion case.
- 👎 Downsides: It takes time to get used to reading it, and the price is high.
- 🎯 Recommended for: Watch collectors who enjoy unusual ways of displaying time
📸 Product Tour
The number 10 sits along the minute scale.
The moment the number 11 passes over the minute scale.
The double-dome sapphire glass rises like a lens.
On the right, the caseback showing the movement and the limited-edition number engraving.
🔍 Why It Caught My Attention
The Number's Position Is the Minute
The minute scale runs across the upper part of the dial, and the current hour's number passes over it. For example, if the 10 sits over the 15, it's 10:15.
A Structure Cut Down to Two Discs
Where Audemars Piguet's Star Wheel uses three discs, the S1 uses two. One handles odd hours, the other handles even hours, and a central carrier completes one rotation every two hours.
The Case Follows the Structure
The numbers need horizontal room to travel, so the cushion shape widens the dial. The central seconds disc is also said to be built to follow the case's geometry.
🤔 What Gives Me Pause
Adjustment Period
Reading it feels unfamiliar, and it reportedly takes about a day to get the hang of it. It could be inconvenient if you just want to check the time quickly.
Price and Where to Buy
$2,730 is a hefty sum. Each color is limited to 50 pieces with no reissues, so you could miss your window to buy, and I'd still need to confirm how to purchase it in Korea.
📋 Product Traits (Subjective Ratings)
- Design: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Practicality: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Value for money: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🛒 Pre-Purchase Checklist
✅ Recommended For
- Anyone drawn to unusual complications like wandering hours
- Anyone looking for a limited-edition Swiss-made watch
❌ Not Recommended For
- Anyone who needs to read the time at a glance
- Anyone on a tight budget
🎯 Final Verdict
I like how it removes the hour hand while keeping the structure simple. The case follows the same idea, which gives it a sense of polish.
The reading inconvenience and the price are real, but for anyone who can enjoy that unfamiliarity, it's a watch worth wanting for a long time.
Source: Yanko Design product page
