Marloe Coniston Bluebird Hand Wound Watch Review

Marloe Coniston is a contemporary hand wound masterpiece. It oozes exquisite craftsmanship on the outside and inside, with a stunning exhibition caseback and distinctive aesthetic that anyone would marvel at. The luminous design in the night is the most striking feature for me. All details considered, the Marloe Coniston would be a steller addition to any collection.

Marloe Coniston Bluebird

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• Origin United Kingdom
• Movement Miyota 8N33, 17 jewels
• Type Hand Wound Mechanical
• Strap Italian Tanned Saddle Leather

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• Lume BG-W9 treated hands; infill
• Features Exhibition Caseback
• Measures 40mm case; 10.5mm depth
• Courage is Not Being Fearless

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Read: Inside Marloe Passion for Timepieces

Thoughtful and Considered Check out my showcase unboxing video just above if you haven't - the out of the box experience is quite special. Marloe Watch Company is revitalising British designed timepieces after three years, three collections and now, the newest member of the family.
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The Marloe Coniston is their flagship collection with an inspiring journey of how the Coniston came to be - the box a vibrant yellow and blue, homage to the Bluebird K7 that set the record on the Coniston Waters in the Lake District. Marloe Watch Company has always thrived on standing out from the hand wound mechanical market, even moreso in the broader watch market. Here, we have the Coniston in full sight, presented in it's entirety.

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The Marloe Travel Case (an optional extra) was also inside the box, a striking combination of Italian vegetable tanned saddle leather trim and British woollen felt. It hugs and stores the Marloe Coniston with enough padding and space to carry it safely inside your carry or outerwear pocket.

It's functional and different from usual carry options, with a slim, compact profile that takes little space. It fits just one timepiece inside, however serves well day after day to stow the Marloe Coniston (or any watch) on standby.

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Read: Timepiece Collection of Distinctive Aesthetics Details to Marvel Back to the Marloe Coniston - there hasn't been a day when I haven't stared at it. I've worn the Coniston Bluebird as my daily driver, and when I look at the time, I pause for a few seconds in admiration. Those striking 15 minute repeaters, bold luminous hands and bright ticker that flows across the watchface...wow.
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The orange repeaters stand out nicely and line up with the seconds ticker in harmony. The Marloe Coniston has a few elements going on, yet maintains a contemporary, classy look thanks to a largely spacious dial. It's slightly raised to create a surrounding infill of luminescent white. BG-W9 treated lume on the hands and infill are spectacular in the night, creating a strong visual that makes reading the time far more usable.

A domed sapphire crystal shields the watchface, with an anti-reflective coating that effectively reduces glare. It exudes a beautiful change in shade - from dark to light blue - depending on angle and light. That dynamism adds greater dimensions to the Marloe Coniston then first meets the eye.

I wore it with me on my stay of exploration in Lofoten, Norway. The Marloe Coniston Bluebird was comfortable to wear with that quality cognac leather strap molding to my wrist well in premium fashion. The strap is quite thick and rigid, resulting in a greater sense of durability and wrap around the wrist. Furthermore, the anti-reflective coating helps legibility under direct sunlight, all while offering a radiant flare that bounces light and colour handsomely. Visual treat.

Read: WARLD Aoraki Watch Review An Exhibition of Radiance Then we have the exhibition caseback. A well designed setup deserving of an exhibition caseback. The Marloe Coniston uses a Miyota 8N33 movement from Japan. Nevertheless, the Miyota 8N33 offers an accuracy of +25 / -15 seconds and holds a 24 hour power reserve that gets through the day.
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There is certainly a joy with hand winding the Marloe Coniston, as the crown is polished and detailed for a pleasing experience. A smooth, friction-less revolution until it winds no further gets the escapement and movement working nicely. The Miyota 8N33 was also chosen intently by Oliver and Gordon - founders of Marloe Watch Company - because of the presentation of the movement itself. And they chose well.

The backstory etched into the perimeter "Courage is not Being Fearless" encapsulates the famous quote of Sir Campbell; a homage, an empowerment and everyday inspiration.

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Weighing 65 grams with 20mm lugs, a diameter of 40mm and 10.5mm depth, it's quite light on the wrist. No fatigue over the course of hiking, jogging, brisk-walking or any motion that required the wrist. The depth houses all the movement components but does so in swish fashion thanks to the slight taper and polished casing. The sapphire crystal has a subtle dome effect, that not only glistens but adds to the sleek design.

The 40mm casing actually looks a little more compact and not overbearing on even the smallest of wrists like mine. I truly connect with the Marloe Coniston... love it even. The Bluebird is definitely a stunner.

Read: WARLD Arctic Watch Review Timepiece Companion in Norway
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As an adventurer, the Marloe Coniston Bluebird embodies that by design. By combination, the Cognac leather and shaded hues of blue under different lighting represent the mountains, the landscapes and the water. During my hike to Nonstinden in Lofoten, I recall glancing at the time frequently as days were shorter. Easy to read in variable conditions, the large hands proved especially useful as I looked in jogging, bouncing fashion.

The dial presentation changes like the mood of the Norwegian weather. The Marloe Coniston Bluebird looked at home among the earthly, natural landscape. As a side note, accompanied by waterproof jacket which was an unintended but added bonus, standing out as brightly as my outerwear. Under less light, it takes a subtle role for timepiece enthusiasts that want something for different occasions.

Read: Nordgreen Philosopher Watch Review
Coniston Conduit for Memories

So the Marloe Coniston Bluebird. Gordon the designer nicely stated in their 'Road to Coniston documentary finale', "we've become a company that creates objects that people use as a conduit for memories." They've done that passionately.

Craftsmanship, every little design, the out of the box experience and moments to reflect on with every glance is priceless. Norway created everlasting moments of seeing the Northern Lights, heights, landscapes, scenery that were breath-taking, blissful and humbling for me... and the Marloe Coniston is my conduit of remembering that for years to come.