My buddy: Previewing the jovial Marvin Watches M104
By Straight-Six, published on 30 April 2010
This is a historical moment for The Prodigal Guide, folks: a watch brand has been smart/foolish enough to submit a brand, spanking new watch for us to prod, probe and ponder. And boy, are we excited.
No, it wasn’t Rolex (they’re miffed about our recent Explorer and Explorer II posts) or even the elegant Jaeger-LeCoultre (they’re too busy making yet another AMVOX for Mr. Bond, who keeps destroying them). It came from Marvin. Yes, you read that right: Marvin. Tout simplement.
Now, we could write an entire post about the brand name, but it’s probably better for us all to get straight to it. Marvin Watches Co. was completely unknown to us before we entered the Twitterverse. Turns out there’s a charming guy called Jerome who has the novel approach of actually listening to what watch enthusiasts and amateurs are actually saying. And reacting. So, after some discussions and a peek through the range, we settled on the classic – and best-selling – M104 model.
What you get is an honest-to-God quality Swiss timepiece with an ETA 2897 movement, sapphire crystal, power reserve and date functions, all wrapped up in a 41mm stainless case whose fit n’ finish are spot-on. The design is a choice blend of contemporary and classic and…alright, enough of that standard by-the-spec shit. You can check out their stellar and novel website for all that and enjoy the amusing mood palette.
Why? Cause that the watch should be well built and appealing is standard fare nowadays, and focusing only on that completely misses what makes Marvin special.
Here’s what I really want to know: how the hell did a brand with over 150 years of history named after a nice Yank so successfully tap into the sheer, unbridled joy of watchmaking and watch-owning? For instance, the little velvet bag and baggage tag that come in the bottom of the outer watch box are both labeled “Transumers”. The rotor – viewable through the transparent case-back – has “The Swing” inscribed on it. And there’s so much more, including an outer case hallmark whose best viewing angle results from an activity gentlemen engage in while standing in white-tiled, narrow spaces. Ahem!
We promise to deliver something far more comprehensive, warts and all, next Friday, folks. But in the meantime, we can safely say that we’ve rarely had such enthusiasm strapped on to us. At least in such a compact form.
My buddy: Previewing the jovial Marvin Watches M104
This is a historical moment for The Prodigal Guide, folks: a watch brand has been smart/foolish enough to submit a brand, spanking new watch for us to prod, probe and ponder. And boy, are we excited. No, it wasn’t Rolex (they’re miffed about our recent Explorer and Explorer II posts) or even the elegant Jaeger-LeCoultre [...]
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7 Responses to “My buddy: Previewing the jovial Marvin Watches M104”
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Sometimes – ever so rarely – you make me laugh. This was one of those times.
Forget the in-depth Marvin review next Friday, I want you to write about the other times that you’ve had such enthusiasm strapped to you, perhaps in a less compact form…
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You mean in the context of re-building the Marvin brand or other life experiences?
No matter, you bet I’m happy to work with you and create the best content for your readers. Just let me know what you’re looking for!
Cheers,
J.-
Hi Jerome – Welcome to the pages of The Prodigal Guide!
I must admit that my comment above was actually aimed at Straight-Six not you. But, listen, if you’re keen to spill the beans on your own life experiences, please feel free. Just let me know in advance if we need to change the strap line of the site: “Fanatical about cars, films, food, gadgets, watches and deviant sexual behaviour in Switzerland”!?
BTW – I’m liking your watches and loving your marketing. I’m looking forward to reading Straight-Six’s full review.
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LOL – yes I realized that afterwards – my bad
Keep the PF tag line for now – I’ll get back to you after a year out here on the behavioral addition
You’re too funny.Thanks for the kind words seriously – really appreciate it – we’re tryin!
Best,
J. -
[...] Following a rather in-depth preview of the exuberant Marvin M104 last week, Straight-Six delves deeper and delivers his final [...]
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Chris I
1 December 2010
Way to much time on the Prodigal site. I am really digging Marvin watches the I like the M103 Chrono though…might need to buy one. But like all European companies (and I work for one) they make it hard to buy. Must have a director of sales prevention.
Jerome Pineau
30 April 2010
Thanks so much for reviewing our 104 and we are very very honored to be featured on the P guide. Not to mention happy to answer any and all questions your readers might have about the brand, what we’re about, what we offer etc. Just email jerome@marvinwatches.com
Yours in time!
Jerome