The Torr Blue

From AnOrdain -

Courtesy of AnOrdain

As has been mentioned ad nauseam, despite my more aspirational moments where I revel in some of the short-lived triumphs of my wee watch and luxury consulting business, my day-to-day is spent as an educational social worker.  And after a particularly curious and challenging day yesterday, I realized that the reason I stick with it is that it is more than just a paycheck, it is a calling.

Which brings us back to today's topic, the Torr Blue, and the folks who design, make and sell it - AnOrdain. A few years on, and it is clear that AnOrdain is not an attempt to make a buck (or quid) but rather a calling.  Part of the challenge for the potential customer who is a fan of the rapidly evolving micro-brand concept, is to be able to separate the real from the hyperbolic.  

Courtesy of AnOrdain

So essentially, at AnOrdain you are getting a watch that has original design content not to mention dials that are enameled in-house.

Courtesy of AnOrdain

And all assembled in Glasgow, not by an assembler further afield. 

No flashy slogans, no "famous chums" of the brand. A beautifully conceived, wonderfully executed watch that combines the arts and the crafts.

So, if like me you are also seeking the antithesis of hyperbole, here are the pertinents -

• Case diameter: 36mm
• Lug to lug length: 43mm
• Case depth: 11mm
• Case finish: Polished
• Strap width: 18mm
• Dial: vitreous enamel on copper
• Movement: Sellita SW-210-1 + Incabloc shock protection
• Glass: Sapphire with 6 layers of anti-reflective coating
• Hands: Custom-made Superluminova 
• Case back: Solid screw-in
• Waterproof: 5ATM
• Warranty: 5 years

Model 2 Midnight Green

From anOrdain

Courtesy of anOrdain

Fresh off of their red-hot debut (the Model 1), anOrdain is back like Return of the Jedi with their new offering, the Model 2.

Courtesy of anOrdain

Like its predecessor it is steeped in both arts and crafts.  The dial is of copper and the beautiful effect is achieved through the use of vitreous enamel.

Per anOrdain, this range is inspired by the Scottish Highlands.  Although I spent quite a bit of time in Fife during the late 90s, I never made it further north than Pittodrie Stadium ; ) 

This particularly range is a wee bit more affordable, weighing in 100 pounds less than the Model 1.

Courtesy of anOrdain

Apart from the wonderfully beautiful dials, the other aspect of anOrdain that really speaks to me is the adherence to the watches that I fell in love with 30 years ago.  They were not the massive wrist pucks that seem de rigueur today.  Now my 51 year old eyes love a solid, visible watch as the next person, but I also appreciate subtle restraint.  In footballing terms I'd say the difference between a Gordon Strachan and Graeme Souness.  

But it goes beyond size.  A lot of it is about (to me at least) sensibility.  I love, Love, LOVE the choice of a solid case back.  Reason #1?  Unless you, the watch brand, are going to dump hundreds or even thousands into the finishing of the movement, it truly is not worth it for most of us, and becomes a reason not to purchase a watch for the snootier out there.  Reason #2?  Watches are (or at least should) be personal.  A solid case back permits the owner, or the gifter (or in the case of a watch being handed down) the re-gifter the opportunity to add a personal touch such as an engraving on it.

Courtesy of anOrdain

The other thing that I truly appreciate about anOrdain and their watches?  Their charming.  And I don't mean that in the everyday, throwaway "ice cream cone" sense.  It is a charming enterprise.  A group of artisans working together to produce something unique.  While it would be easy to pander, anOrdain makes not excuses and no apologies.

Courtesy of anOrdain

Either you get it, or you don't.  Well, the fact that Model 1 has completely sold out?  It's safe to say that what the team in Glasgow is well on their way to proving that Charles Rennie Mackintosh will be joined by anOrdain in discussions about the influencers in the arts and crafts movement.

The Model 2 is available in several flavors, the Midnight Green being my particular favorite.

The entry price is £950

Here are the pertinents -


Case diameter: 36mm

Lug to lug length: 43mm

Case depth: 11mm

Strap width: 18mm

Dial: vitreous enamel on copper

Movement: Sellita SW-210-1 with Incabloc shock protection

Glass: Sapphire with 6 layers of anti-reflective coating

Hands: Custom-made Superluminova

Case back: Solid screw-in

Waterproof: 5ATM

Warranty: 5 years