Well, when I made this article’s title it was the middle of the summer, but as you know, with two kids and time running short the creation of this review was postponed a couple weeks. So perhaps now, we’ve crossed the rubicon into what many would consider the “beginning of the end of the summer”. Allas, why not mark it with a really unique and fun microbrand review, today I’d like to introduce you to the Anicorn Cassini Nemesis – it’s weird and we like it.
Introduction to the Design
As with most new microbrand’s, you can usually spot their creativity and quirkiness from a mile away, and there is no exception here. What we’re looking at is an entirely blacked out stainless steel watch finished in a sandblasted anti-fingerprint PVD coating. The next thing you’re sure to notice is the soft edged hexagonal case shape, and the two layer dial with an etched dial ring – a series of combined features that are quite uncommon to come across on mainstream watch brands.
You may be asking yourself, “why so many outlandish features?”, and there is indeed a reason behind the design of the Cassini Nemesis related to astrology. The soft hexagonal shape is a tribute to planet Saturn’s north pole jet stream, also famously nicknamed “The Hexagon”. The overall dark color pallet of this watch is another hint towards Saturn’s north pole which was shadowed in appearance due to no sun exposure when the Cassini spacecraft visited in July 2004. Almost all of the design features on the Cassini Nemesis point to some form of relation to Saturn, even the blue hue of the lume has been tweaked to mimic Saturn’s hexagon polar coloration.
Wearability and Target Audience
The target audience of this watch is absolutely geared towards those with a passion for anything space related. Just like people who are fascinated by the earth’s moon gravitate towards the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. The Cassini Nemesis is most certainly going to draw in a broader audience of astrology lovers due to its deeper association with space travel and Saturn, a planet situated much further out into the galaxy than the moon.
Beyond its connection to astrology and the planet Saturn, the Cassini is proving itself to be a fine watch in its own right. This is a sub $700 watch that’s boasting a unique blacked out design packaged in a slim and sleek case a reasonable 42mm in size with a 14.6mm thickness. The watch looks thinner than the stated 14.6mm to me, probably due to its pan shaped caseback that seems to taper inwards like a flying saucer. Another very well done, and I’d say trending feature, is its integrated bracelet appearance. The ultra slender lugs flow into the bracelet beautifully giving off a fully integrated look. This allows the watch to wear very proportional on wrist.
Another really neat design feature that only really dawned on me after wearing the watch for some time is its crystal. Seldom have I talked about the shape of a watch crystal before, but the crystal on this watch is actually following the same soft hexagonal shape of both the bezel and the case – even icons like the AP Royal Oak don’t do this. Mind you, this has to be one of the most reflective crystals I’ve ever worked with, getting a nice photo that did not include a reflection of my face or background items proved to be a challenge.
The fit and finish of the watch seems to be rather impressive for its price point, with no blemishes on the PVD coating, or any tooling marks on the dial. The only grip I have is its readability, due to its black on black layered dial design. While the arabic numerals are white, they’re quite thin and don’t stand out as much as I’d like them to. The etched ring feature on the layered dial ring is really neat and makes time telling fun, but it also does not aide in quick time reading. I’m ok with these drawbacks though, since this watch is more about its connection to Saturn than anything else really. The oscillating sandwich ring is a really neat feature that covers half the numerals as it rotates off-axis around the dial throughout the 24 hours of the day.
Movement
The movement in the Cassini which is the Modified NH35-ATD, is also a little unique due to custom ruthénium anthracite bridge and rotor. Anicorn is clearly going the distance here to differentiate themselves and provide an excessive amount of value to the prospective buyer. Rarely do you see any form of movement decoration on a watch at this price point, let alone a tried and true Japanese movement. I have a lot of respect for the effort that Anicorn has put into this unique creation.
The movement is viewable through the display back window, and is actually really pleasing to observe, one of the nicer Japanese movements I’ve ever seen at this price point especially with its tasteful mods that do not appear to be overdone.
Final Thoughts
This is a watch that really took me by surprise, and I feel that it offers exceptional value to any watch enthusiast, but I think it’s literally the perfect fit for watch enthusiasts with a passion for astrology looking for a fun affordable watch. It offers a plethora of unique design characteristics not found on any other watches, and seems to be built to an acceptable standard of quality. If you like it, I’d say go for it.
For more information on this watch visit the official Anicorn website here.
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