MKii Fulcrum Re-release

[Ryeguy]

For those of us who missed the first release of the Fulcrum 10 years ago, MKii is releasing the model again this week.

The good news is the watch is now available with a bracelet and quick adjustment clasp.

The bad news is (IMO), the specs are pretty basic and not well aligned (IMO) with the $1k price. They are certainly a step backwards from the original Fulcrum specs. I can’t help but think that for roughly 50% of the MKii price and similar (arguably better) specs, get a Trasks Freediver, or roughly the same price and definitely better specs, get the new Aquastar Benthos.

Anyway, for those interested, here are the options:

IMG_0007.jpeg

Full specs here: https://mkiiwatches.com/collections/re ... el-dateblk

[Chocodove]

Size is great and looks good…but every time I try an “homage” it never sticks.

[Ryeguy]

Size is great and looks good…but every time I try an “homage” it never sticks.

The homage thing doesn’t bother me, especially for MilSubs because they just aren’t a watch you will likely ever see an authentic version of in the wild.

My disappointment is that MKii always represented (to me) the idea of “what would the original manufacturer have done with the design if they have continued it through to today”. The original Fulcrum really embodied that ethos with the features it offered.

This new Fulcrum is pretty basic. It is a made in Japan, bead blasted MilSub homage running a Miyota 9x movement with 200m of water resistance. This is a $500 (or less) watch if offered by any other brand (for example, Steinhart, except with them, you at least get a Swiss movement).

The irony is, I would’ve jumped at this if it offered a similar feature set to the new Aquastar even at at higher price point ($1,500-ish).

[hoppyjr]

Notice it shows ordering open date but not expected delivery date, so it would be a while to receive it.

The Nodex clasp comes from Nodus watches.

[Ryeguy]

The Nodex clasp comes from Nodus watches.

I looked that up myself. It looks like an interesting design for a quick adjustment clasp that isn't 50mm long like most of clasps found on other micro-brand watches.

Nodus sells the clasp to numerous other brands, such as Raven, which offers a MilSub homage with very similar specs (same movement, same boxed sapphire crystal, etc.) for $650.

I'm sure the MKii will hold its value better than the Raven on the secondary market, but I'm not a flipper and just can't justify the $350 price difference...

[BBK357]

The first release was just shipped 6 months ago. Not bad.

[Chocodove]

Notice it shows ordering open date but not expected delivery date, so it would be a while to receive it.

The Nodex clasp comes from Nodus watches.

Site previously said shipping begins February 3rd (Monday)...but it seems that has now been removed

[hoppyjr]

The first release was just shipped 6 months ago. Not bad.

[DocHollidayDDS]

Meh. I’m happy with this for a little over 10% the cost of the MKII:



Homages should be fun, not sure I need to spend a grand to have that kind of fun.

[Ryeguy]

I agree with you. Homages should be either “cheap and cheerful” or bring something new to the table. The original Fulcrum at least brought some new features to the MilSub homage genre, especially considering its release period of 11 years ago.

I’m still enjoying my Ginault MilSub homage that cost me $500 when I bought it 8 years ago.

IMG_1439.jpeg

This photo always makes me laugh because it’s my “not a 5517” on my “not a PPK”.

[hoppyjr]

Monocrome did an article that MKII’s fanboys will surely off to.

https://flip.it/c4yWQv

Don’t get me wrong, I think the watch looks decent enough. The article mentioned a “full graduated bezel” which I assume was intended to mean full index marks like the Rolex Milsub, but I don’t see such a bezel.

They also mention this model being available in no-date configuration, which does increase its appeal for me. Supposedly they use the Miyota 9015 or 90S5 for the no date, so no “ghost date”.

Actual pics.

[hoppyjr]

MKII does show the fully indexed bezel and no date model on their website. I’m about half chubbed, but really don’t want to support this.

[Chocodove]

Monocrome did an article that MKII’s fanboys will surely off to.

https://flip.it/c4yWQv

Don’t get me wrong, I think the watch looks decent enough. The article mentioned a “full graduated bezel” which I assume was intended to mean full index marks like the Rolex Milsub, but I don’t see such a bezel.

They also mention this model being available in no-date configuration, which does increase its appeal for me. Supposedly they use the Miyota 9015 or 90S5 for the no date, so no “ghost date”.

Actual pics.

It’s available with an aluminum dive bezel, not just the 12hr.



EDIT: Posted this prior to seeing Hop do the above.

[BBK357]

It looks good.
“From Pennsylvania…”



Didn’t know China had a city called Pennsylvania.

I loved my old Blackwater and should have kept it, this will be similar sized.
I want to try it but the gay marketing emails they sent with the spy videos made me want it less.

[gwells]

i'm still turned off enough by him (and his fanbois) to not even bother thinking about it. i'd have to be pretty blown away to even think about it, and this isn't that kind of watch.