At Time-Telling, we like to think that we are pioneers in the African/Arab « Horology journalism » scene, and we take great pride in that. So you can only imagine how significant and monumental it can be for us to get the opportunity to speak freely about the pioneering North-African-rooted luxury watch company that is MAGANA.
You saw my name at the top, so you bet you’re in for a good story, explaining the background of this friendship between Time-Telling and MAGANA watches.
My “relationship” with Magana Watches has always been one of great admiration and respect. I was properly introduced to the company on a friday afternoon, about a year ago, when a Dubai based number called me and it turned out to be the company’s head of communications and co-founder, Mr Mehdi Mabrouk.
Up until that point, all MAGANA was to me was a micro brand that had followed my Instagram account a few days back, and who had caught my attention since MAGANA is the Moroccan dialect’s way of saying Watch. And for the striking orange fabric straps, BUT THAT’S IT !
Now, in that call, Mr Mehdi -who’s a contributing writer for GQmiddleeast, as well as someone with a long and considerable career in the watch industry- had expressed his fondness of the Time-Telling Podcast episodes and the topics discussed. This feeling was shared by MAGANA’s other co-founder Mr Omar Chaoui, whom I personally consider a true connoisseur and someone who REAALLY knows his stuff -An industry insider so to speak- But more on that in another article.
Fast forward Christmas season 2024, Mr Omar and I got in contact. And this time, it was to make sure we could make this mutual admiration public, for me to explore the world of MAGANA and of course, be a member of the MAGAFAM.
And that is how I found myself absolutely hooked and unable to take off the unreleased (At the time) Tribute to Tundra for the entirety of my 1 month family vacation.
*Let me make it clear for you new readers, our opinions on any of the Time-Telling platforms are *how can I say it nicely* not how we make money. So when I tell you that I love this watch with all my heart, you’d better believe it.*
“Tribute to Tundra”? What’s that?
MAGANA’s collections have individual stories behind them. Not only that, but a mission as well: Raising awareness on climate change and supporting environmental and community development efforts.
A truly admirable quest and something that MAGANA seriously cares about. For instance, with each piece you purchase the brand commits to planting 212 trees. I’m not the one telling you this, it’s the watch itself ! It’s literally engraved on the casebacks.
That being said, the first collection of Magana Watches, launched in April 2023, was one in which the brand is paying tribute to culturally and historically significant cities around the world. Fes, Istanbul then Kyoto were the stars of the show. A success to say the least, since it put MAGANA out there for the world to see, and to recognize the design language that is now synonymous with the brand (Or with its beginnings): The Grain and Satin, Annual Calendar dials inside rugged and contemporary 40mm steel cases.
And with this new collection, they didn’t steer far from their signature look. Hell, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. However, the saying doesn’t apply 100% on the MAGAteam definitely improved on a few details.
Let’s get to the nitty gritty and analyze both the previous pieces and the one I’ve had on my wrist for the past weeks.
To continue making my point on why this collection is definitely an improvement on the last one, I have one sentence that’ll encompass it all: MAGANA feels much much more mature and worth it.
The much much cleaner and finer finishing of the cases, the new dial, case and strap colors referencing each of the deserts they’re paying homage to, even the Moroccan Zellij engraving on the caseback !! These are the tweaks that make these watches SO special and elegant. Yes, elegant. One does feel a sense of pride wearing these pieces, and I can tell you that first hand (Pun intended), since I have my “Tribute to Tundra” now on my wrist while typing this story.
On the topic of feelings, you definitely FEEL this watch. It has a certain presence; Aura, as my fellow GenZers say.
One could easily attribute that to the 12.50mm thickness, 40mm diameter, 47mm Lug to Lug case specs and it would be completely logical.
The brand kept the same Self-Winding Annual Calendar movement with a Power reserve of 40 hours, -10/+30 sec daily precision range, 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz).
A very smooth and quick Day-date adjustment setting accompanied on the case by a month adjustment pusher on the 2 o’clock position.
I must admit that I did not expect these watches to have a screw down crown, but since it’s 30m /3 ATM water resistant, one can not argue with that. Plus it gives it that Military/Dive watch edge we all need.
Let me start wrapping up because I could stay here forever. This is a great upgrade.
Philosophy and mission aside, these are some high quality pieces that feel like their €2220.61 price. One could easily compare these watches with a Tudor BlackBay. Yes, a BB. Wait until you have it on that fabric strap and start rotating that crown.
I love the dials. I love how legible they are through the Anti-glare treated sapphire glass. I love that it’s an annual calendar ! And how it could be both an understated piece to wear with a shirt, AND a rugged tool watch to wear on a hike through the woods and mountains of Morocco (Which I did).
Keep in mind that your guy here has never owned anything above 38mm. It took a lot of getting used to, but now I really do feel connected to this watch.
I have a lot more to say about MAGANA, but meanwhile click here to discover the collection for yourself. We will also be more active in the upcoming days and we hope to see you guys around.
Ciao !
Specs:
316L Stainless steel case with Colored DLC Coating (4 microns thickness)
Anti-glare treated sapphire glass on both sides
Grain and Satin finished dial
Super Luminova C1 coated Indexes
40MM (Diameter) x 47MM (Lug to lug)
Lug width: 20MM
Thickness 12.50MM
Self-Winding Annual Calendar movement
Power reserve of 40 hours
-10/+30 sec daily precision range
28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz)
Quick Day-date adjustment setting
Month adjustment from 2 o’clock pusher
Screw down crown
Water resistance: 30M (3 ATM)
Fabric and Velcro Strap
Extra Calfskin leather strap
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Great article, and interesting watches/company.
But sadly they are not much technical information as the mouvement manufacturer, the ref, where the watches are made …