The 39-millimeter case is milled from the more common 316L steel but is coated to achieve a hardness rating of 1,000 on the Vickers scale. In talking to Tom Clemence at the Toronto Timepiece Show, where I first saw the new Photic MKII, I could tell the changes to the case were what he was most proud of, specifically its thickness. Measuring from the top of the domed sapphire crystal, it comes in at 10.5mm, but if you put your calipers at the top of the bezel instead, it’s a hair under 10mm. That’s thinner than a Tudor Pelagos 39 or an Oris Diver 65, or most other divers for that matter.Â
Accentuating the svelteness is a subtle, polished bevel on the lower edges of the case flank. Polished angles across the edges of the lugs continue the light play. The thinness and attention to detail might push the Photic into dress diver territory, especially on its classic, three-link tapered bracelet, but I tried it on a NATO (naturally), and the simplicity of the dial and the ghost timing ring keep it muted and sporty.
