No Logo, Pure Colour: Was this a risk worth taking?
Disclosure: I purchased this watch from Mezei directly during its limited release. Mezei were kind enough to throw in a free Grey leather strap, but the review remains fair and honest.
10
Exceptional
A breathtaking, multi-colored 3D gradient sunray dial, successfully paired with upgraded high-end mechanical performance and exceptional all-around wearability.
RRP
£425
Limited Release
CASE
40mm
Stainless Steel
MOVEMENT
Automatic
Miyota 9015
AVAILABILITY
Unavailable
Only Sold during May 2026
When buying a new watch, there are always risks: a risk it might be faulty, or even that it might not look exactly like it did in the pictures. This risk is higher when it comes to microbrands—there is usually no store to visit to actually see and feel the watch up close. For most of us, we consider buying based on photos on a website, words on a spec sheet, and, if we are lucky, a wonderful content creator or watch reviewer who has gotten hands-on with the watch and shared their thoughts and opinions. Usually, we make our purchase and pray silently that when the watch arrives, it’s exactly as good as we hoped it would be!
What’s this got to do with Mezei Watches? Surely a quick Google search would give you confidence that they make great watches championed within the community. There are loads of positive reviews for the London Smoke and the Arctic Blue—surely there is no risk in buying from them? And that’s absolutely correct. I’ve liked the look of Mezei since the day they popped up in a YouTube review. They went straight to the top of my wishlist, money was saved, and I was getting one. So, on the day I was ready to make my purchase, I visited Mezei’s website with my heart set on the Racing Green (or maybe London Smoke).
And there it was… Mezei’s limited First Anniversary Edition. A single photo of an extremely colourful dial, only going to be available in May. No previews, no pre-orders—just make your purchase during that one month, and they will build it for you.
I was conflicted. On one hand, I instantly loved it: the Mezei DNA in a full spectrum of colourful glory. It was the spanner in my ordering works, and this is where the risk comes in. For as much as I loved the look of the watch, I also had my doubts. Would I actually wear it? Is it too colourful? Will it look as good on the wrist as it does in the photo? There won’t be a YouTube review. There won’t be photos from another owner. It was a case of order the watch and hope it’s as good as you think it will be.
On this occasion, I took the risk, placed my order (following a brief message exchange with owner Sandor), and then I waited… and I am glad I did! Because in this case, the risk paid off. This watch is brilliant.
Pros
- Stunning, High-Quality Dial & Packaging: The sunray-textured 3D gradient dial and unboxing presentation are executed to perfection, seamlessly blending vibrant colors with a clean design.
- Upgraded Premium Movement: Features the high-beat Miyota 9015 automatic movement providing a smooth sweeping seconds hand.
- Versatile & Comfortable Wearability: Compact proportions combined with a micro-adjusting Milanese mesh bracelet.
Cons
- Limited Availability: As a 1-month-only First Anniversary release, it is no longer available for general purchase.
- Niche / Bold Aesthetic: The vibrant, multi-colored dial without hour indices won’t appeal to purists looking for a traditional or subtle dress watch.
Specifications
| Movement | Automatic Miyota 9015 |
| Case Diameter | 40mm |
| Case Thickness | 10mm |
| Lug width | 20mm |
| Case Material | 316L Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Strap/Bracelet | Stainless Steel Milanese Bracelet or Leather Strap |
| Lume | Luminova Lumed Hands |
| Complications | Date Window |
Design
Right out of the box—actually, before you even take it out of the box—this watch’s M.O. is clear: take all the great things about a Mezei Watch and make them colourful. I genuinely think it’s a great thing when a brand considers the total package. The packaging and the unboxing experience can all be designed to complement the watch itself. The First Anniversary Edition arrives in a stunning, colourful box that reminds you exactly what this watch is all about: the dial.
It’s a combination of colours—orange, pink, blue, purple, yellow—they all seem to be in there. They are cleverly integrated into the dial to represent blocks of time, for example, a yellow section representing 12 o’clock to 5 past 12. There are no indices, just hands and a date window at 6 o’clock. This is a signature of Mezei watches: simple, uncluttered dials with no unnecessary wording. In fact, there isn’t even a brand logo. It’s clean, clear, and despite all that, it is one of the most visually pleasing dials in my entire collection.
It’s a combination of colours—orange, pink, blue, purple, yellow—they all seem to be in there.
Mezei’s technique uses a sunray-textured pattern to create 60 visible lines that represent the minutes. It gives the dial a stunning, almost 3D-textured look. Add in the unique colours, and this dial becomes an absolute masterpiece. Each colour blends into the next seamlessly; it’s well-balanced, and the colours pop without looking over the top or garish. Protecting this vibrant layout is a flat sapphire crystal complete with an anti-reflective coating, ensuring that the colours stay razor-sharp and easy to read without harsh glares washing out the gradient. The dial is finished with a simple date window featuring white numbers on a black background, which works perfectly and still stands out against the colourful backdrop—another great decision, as I feel a white date wheel would have gotten lost.
The watch case dimensions are a 40mm 316L stainless steel case, 47mm lug-to-lug, and around 10mm thick. The case itself is a combination of brushed elements along the sides and lugs with a thin, mirror-polished bezel. It’s the perfect frame to complement the dial and turns this into an exceptional dress watch—one that will definitely draw questions and compliments.
Finally, the watch is completed with a polished caseback engraved with an image of a sunrise across mountains and a lake (or sea?), along with an engraved thank you from owner Sandor. This is another demonstration of Mezei’s commitment to producing a great watch all over. Often, casebacks are overlooked or become just a place to list model numbers, water resistance, or case materials. While it’s obviously not going to draw your attention away from the dial, for a caseback, it’s stunning!
The design is finished off with a steel Milanese mesh bracelet that elevates the watch from a refined dress piece into a dynamic sports-dress hybrid, mirroring the high-polish bezel with its light-reflecting woven wire design. Built with flexible stainless steel, the fabric-like strap contours smoothly over the wrist bone for an exceptionally comfortable, breathable fit that resists sweat during daily wear. Its metallic texture creates striking visual synergy across the watch—accentuating the dramatic gradient of the dial—while integrated quick-release spring bars allow effortless, tool-free swaps. Mezei were also kind enough to throw in a grey leather strap free of charge, which is equally great quality and comfortable to wear, making this watch highly versatile depending on your strap choice.
Performance
The Mezei First Anniversary Edition builds upon the brand’s core minimalist values while ramping up both mechanical performance and visual presence for this milestone release.
Movement & Automatic Execution Upgrading from the Miyota 8215 used in the core collection, the First Anniversary Edition houses the premium Miyota 9015 automatic movement. Operating at a high beat rate of 28,800 vph (4Hz), the seconds hand glides with a smooth sweep across the unbranded dial face. It offers a 42-hour power reserve and hacking seconds for precise synchronization; it’s a solid movement that complements the refined and premium feel of the watch. The watch is easy to operate, with a smooth action when setting both the time and date.
Because the Miyota 9015 uses a unidirectional winding rotor, you do occasionally get that characteristic “rotor spin” when moving your wrist. However, thanks to the solid stainless steel caseback, the sound is well-dampened. Rather than feeling noisy or cheap, it gives the watch a tactile, mechanical charm that lets you know the automatic movement is hard at work.
Dial Legibility & Low-Light Visibility The handset utilizes thick, rounded baton hands rather than standard, delicate dress hands seen on similar watches. This means they are packed with Lume. This design choice gives the watch surprising nighttime legibility and a subtle tool-watch capability that contrasts with its dressy, light-shifting dial surface.
Caseback Integrity & Water Resistance Instead of an exhibition window, the solid steel back preserves structural strength while keeping total thickness minimal. With a standard push-pull crown and screw-down caseback configuration, the watch provides a reliable 50-meter (5 bar) water resistance rating—ideal for daily wear, rain, and surface splashes without unnecessary bulk.
On The Wrist
On the wrist, the Mezei First Anniversary Edition strikes an ideal balance between classic proportions and modern presence. The 40mm diameter paired with a compact 47mm lug-to-lug length ensures the watch sits comfortably across a wide range of wrist sizes, avoiding any unsightly lug overhang. At around 10mm thick, it easily slides under a shirt cuff, reinforcing its dress-watch credentials.
The strap options significantly influence how the watch wears throughout the day. The included steel Milanese mesh bracelet conforms effortlessly to the wrist, offering a smooth, fabric-like feel that avoids pulling hair and stays cool during warmer weather. It features a fully adjustable sliding clasp mechanism, allowing for precise, micro-adjustments on the fly so you can easily dial in the exact fit as your wrist expands or contracts throughout the day.
Meanwhile, the supplementary grey leather strap softens the overall look, providing a lighter, more relaxed feel on the arm. With a standard 20mm lug width and integrated quick-release spring bars on both straps, changing up the look is completely tool-free, making it a breeze to pair with a vast library of aftermarket 20mm straps.
Should you buy it?
Buy it if
You want an exceptionally crafted, conversation-starting timepiece featuring a high-beat Miyota 9015 automatic movement and a stunning sunray dial.
Skip it if
Its loud, multi-coloured aesthetic and total lack of dial indices don’t appeal to you, or you’re looking for a more subtle dress watch.
Final Thoughts
I started this review talking about taking a risk—buying a watch that was different, a watch that stood out. I’ve been rewarded by being able to add another amazing watch to my collection. It’s so different from anything else: it’s colourful, playful, interesting, and, most importantly, exceptionally well made. Every detail has been thought about, considered, and then executed to perfection to deliver a truly great timepiece—one that will regularly make its way onto my wrist, drawing compliments and questions wherever I go.
I appreciate that I am reviewing and sharing a watch that is no longer available for general purchase, but it’s simply so good that it needed to be shared. Plus, if this is the level of quality and skill Mezei puts into every single one of their watches, then I am certain their core collection is just as good. After all, I never did pick up that London Smoke (or Racing Green!)… and I haven’t even mentioned the Maroon or Blue Fumée dials yet!
If the First Anniversary Edition is anything to go by, Mezei is a microbrand well worth keeping on your radar. Whether you’re exploring their core lineup or waiting to see what limited release they dream up next, you can buy with total confidence.
Where to buy and more reading
Further reading
Check out this great review of the Artic Blue by Dave at Microbrand Watch
Robbieandwatches put together a great write up on the Mezei Series.
