Voxel Meridion VX01-E: the Watch That Is Changing How We Read the Time.
Have you ever felt like most microbrand watches in the sub-$5,000 space look, feel, and do the same thing? If you have, you certainly aren’t the only one. That’s exactly what the founders of Voxel, Thibault Luc and Bruno Herbet, set out to change with the Meridion VX01-E. Whilst the brand was initially established two years ago, they only launched into the real world on the 1st of October with panache and the herculean task of convincing the rest of the watch world that their design is worth your time. Focused on bringing unrivaled quality, a singular design language, and unusual complications to their collectors’ wrists, the Franco-Swiss brand might just have what it takes to make a name for itself. Let’s get into the finer details and see if the Meridion VX01-E can captivate your attention with its unique design…
I am going to cut to the chase and address the elephant in the room: the case. Having seen this watch on three occasions and had the opportunity to go hands-on with two prototypes for this article, I can say with some certitude that the case is possibly one of the most intriguing pieces of horological design and engineering. When I am trying to judge a watch, regardless of whether it is for my own collection or to review it for Wrist Enthusiast, I primarily look for two things in the case: tactility and wearability. By the former, I am referring to how it feels in my hand, both in terms of weight and finishing. In this department, the Meridion VX01-E excels. The seven-piece titanium and 904L steel case has been finished to within an inch of its life, which is a spectacle given the number of facets and surfaces that reflect the light. The result is a watch that has an almost perfect weight and feels aesthetically complete.
Speaking of the aesthetics brings me on to the wearability aspect I mentioned earlier. Normally, wearability refers to the diameter, lug-to-lug, and thickness. Admittedly, in my books, these metrics are normally how I judge a watch’s wearability too. From a purely measured perspective, the Voxel Meridion VX01-E is within a normal range at 41mm wide, around 50mm lug-to-lug, and roughly 12mm thick. Perfectly wearable in my books. However, with unusual case shapes, wearability also refers to “can I actually wear this?” and many watches overshoot this aspect horrendously. Whilst there are incredible designs that are truly unique, they are often too much, impractical, or impossible to wear in a normal setting. This is where I think Voxel has got the Meridion just right. The sharp angles and polished facets of the case cut a strong figure, but a figure that blends into daily wear perfectly.
Moving on to my favorite aspect of this watch: the dial and complication. At a glance, the Meridion appears to be a slightly unusually shaped three-hand automatic. If you think it stops there, I would suggest that you think again. Hidden beneath the brushed, grained, and polished surfaces of the blue, silver, and gray dials is a discreet complication that only reveals itself twice a day: a 24-hour jumping time display. If this sounds unfamiliar, you would be correct, as Voxel is the first to offer this complication. As a French brand, they are acutely aware that many countries across the world use a 24-hour format rather than the usual 12-hour AM/PM format that we use across the Anglo-American world. Suggesting dinner at 20:00 hours in France is perfectly normal, but doing the same in the USA would probably warrant a confused look, unless you were a veteran or member of the armed forces. Nonetheless, the problem still remains: how can you have a watch that tells the time traditionally, all while respecting the local 24-hour format?
The answer is a jumping disc upon which the numerals are inscribed that switches between 1 to 12 and 13 to 24, depending on whether you are ante or post meridiem, or in plain English, before or after midday. The thinking behind this complication goes even further. The numerals only switch at 1 p.m. (or 13:00 hours) and 1 a.m. (01:00 hours) to avoid any confusion. To make things even clearer, there is a small day/night indicator that sits inside the top-left sector of the dial. But it goes even further than that! The numeral wheel is tone-matched to the dial color for the “daytime” hours and fully lumed for the “nighttime” hours. Having never heard of or thought of the utility of this complication, I am completely sold on the concept, and I think the aesthetics speak for themselves.
Powering the Meridion VX01-E is the automatic Soprod 60, to which is attached a module unique to Voxel. In fact, it was actually developed by their own team and not by a third party. This might give you an indication of the direction Voxel is going in, and I have it on good authority that they will not be limiting themselves to simple complications either. In terms of finishing, the movement has been sandblasted, giving it a very futuristic, almost space-age feel, which is compounded by the way in which the caliber has been set against the dual-window sapphire caseback.
In terms of straps, the Meridion VX01-E has a wealth of options available. The ribbed Alcantara comes in two shades of blue, gray, black, and brown. Co-founder Thibault has hinted heavily at an integrated steel bracelet, obviously finished to the same high level as the rest of the watch. Having seen renders and prototypes, I can say that it lives up to expectations and will certainly change the wearing experience as well as strengthen the visual profile of the watch.
To sum it all up, the Voxel Meridion VX01-E is a great example of how microbrands have the opportunity to break free from the masses and shun trends to create something singular. In this category of watch, especially when the concept is particularly unique, it can sometimes feel like you are making sacrifices or compromises, and the Voxel Meridion VX01-E masterfully dodges both of these feelings. If you’re looking to widen your horological horizons without pushing the boat out too far, I would strongly encourage you to consider a Voxel. The strong design language and brand identity are by far the most compelling aspects of this piece, swiftly followed by the complication and the spec sheet: it really is hard to decide which is the star.
Retailing for around $3,500 USD, the Voxel Meridion VX01-E is limited to 300 pieces and can be ordered directly from Voxel’s website. If you want to find out more about this watch, you can do so right here.
