In a sea of derivative designs, the Makina Azazel_I stands out as a bold and unapologetic statement. With its monolithic case, stark dial, and mechanical purity, this new release from Makina Watches challenges the conventions of independent horology—and does so with striking clarity.
A Different Kind of Independent Watchmaker
Founded in the Philippines in 2017 by Marlan Reyes, Makina Watches has carved a space for itself as a brand that values uncompromising design and conceptual storytelling. Rather than chasing vintage reissues or familiar Swiss tropes, Makina channels a more introspective and artistic approach. The brand has slowly gained recognition for its unique case shapes, architectural inspiration, and a design language that draws more from sculpture and philosophy than from traditional watchmaking codes.
The Azazel_I represents a new peak in that journey. Its name—drawn from the mythological figure Azazel—hints at rebellion and solitude, while the design embraces rawness and intentional asymmetry. It’s not a watch for everyone, but that’s exactly the point.
Technical Brutalism on the Wrist
The Azazel_I is built around a chunky, brutalist stainless steel case measuring 40mm wide, 46mm lug to lug, and 12.2mm thick. The profile is distinctive: almost monobloc, with sharp planes, a sunken crown at 3 o’clock, and flat surfaces that feel more industrial sculpture than traditional wristwatch.
The dial is pure minimalism with a twist—a mat black finish with sandblasted texture, featuring a single, skeletonized minute and hour hands and a rotating second disk that adds lots of depth. As for. the lume, it has been extremely well thought out to create a singular visual signature that seems like it came from the future.
Powering the watch is a Sellita SW260-1 automatic movement, a swiss caliber known for its reliability and solid specs: 4Hz frequency, 42-hour power reserve, and hacking seconds. Makina keeps the back closed with a true work on its design to stay true to the spirit of the watch.
A Watch for the Introspective Nonconformist
The Azazel_I isn’t made to complement a business suit or to collect compliments at a watch meetup. It’s a piece for someone who seeks solitude in their style, who prefers watches that prompt questions rather than admiration. Its design draws heavily from brutalist architecture, minimalist art, and perhaps even the anonymity of dystopian design.
Worn with black denim or layered neutral tones, the Azazel_I makes a powerful visual statement, yet it stays emotionally quiet. There’s a sense of mechanical poetry in its restraint, a kind of meditative clarity that comes from its stripped-back presentation. This is a watch that prioritizes presence over function, narrative over nostalgia.
Final Thoughts, Pricing, and Availability
The Makina Azazel_I is available now in limited quantities, priced at $900 USD. That’s a compelling proposition for a watch with this level of conceptual clarity, mechanical reliability, and design independence. It won’t appeal to everyone, but for those it does, it may just be the only watch they need—or want to wear.
It’s always refreshing to see a watch that doesn’t try to please the masses. The Azazel_I embraces its singular vision and doesn’t flinch, making it one of the more intellectually compelling releases we’ve seen this year. Sometimes, the best watches don’t shout. They whisper—just loud enough for the right ears to hear. And if you are into unconventional watches, you are going to love MING’s 37.02 Monolith !
