For a young brand better known for playful dial designs and design-forward watches, venturing into the world of dive watches is no small move. With the new Paulin Mara, the Scottish brand introduces its very first tool watch—a piece that blends utilitarian purpose with the artistic sensibility that has defined its identity from the beginning.
A Scottish Voice in Contemporary Watchmaking
Founded in 2013 in Glasgow, Paulin Watches quickly stood out for its experimental typography, bold use of color, and collaborations with local creatives. Positioned in the accessible luxury segment, the brand carved a niche by doing things differently, often prioritizing originality over conformity. The Mara marks a turning point: it’s the first time Paulin steps into the dive watch category, a territory dominated by heavyweights but also one that offers a chance to showcase craftsmanship with real-world practicality. Named after Loch Mara, a nod to Scotland’s rugged coastal landscapes, the model roots itself in the brand’s local DNA while speaking the universal language of the dive watch.
Built for Depth, Refined for Daily Wear
The Mara comes in a 39mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 12.6mm and a lug-to-lug span of 46mm, dimensions that strike a balance between vintage proportions and modern wrist presence. The watch is water-resistant to 200 meters, meeting the requirements of ISO 6425 dive standards. A unidirectional rotating bezel with a ceramic insert ensures durability and legibility underwater.
Inside beats the La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement, a reliable caliber with an impressive 68-hour power reserve, hacking seconds, and efficient winding architecture. This choice of movement signals Paulin’s intention to play in a higher league, positioning the Mara not just as an entry-level diver, but as a serious contender for enthusiasts who care about what’s ticking beneath the dial.
Design That Feels Both Familiar and Fresh
Where many dive watches lean heavily on established codes, the Mara carries Paulin’s design DNA into a more utilitarian framework. The dial options—ranging from deep blue to black and silver variations—are crisp, highly legible, and finished with applied indices coated in Super-LumiNova for nighttime visibility. The handset follows a simple but distinctive approach, with blocky shapes that echo the brand’s geometric design sensibility.
The overall look makes the Mara versatile: it’s a watch that can transition seamlessly from wetsuit to weekend city wear, appealing to those who want robustness without sacrificing aesthetic coherence. The attention to finishing on the case and bracelet, combined with a slightly understated elegance, ensures it won’t feel out of place in more refined settings. It’s this hybrid quality—tool watch credibility paired with design-forward thinking—that makes the Mara stand out.
A Considered Entry Into the Dive Watch World
At $1,650 USD, the Paulin Mara enters competitive territory, rubbing shoulders with established Swiss and Japanese players. Yet, the watch’s combination of a Swiss caliber, thoughtful proportions, and a genuine sense of design originality makes it a compelling proposition. Availability begins in September 2025, directly from the brand’s website and (very few) select retail partners.
For collectors who enjoy supporting independent voices in watchmaking, or for newcomers seeking a first serious diver that doesn’t feel derivative, the Mara offers real value. It’s a bold move from a young brand—and one that feels like the beginning of a deeper journey. And if you are into micro-brands which make great dive watches, check out Eska’s Amphibian 250 Green Turtle and Hanhart’s Aquasphere Ocean Fade !
