If you’ve spent any time on YouTube looking at watches, you’ve definitely come across Nico Leonard. His no-filter takes, oversized personality, and genuine love for horology have built him one of the biggest platforms in the space. He’s teamed up with brands before, most notably Tissot, but this new collaboration with MAEN is something a little different. It’s independent, it’s unexpected, and it taps into a type of complication we don’t see very often at the affordable price-point: the jump hour.
Stockholm-based MAEN has been growing in popularity in recent years. Their designs do a great job of blending vintage inspiration with modern proportions. Their Manhattan 37 showed us they know how to do integrated cases right. Now, with the MAEN x Nico Leonard Jump Hour, they’re taking a swing at something even more niche, and honestly, I think they nailed it.
The Basics
Case: 34mm stainless steel (excluding crown), 9.7mm thick, 45mm lug-to-lug, 20mm lug width
Crystal: Not explicitly stated (likely sapphire)
Movement: In-house modified automatic Jump Hour (ST1721 base), 20 jewels, 38-hour power reserve
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Strap Options: Fully integrated FKM rubber strap (color-matched)
Price: €999 (excluding VAT)
Availability: Limited-time release starting April 7, 2025, via maenwatches.com
The Juice
Let’s talk size first. Yes, it’s 34mm, which is going to scare off some of you reading this. But before you dismiss it, know this: it wears a lot bigger than it sounds. The lug-to-lug is 45mm, which stretches nicely across the wrist, and the proportions are clearly intentional. It’s a callback to early 20th-century watchmaking, and in that context, the size makes perfect sense.
Now, the jump hour complication. This is the centerpiece. If you’re unfamiliar, a jump hour watch tells time with a digital-style window that snaps to the next hour at the top of the hour, rather than using a traditional hour hand. It’s a rare complication these days, especially at this price, and it’s refreshing to see it used in a watch that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The dial options feel well thought out. Forest Green has that calm, classic vibe. Black is your all-rounder, stealthy and easy to wear. And the red? That’s the bold one. It’s got personality, but it doesn’t scream. Each version comes with a matching integrated FKM rubber strap, which MAEN has been using across their collection. It’s soft, durable, and fits the case seamlessly.
Powering it is a modified ST1721 movement. Yes, a Chinese caliber, but MAEN’s in-house jump hour modification is what gives this watch its edge. Is it a high-end Swiss movement? No. But that’s not the point. This piece is about doing something different, interesting, and enthusiast-driven without pricing people out. And honestly, MAEN’s track record on build quality gives me no reason to be skeptical.
Rather than a numbered limited edition, this release will be available only for a short window starting April 7. It’s a smart approach. Still exclusive, but without the FOMO that comes from a 50-piece run selling out in five minutes.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t Nico’s first watch collab, but it feels like the most personal. It’s not just a color swap or a rebranded dial. It’s a quirky, well-executed design that leans into enthusiast tastes. The jump hour complication gives it some mechanical soul, the 34mm case plays into vintage proportions, and the color choices bring enough variety for different styles.
Is it going to be for everyone? Definitely not. But that’s what makes it cool. This is the kind of watch that sparks conversation. If you decide to splurge on this watch, you know you will have something unique that is well-made.
For €999, you’re getting a mechanical jump hour from an independent brand, designed in collaboration with one of the most recognizable voices in the watch space. That’s a pretty compelling pitch. So I’m sure they will sell a bunch of these. Learn more on MAEN’s website.