Brutalism on the Wrist: The Architectural Elegance of the Palmos One Watches

There is a pervasive school of thought in modern design that suggests “more is more.” We see it in cars with aggressive vents that lead nowhere, smartphones with more cameras than a Hollywood studio, and watches that look like they were designed by a committee of magpies. But then, there is the counter-movement—a philosophy that champions restraint, clarity, and the quiet power of raw geometry.

It is this latter camp that captures our imagination most vividly here at The Coolector, and it is precisely where the Palmos One Watches have planted their flag. Drawing inspiration from the imposing, honest structures of Brutalist architecture, this debut collection is a masterclass in how to say a lot without shouting.

At first glance, the Palmos One feels like a reaction against the unnecessary noise of the horological world. It is the first expression of the brand’s vision, uniting vintage elegance with the stark, functional beauty of modern Swiss engineering. The case measures a versatile 40mm in diameter, but it is the slender 9.2mm profile that truly sets it apart.

In an era of chunky divers and oversized complications, a watch that slides effortlessly under a shirt cuff while retaining a strong architectural presence is a rare bird indeed. Crafted from 316L stainless steel, the case is not merely polished and sent out the door; it is treated with a specialized scratch-resistant IP coating that boosts its hardness to HV1200. This ensures that the clean lines and refined brushing remain pristine, even after battling the daily grind of desk edges and door frames.

The dial follows the “less is better” ethos with religious dedication. There is no clutter, only what is essential for telling time with clarity and style. However, the simplicity of the face belies the complexity of the engine within.

Flip the watch over, and the transparent sapphire caseback reveals the beating heart of the machine: the Swiss-made Soprod M100 automatic calibre. This is a serious movement for a serious watch. Manufactured entirely in-house across Soprod’s sites in Switzerland and France, it boasts an impressive pedigree that rivals far more expensive timepieces.

With a smooth beat rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour, a 42-hour power reserve, and an Incabloc shock system, it is built for reliability. The rotor, decorated with classic Côtes de Genève stripes, adds a touch of traditional Swiss artistry to an otherwise thoroughly modern package.

What makes the Palmos One particularly compelling is the value proposition. Priced at £782, it occupies a sweet spot in the market where you are paying for genuine quality rather than inflated marketing budgets.

The watch is hand-assembled in a family-owned workshop in Switzerland with over 45 years of experience, ensuring that every component is fitted with the care it deserves. Palmos has chosen this workshop specifically because their values align—fostering a close-knit, human approach to manufacturing that is often lost in mass production.

Versatility is another key strength here. The Palmos One isn’t just a “steel sports watch”; it’s a chameleon. The integrated bracelet is seamlessly interchangeable, and the package includes premium leather and nylon straps right out of the box.

This allows you to transform the watch from a boardroom staple to a weekend warrior in seconds. With 100m of water resistance and five layers of anti-reflective coating on the sapphire crystal, it is more than capable of handling whatever your schedule throws at it.

Although shipping is slated for January 2026, the Palmos One looks to be well worth the wait. It is a timepiece for the independent thinker—the individual who appreciates the raw beauty of concrete and steel, the precision of Swiss mechanics, and the confidence that comes from wearing something that doesn’t need to scream to be heard.

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