Hands-On with the Studio Underd0g: A Watch Review of Britain's Most Playful Brand

Studio Underd0g has carved a unique position in the affordable price range. While most watch companies at this price point chase conservative designs hoping to offend no one, this British operation embraces bold colours and genuine personality. The result? A maker that actually stands out in a crowded market.

This watch review examines Studio Underd0g as a whole — their philosophy, their 01Series collection, and whether the colourful approach delivers substance alongside style. For anyone exploring the microbrand landscape or seeking a fun watch alternative to conservative options, understanding what separates genuine character from mere gimmick matters. The watch industry has seen countless entrants promising uniqueness; few deliver as consistently as this operation.

Who Is Behind Studio Underd0g?

Richard Benc founded Studio Underd0g after observing how seriously the watch industry took itself. Where others saw heritage and tradition, Benc saw an opportunity for joy. The company launched with a simple premise: mechanical timepieces should make people smile, not intimidate them.

Benc's background in design informs every decision. Rather than chasing specifications or competing on movement pedigree, Studio Underd0g prioritises emotional connection. Each reference receives a name evoking memories — ice cream flavours, summer days, childhood nostalgia. The approach has attracted a devoted following who appreciate that not every watch purchase needs justification through investment potential.

The operation remains intentionally small. Richard Benc stays involved in designing watches and engaging directly with the watch community through social media and events. This accessibility distinguishes the company from faceless corporate competitors. Buyers feel they're supporting an individual vision rather than shareholder returns.

What Does the 01Series Collection Offer?

The 01Series forms studio underd0g's core lineup — a range of manual-wind pieces sharing fundamental specifications while varying dramatically in dial presentation. This approach lets buyers choose personality rather than parsing technical differences. The collection strategy makes selection about emotional response rather than specification comparison.

Construction remains consistent across variants. The 38.5mm case uses 316L stainless steel with brushed and polished finishing. The 44.5mm lug-to-lug measurement keeps proportions wearable across wrist sizes. At 13.6mm thick, these pieces accommodate their mechanical movements without becoming unwieldy. A double domed sapphire crystal protects each dial while adding visual depth that flat alternatives cannot match.

What varies is colour. The Mint Ch0c Chip delivers ice cream parlour vibes through its distinctive palette. Go0fy Panda offers classic contrast with subtle character that rewards close examination. Watermelon combines pink and green for summer energy that photographs remarkably well. Desert Sky evokes southwestern sunsets with blue and tan gradients. Each tells a different story while sharing identical mechanical DNA — making collection building about personal resonance rather than specification chasing.

What Movement Powers These Pieces?

Inside every 01Series beats the Seagull ST-1901, a manual wind chronograph movement derived from the historic Venus 175. This Chinese calibre offers proven architecture at accessible pricing — genuine functionality without the Swiss premium. The movement choice reflects Studio Underd0g's priorities: substance over prestige.

The seagull movement features a swan neck regulator for precise rate adjustment and delivers approximately 45 hours of power reserve. Manual wind means daily winding rituals connect owners directly to the mechanism. There's satisfaction in this engagement that automatic movements cannot replicate. The ritual becomes part of the ownership experience rather than inconvenience.

Through the steel case back, decorated movement finishing remains visible. Blued screws and striped bridges demonstrate care beyond baseline requirements. The bicompax layout positions running seconds at 9 o'clock and a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, keeping dial symmetry balanced. 

How Does Dial Design Define the Brand?

The dial represents where Studio Underd0g truly differentiates from competitors. While others play safe with black, white, and blue, this brand does something different entirely. Each watch dial becomes a canvas for expression.

Colour choices follow deliberate logic. Watermelon's pink and green evoke summer fruit. Desert sky's gradient recalls American southwest sunsets. The Mint Ch0c Chip conjures childhood ice cream memories. The approach has created devoted fans who connect with particular colourways on personal levels.

The dial maintains functionality despite the playful approach. Applied hour markers carry lume for low-light legibility. A tachymeter scale circles the chapter ring for timing functionality. Sub-dial registers remain sized for practical reading. The chronograph seconds hand sweeps centrally while typography adds a bit of texture and character.

What Is the Wearing Experience Like?

On wrist, underd0g's pieces wear smaller than specifications suggest which i personally prefer. The compact lug configuration combined with curved case profiles hugs medium wrists comfortably. This is a fun watch approach that earns attention through colour rather than demanding it through size. The wearing experience rewards those who appreciate thoughtful ergonomics over aggressive proportions.

The included leather strap uses quality materials with quick-release spring bars. A brown leather strap suits most variants, though collaborations with Strap Tailor provide additional options in various colours and materials. The 20mm width accommodates countless aftermarket alternatives for further personalisation.

Pusher operation feels appropriately crisp. The rectangular pushers actuate timing functions with satisfying feedback — start, stop, and reset proceed smoothly. Crown winding delivers appropriate resistance without excessive effort. Daily wearing experience suggests these were designed by someone who actually wears their creations regularly and understands practical needs beyond specification sheets.

How Does Studio Underd0g Compare to Competitors?

The independent landscape offers countless options at similar pricing. What distinguishes this operation isn't specifications — many competitors offer equivalent movements and construction — but rather design. Where others hedge toward broad appeal, Studio Underd0g makes specific aesthetic choices that attract devoted fans rather than casual browsers.

At roughly £500, pricing positions these pieces against serious competition. Operations using Sellita automatics or offering greater water resistance exist at similar price points. Studio underd0g's value proposition centres on personality unavailable elsewhere. The new watch buyer choosing between generic options and something genuinely distinctive faces a style decision, not a specification comparison. This clarity of purpose helps potential customers self-select appropriately.

The community amplifies this positioning. Watch fair appearances, engaged social media presence, and limited pre-order window releases create enthusiasm pure specifications cannot generate. Buyers join a community valuing fun alongside function — collectors who understand that not every purchase needs to be justified as an investment.

Who Should Consider This Brand?

The ideal buyer rejects the notion that serious horology requires serious aesthetics. Studio Underd0g appeals to collectors who already own conservative pieces and want contrast — something for weekends, holidays, or simply days requiring something different. The playful approach works precisely because it doesn't pretend to be anything else.

First watch buyers also find appeal here. The 01Series demonstrates that mechanical excellence and visual fun coexist, potentially sparking lifelong collecting interest. The accessible price point reduces risk while delivering genuine horological content. For someone exploring whether mechanical timepieces suit them, these offer compelling entry points with genuine character.

Those requiring maximum specifications per pound, or seeking conservative investment pieces, should explore elsewhere. Studio underdog exists precisely to reject those priorities. This is watchmaking that prioritises joy over status, personality over prestige. 

What Are Potential Limitations?

Honest assessment requires acknowledging constraints. The 50m water resistance limits swimming use despite sport styling. Manual wind operation demands daily attention — forget to wind and the piece stops. Some buyers prefer automatic movements precisely to avoid this ritual, though others find the daily engagement satisfying.

The Seagull movement, while reliable, lacks prestige some buyers seek. Those wanting Swiss calibres for philosophical reasons won't find satisfaction here. Similarly, bold colours limit versatility — wearing certain variants to conservative environments requires confidence not everyone possesses.

Is Studio Underd0g Worth Your Attention?

For buyers aligned with the philosophy, absolutely. The combination of functionality, aesthetics, and accessible pricing creates genuine value for money. This represents a watch brand democratising real complications and craftsmanship while adding genuine character that mass-market alternatives simply cannot provide.

The operation has built something meaningful in crowded territory. Rather than competing on specifications or heritage narratives, they've carved space around design. A closer look at studio reveals consistent execution of this vision across their growing collection. Each new release maintains the core identity while exploring fresh colour combinations.

Whether as an entry point to watches or deliberate contrast to conservative collections, Studio Underd0g delivers what it promises: pieces that make people smile. In an industry often taking itself too seriously, that's worth celebrating. The watch world benefits from makers willing to embrace joy rather than chasing prestige alone.

Key Takeaways

• Studio Underd0g offers playful designs that deliberately contrast with serious luxury positioning, making mechanical pieces accessible.
• The 01Series collection shares consistent 38.5mm case construction while varying dramatically in dial colour and personality.
• Seagull ST-1901 movement provides genuine mechanical chronograph functionality with swan neck regulator at remarkable value.
• Dial creativity defines the collection — variants use colour for emotional connection beyond specifications.
• Construction quality including sapphire crystal and decorated movement delivers above expectations for the price point.
• Richard Benc's vision prioritises joy over status, creating an identity distinct from conservative competitors and resonating with collectors worldwide.
• The wearing experience balances colourful personality with genuinely functional chronograph operation and comfortable ergonomics.
• Value proposition centres on personality and mechanical authenticity rather than prestige or specification maximisation — making these pieces genuinely worth considering for anyone seeking something different.

Which colourway would suit your collection? Understanding Studio Underd0g means recognising that sometimes a watch should simply bring happiness — and this operation delivers exactly that promise. Whether you're drawn to the summer energy of fruit-inspired palettes or the classic contrast of panda layouts, there's something here for collectors who refuse to take horology too seriously. That attitude is exactly what makes these pieces worth considering.