Makina aims for a smash hit sequel with the Andras_II
Tom AustinWe’ve all seen movie franchises limp into questionable sequels that are overhyped, bloated and lacking the excitement of the first instalment. But sometimes, the sequel doesn’t just live up to the original… it surpasses it. Think Aliens, The Godfather: Part II, and Terminator II – all great movie sequels that managed to keep the fire of the original alive and pumping, building on established foundations and creating the next part of the story. Well, Makina is a watch brand from the Philippines that is doing just that: developing the next part of the story with the next instalment of the Andras.
Makina is an intriguing microbrand that takes somewhat traditional design concepts and manages to add a contemporary, modernistic flair, all while remaining timeless and unique. No stranger to releasing fresh iterations of previous models, Makina has models such as the Mephisto trilogy and the Gabriel in its lineup, all of which take inspiration from classic pieces but have a particularly unique look. In 2024, the handsomely rectangular Andras made an appearance, a significant departure from everything else in the catalogue. Now, the Andras has been given a stealthy update.
The case
The proportions of the new model remain unchanged from those of the previous model. At 33mm across, 10.5mm thick and with a 44mm lug-to-lug, it retains that ultra-wearable size that is notably smaller than several square or rectangular watches in this category. The Andras was known for its unique, sci-fi-style rectangular case shape, which looks like it could be being ejected from the hull of an interstellar spacecraft: for the Andras_II, its 316L stainless steel case has been treated to a pitch-black PVD coating, which is tough and hardwearing, but also feels tactile and smooth to the touch.
The case features a blend of polished and brushed angular surfaces, heavily machined and carefully finished for a modern twist on what is essentially a rather old watch design. Compared to Makina’s other models, this could be seen as a more restrained piece, but as a concept, I think this works; it offers wearers who want something dressy, but not too formal, with an aesthetic that would look simply awesome with a black suit and tie. However, the watch is an excellent daily wearer, boasting 50-meter water resistance and a flat sapphire crystal with no less than three anti-reflective coatings.
The dial
Aside from the blacked-out case, the majority of the changes for the Andras_II appear on the dial. Naturally, the dial itself is rectangular and features a finely textured black sandblasted surface that catches the light just right. Returning to a modern take on a classic design concept, the hours and minutes are displayed centrally in a circular dial that is deeply set into the main dial plate and features finely polished, chunkier hour markers and vibrant, painted blue hands that resemble tuning forks – a unique look. This is obstructed by a capsule-shaped cutout that extends down towards 6 o’clock, which frames a stadium-style 60-second subdial.
With the dial being so dark against the highly polished dial furniture and thanks to those incredible, double-bladed hands, the watch is highly legible. The small seconds subdial’s shape is such a unique addition that it certainly makes the Andras_II stand out in a crowd of Tank or Santos-like designs. The flash of blue helps, too, adding character to what would otherwise be a very monochromatic watch, albeit a watch with an incredibly layered and detailed dial.
The strap
Keeping up the contemporary feel of the original, the Andras_II retains the black silicone strap as before, but with a slightly simplified design. I must say that I prefer the previous iteration’s unique curves, but there’s something simple about the straight-ridged rubber strap that doesn’t overcomplicate things. The width is 20mm, so if you prefer something a little flashier, most standard 20mm straps will fit; however, this stealthy, blacked-out model understandably looks fantastic on black textured rubber.
The movement
Makina have chosen to stick with the same movement as the first model with this update: a Sellita SW260-1, which can be viewed through the circular sapphire window, which sits centrally on the flat, screw-down case back. This version has been modified to include a custom-engraved gold-plated Makina rotor, which is visually pleasing, but to be honest, the SW260-1 is more about what it can do than how it looks. It’s an automatic self-winding calibre based on the SW200-1, but it has received an upgrade for the small seconds dial. It’s well-known for its robustness and performance, along with easy maintenance, and a decent power reserve of 42 hours, which is excellent for its size.
Makina Andras_II pricing and availability
The Makina Andras_II is available now directly from Makina’s website. Price: US$800
| Brand | Makina |
| Model | Andras_II |
| Case Dimensions | 33mm (D) x 10.5mm (T) x 44mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | 316L stainless steel, black PVD coated |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Black textured finish |
| Lug Width | 20 mm |
| Strap | Black silicone strap, pin buckle |
| Movement | Sellita SW260-1, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | USD$800 |