Maen Hudson MK5: A Microbrand Diver Gets Back to Its Roots
The Microbrand Diver That Started It All Returns
Eight years ago, Stockholm-based Maen Watches launched on Kickstarter with the Hudson — a compact, vintage-inspired diver that helped define the microbrand movement of the late 2010s. Now, the brand has returned to its roots with the Maen Hudson 38 MK5, an incremental but meaningful update to the model that put them on the map. According to aBlogtoWatch, the MK5 brings modern refinements while staying true to the original's appeal.
What Changed in the MK5
The Hudson has always measured 38mm wide, but the MK5 sees subtle dimension changes: thickness increased from 10.5mm to 11mm, reaching 13.2mm with the box sapphire crystal. The 47mm lug-to-lug keeps it wearable on most wrists. Water resistance remains a robust 300m, thanks to a screw-down crown — impressive for such a compact case.
Notable design updates include:
- Polished ceramic bezel insert with lumed pip
- Removal of the polished chamfer along the case edge (now more reminiscent of vintage Rolexes)
- Split-finish center links on the bracelet with quick-release springbars
- Grained dial texture, more pronounced than the previous Mark IV
Movement Upgrade: La Joux-Perret G100
The most significant change is under the hood. The Hudson MK5 is powered by the La Joux-Perret G100 automatic caliber, offering a 68-hour power reserve at 28,800 vph. This marks the fourth different Swiss movement across five iterations of the Hudson — a journey that included ETA 2824, STP1-11, and Ronda R-150. The G100 represents what Maen considers the right balance of reliability and performance for the price.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 38mm |
| Thickness | 13.2mm (with crystal) |
| Lug-to-Lug | 47mm |
| Water Resistance | 300m |
| Movement | La Joux-Perret G100 |
| Power Reserve | 68 hours |
| Price | $1,125 USD |
Is the Vintage Diver Formula Still Relevant?
As aBlogtoWatch's Mike Razak noted, "There's something curious about a vintage-inspired, affordable diver in 2026." When the Hudson debuted, a dive watch was the way to establish credibility as a new microbrand. Today, brands more often launch with dress watches or integrated-bracelet sports pieces. Yet the Hudson remains a well-built offering that Maen clearly feels still has a place in its catalog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What movement does the Maen Hudson MK5 use?
A: The La Joux-Perret G100 automatic caliber with 68-hour power reserve.
Q: Is the Hudson MK5 the same as the original Kickstarter model?
A: No. While the 38mm case size is retained, the MK5 features updated dimensions, a ceramic bezel insert, new bracelet design, and a completely different movement.
Q: How much does the Maen Hudson MK5 cost?
A: $1,125 USD.
According to aBlogtoWatch. For more on microbrand diving watches, see our guide at /pages/microbrand-diving-watches-guide.