Most people searching for Studio Underdog are first met with a spelling trick: the brand's official name is Studio Underd0g, meaning they use a zero instead of the letter 'o'. This little trick actually summarizes the brand's entire character. Studio Underd0g watches nod to traditional watchmaking but refuse to enter that room wearing a tie. The 02Series Gen2 is the most interesting phase of this attitude: it's no longer just a colorful and fun micro-brand , but a field watch that also shows its seriousness with a thinner case, improved power reserve, and more refined dial architecture . In the brand's own story, Richard Benc's idea of a serious watch that didn't take itself too seriously stands out. The name Studio Underd0g comes from this design studio + underdog character.
TL;DR
- The 02Series Gen2 makes Studio Underd0g's field watch line even more refined and user-friendly.
- The biggest technical update is the Sellita SW200-2 M Power+ and its 63-hour power reserve.
- Pink Lem0nade and Steffany Blue return, while Nightshade and Red L0lly are introduced as new colors.
- The watch is still fun; but it's now too mature to be dismissed as just fun.
- We can also say that it is a brand that is not sold in Türkiye.
Why is the 02Series Gen2 being talked about?
I think the main point here is that Studio Underd0g isn't trying to reinvent the watch from scratch with the second generation. The brand positions the 02Series as a Dirty Dozen-inspired field watch. That is, it draws from a foundation that historically references practicality, readability, and simple military watch codes. But instead of directly copying the classic field watch recipe, it translates it into its own language with multi-layered dials and colorful surfaces. The brand's official 02Series page also describes this collection as a watch that pays homage to the Dirty Dozen field watch but forges its own path.
The key difference in Gen2 is this: the energy of the first generation, "look how creative we are," has transformed into a question of "how can we make the product better while remaining creative?" The case height decreases from 12 mm to 11,5 mm, the diameter increases to 37,5 mm, and the lug-to-lug measurement is given as 46 mm. The same source states that the new generation uses the SW200-2 M Power+ instead of the SW210, and the power reserve has increased from 42 hours to 63 hours.
This marks a significant milestone in the micro-branding world. Because Studio Underd0g is no longer just talked about in terms of color or social media wit; it's also on the table in terms of product improvement.
Studio Underdog 02 design language: Field Watch But Not Too Well-Behaved
What stands out here is that the 02Series Gen2 doesn't take the field watch concept too literally. The case is simple, the proportions are measured, and the crown and overall form are functional. But on the dial side, the watch plays an almost optical game on top of classic military simplicity.
In the Gen2, the dial consists of a 1 mm thick tinted or printed sapphire top disc and a base layer underneath. The official Nightshade page states that the top dial is a 1 mm thick tinted sapphire crystal, while the base dial uses a brass base with a silver sunray finish. Time+Tide also reports that in Nightshade and Red L0lly, the color is achieved not with paint, but by tinting the top sapphire disc; this makes the underlying metallic sunray layer visible, giving a sense of depth.
The unique design observation is this: while the watch appears colorful in the photograph, on the wrist it works more through shadows and layers. The numbers and minute markers on the dial don't seem to be printed on the surface; they seem to hang suspended within the glass. This shows that Studio Underd0g's humor now lives not only in the color palette but also in the production technique.
Gen2 Technical Updates: Seemingly Small but Important Differences
The following technical summary was prepared by cross-checking data from the brand's official product page, Hodinkee, Fratello, and Time+Tide.
| Traits | Studio Underdog 02Series Gen2 |
| Case diameter | 37,5 mm |
| Thickness | 11,5 mm |
| July to July | 46 mm |
| Case material | 316L stainless steel |
| Waterproof | 10 ATM / 100 meters |
| Mechanism | Sellita SW200-2 M Power+ |
| Installation | Manual winding |
| Power reserve | 63 hours |
| Frekans | 28.800 vph / 4 Hz |
| Dial | Multilayered sapphire dial structure |
| Strap | Strap Tailor manufactured leather strap, 18/16 mm |
| Price | £875; according to sources, it's in the range of $1.200 / €950. |
On the technical side, a seemingly small but important detail is the power reserve. Increasing the power reserve from 42 to 63 hours in a manually wound watch is more than just a marketing gimmick. Knowing that the watch you wound Friday night is still working Monday morning is a real convenience, especially for collectors who rotate multiple watches. Time+Tide also emphasizes that this 21-hour increase is significant for daily use.
Another point is the thinner case. The first generation 02Series had a 37mm diameter, 12mm height, and a Sellita SW210-1/42 hour power reserve. In the Gen2, the diameter increased by half a millimeter while the thickness decreased, a small change on paper but one that feels more balanced on the wrist.
What does this mean for us as collectors?
On the collector's side, the response is divided. For some, Studio Underd0g is still a very fun, perhaps too fun, brand. Especially from a brand known for its 01Series chronographs like Watermel0n, seeing a more serious field watch might seem calmer than expected at first glance. Worn & Wound's first 02Series review also emphasized that this model was more controlled compared to the chronograph series , but more thoughtfully designed upon closer inspection.
For the other group, this balance is precisely what appeals. The 02Series Gen2 moves towards a more wearable, less toy-like feel without completely abandoning its colorful micro-brand energy. That's why Nightshade and Red L0lly are important: one looks more sophisticated with its purple-blue vintage shadow play; the other still reveals the Underd0g humor thanks to its red tone. Fratello notes that the new Red L0lly and Nightshade dials are close to the sunburst-underlayer concept previously used in Manhattan in collaboration with Fears .
I think the breaking point of this model is this: the 02Series Gen2 might have too much character for a one-hour collection; but if there's a gap in the collection for a colorful, mechanical, conversation-starting, yet serious field watch, it fits perfectly.
Who is it suitable for?
The Studio Underdog 02Series Gen2 is a strong alternative for readers who love classic field watches but find the Hamilton Khaki design a bit too familiar. With a 37,5mm diameter and 46mm lug-to-lug measurement, it offers a compact profile that will fit many wrists.
It's also meaningful for the collector seeking a story in the micro-brand world. The brand says it now assembles its watches in-house at its Maidenhead-based workshop called The D0ghouse; according to the official website, Studio Underd0g watches are assembled entirely in-house by a single person. This is a powerful detail, both emotionally and from a collector's perspective, considering the price segment.
Limitations and considerations
First of all, this is still not a field watch that everyone will love. The multi-layered sapphire dial creates depth, but in some lighting conditions, the play of shadows and reflections may not make readability as sterile as a classic single-face field watch.
The second issue is price. While Monochrome lists the first generation at around $900, Hodinkee offers $1.200 and Fratello €950 for the Gen2. Improvements are real; however, prices above $1.000/€1,000 inevitably lead micro-brand buyers to wonder what else they could buy.
Glossary of Terms
Field watch: A type of field clock that is fundamentally based on readability, robustness, and practical use.
Manual winding: The watch is wound manually by turning the winding crown, not by an automatic rotor.
Power reserve: The length of time a clock can continue to operate after it has been fully wound.
Hacking seconds: The seconds hand stopping when the crown is pulled makes precise time setting easier.
Jul to Jul: The length of the watch on the wrist is determined by the measurement from the upper ear to the lower ear.
Super-LumiNova: A phosphor-based lume material that glows in the dark.
FAQ
Is Studio Underd0g 02Series Gen2 automatic?
No. The 02Series Gen2 uses a manual-wound Sellita SW200-2 M Power+ movement. The brand positions this as a choice consistent with its field watch tradition.
What colors does Studio Underdog 02 come in?
The Gen2 collection includes references to Pink Lem0nade, Steffany Blue, Red L0lly, and Nightshade. Hodinkee and Time+Tide share these four references on their Gen2 lists.
What are the differences between the 02Series Gen2 and the first generation?
The slimmer case, extended power reserve of 63 hours, updated movement, revised dial layout, and two new color options are among the notable features.
Is the Studio Underd0g 02Series Gen2 suitable for everyday use?
With 100-meter water resistance, sapphire crystal, a compact case, and a 63-hour power reserve, it seems suitable for everyday use. However, being a leather-strapped watch, it still requires the usual caution regarding intense water exposure.
Where are Studio Underd0g clocks assembled?
The brand states that its watches are assembled in-house by its own team at The Doghouse, a Maidenhead-based workshop in Great Britain.
The continuation of the beloved series…
The Studio Underd0g 02Series Gen2 is a watch that perfectly illustrates the brand's growth reflexes. It doesn't scream for flashiness; it changes subtly to be better. The case is thinner, the movement is more user-friendly, and the dial still carries Studio Underd0g's playful wit. Therefore, simply describing it as a colorful field watch would be incomplete.
I honestly think Studio Underdog is taking the right direction. I especially think they've done a great job with this 37mm model and the field watch category. I particularly liked the purple color. They've carved out a fantastic place for themselves in the watch world, offering a nice alternative to the otherwise colorless landscape.
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