In the ever-expanding universe of microbrand watches, differentiation is key. It's a landscape where new entrants must bring a distinct perspective, a unique design language, or a compelling story to capture the attention of enthusiasts and casual buyers alike. Emerging from the Kingdom of Bahrain, Nuun Official has steadily carved out its niche by doing just that. As the first watch brand from the Middle East, it blends a rich cultural heritage with a forward-thinking approach to materials and design. The brand's latest release, the MS Matcha, is a potent expression of this philosophy, offering a vibrant new colorway in its popular Montre Slim line that champions versatility and modern aesthetics.
Nuun Official was established with a clear mission: to create high-quality, distinctive timepieces that reflect the dynamic culture of the Arabian Gulf. Founded in just the last few years, the brand’s rapid growth is a testament to its successful formula. Now available in 64 countries with over 20 points of sale, Nuun Official has transcended its regional origins to become a global player. The core of its identity lies in its in-house design process, which takes place entirely in Bahrain. This is also where every watch is meticulously assembled, regulated, and tested in a sophisticated lab, ensuring a level of quality control that rivals more established brands.
Courtesy of Nuun Official
The brand's identity is deeply intertwined with its roots. It proudly stands as an independent Middle Eastern watch brand, drawing inspiration from a culture defined by constant motion and a drive for innovation. This manifests in collections that are described as reliable and representative extensions of the wearer. Nuun Official doesn't just sell watches; it cultivates a community around a shared appreciation for quality, design, and an adventurous spirit. It’s a brand for those who forge their own paths, whether navigating urban landscapes or exploring untrodden trails.
A significant part of Nuun Official’s appeal is its commitment to material science. While many brands in its price segment stick to conventional materials, Nuun has built a reputation for using advanced composites like Carbon X and titanium in its broader collections. Carbon X, a material with a carbon graphite base, is typically reserved for high-performance industries like aerospace and racing due to its superior durability compared to standard carbon fiber. This willingness to innovate and utilize robust, modern materials underscores the brand's commitment to building tough, dependable timepieces designed for any situation.
The new MS Matcha, while part of the more accessible Montre Slim collection, benefits from this overarching commitment to quality. It arrives as a fresh, energetic take on the brand's minimal design ethos. The name itself, "Matcha," immediately evokes the fine-ground powder of specially grown green tea leaves, a color that is simultaneously calming and invigorating. This duality is central to the watch's concept, which is designed to seamlessly transition between different environments and activities, reflecting the fluid nature of modern life.
Courtesy of Nuun Official
Visually, the MS Matcha is immediately striking. The first element to capture the eye is the dial, rendered in a soft, dusty green hue that perfectly captures the essence of its namesake. This is not a simple, flat color. The dial surface is finished with a delicate guilloché pattern. This intricate engraving radiates from the center, creating a subtle texture that plays with light in a captivating way. As the wrist moves, the light seems to dance across the dial, creating a sense of depth and preventing the minimalist design from feeling stark or plain.
The dial's layout is clean and highly legible, a hallmark of Nuun Official’s functional design approach. Instead of the standard Roman or Western Arabic numerals, the MS Matcha proudly features Eastern Arabic numerals. This is a defining characteristic for the brand, a direct and authentic nod to its Bahraini heritage. These markers, applied in a crisp silver tone that contrasts beautifully against the green background, lend the watch a unique character that sets it apart in the global market.
The hands are simple, polished silver-tone batons that align with the watch's understated character. For practical functionality, both the hands and the applied hour markers are treated with Swiss SuperLuminova®. This high-performance phosphorescent material ensures that the time remains easily readable in low-light conditions, charging with ambient light and glowing green in the dark. It’s a practical feature that reinforces the watch's status as a reliable daily companion.
The case of the MS Matcha is a study in refined geometry. Measuring a very wearable 38mm in diameter and 44mm from lug to lug, it’s a contemporary size that will suit a wide variety of wrists without feeling oversized or dainty. Perhaps its most impressive dimension is its thickness, a mere 7mm. This slim profile allows the watch to slide comfortably under a shirt cuff, reinforcing its "boardroom to baseline" versatility.
Courtesy of Nuun Official
Crafted from 316L stainless steel, the case is built for longevity. This specific grade of steel is considered a superalloy, prized for its exceptional resistance to corrosion and pitting, making it an ideal material for a watch intended for everyday wear. The case architecture itself features an integrated design with a distinct, softly octagonal bezel. The finishing is expertly executed, with a fine vertical brushing on the top surfaces of the bezel and lugs, which contrasts sharply with the polished chamfered edges. This interplay between brushed and polished surfaces adds a layer of visual sophistication and helps to articulate the case's unique shape.
Protecting the intricate dial is a pane of sapphire crystal. In the world of watchmaking, sapphire is the top-tier choice for watch glass, second only to diamond in terms of hardness. This makes it extraordinarily resistant to scratches, ensuring that the dial remains clear and unblemished through the rigors of daily life. Its superior clarity and anti-shatter properties are features typically associated with luxury timepieces, and its inclusion here speaks to Nuun Official's focus on delivering high-grade components.
At the heart of the MS Matcha beats a Japanese Cal.GL20 Miyota movement. Miyota, a part of the Citizen Group, is one of the most respected and prolific movement manufacturers in the world. The choice of a quartz movement like the GL20 is a deliberate one, aligning perfectly with the watch's design ethos. Quartz movements are known for their incredible accuracy, reliability, and minimal maintenance requirements. This makes the MS Matcha a perfect "grab-and-go" piece, always ready and keeping precise time without the need for daily winding or setting.
Courtesy of Nuun Official
One of the most compelling features of the MS Matcha package is its dual-strap system, which truly embodies the "One watch. Two worlds" marketing concept. The watch is supplied with two distinct straps, each equipped with a quick-release spring bar system. This ingenious mechanism allows the owner to swap between the straps in seconds, without the need for any special tools, completely transforming the character of the watch.
The first option is a 316L stainless steel bracelet. Its design flows seamlessly from the case, creating the popular and cohesive look of an integrated bracelet watch. The links are flat and feature the same fine brushing as the case, maintaining a consistent and sophisticated appearance. This bracelet dresses the MS Matcha up, giving it a sleek, metallic presence suitable for the office or more formal settings. The buckle is also crafted from 316L steel, ensuring a secure and durable fit.
The second strap provides a completely different feel. It is Nuun Official’s proprietary Nanoband, a rubber strap presented in a vibrant matcha green that perfectly matches the dial. This isn't just any rubber strap; it's engineered with 'DirtResist' nanotechnology, designed to repel dust and grime, keeping it looking fresh even during active use. Sourced from top-tier manufacturers, the Nanoband is designed for a precise fit and optimal comfort, making it the ideal choice for casual wear, sports, or any outdoor activity. This strap fundamentally changes the watch's personality, turning it into a bold, sporty, and energetic accessory.
Courtesy of Nuun Official
The technical specifications round out a very capable package. The 16mm lug width is proportional to the 38mm case size, maintaining the watch's balanced look. The water resistance is rated at 5 atmospheres, or 50 meters (165 feet). This level of resistance means the watch is safe from splashes, rain, and can be worn while showering or for shallow-water swimming, adding another layer of everyday practicality.
The Nuun Official MS Matcha is available for purchase directly from the brand and its authorized retailers. With a sale price of $495.00 USD, it occupies a competitive space in the market. However, for that price, the buyer receives a complete and thoughtfully designed package: a watch with a unique guilloché dial, a robust case, a reliable movement, and the immense versatility afforded by the included steel bracelet and Nanotech rubber strap. It is a testament to the brand's ability to deliver a distinct point of view and significant material value.
Case: 316L Stainless Steel; 38mm x 44mm dimension, 7mm thickness; Sapphire Crystal; Water resistance 5atm / 50m / 165ft; 16mm lug width.
Movement: Cal.GL20 Miyota Quartz.
Dial: Matcha green with guilloche pattern; Eastern Arabic numeral markers; Hands and markers with Swiss SuperLuminova®.
Strap: Includes two straps with quick-release system: a 316L Stainless Steel bracelet and a Matcha Green Nanotech Dirt Resist Rubber strap with a 316L steel buckle.
Price: $495.00 USD
Notes: Assembled in Bahrain, making it a product of the first Middle Eastern watch brand. The inclusion of both a steel bracelet and a color-matched rubber strap offers significant versatility.