Split Bi-Compax Chronograph

A new watch brand has entered the market, founded on a principle that extends far beyond the simple measurement of hours and minutes. Split emerges not from a desire to perpetuate the traditions of a heritage-focused industry, but from a deeply personal mission to foster connection and conversation. The brand's debut is a collection of Bi-Compax Chronograph timepieces that embody this ethos, blending modern materials and a robust mechanical heart with a story of resilience and a commitment to mental health awareness. These watches are the product of an industry veteran's journey, designed to be instruments of dialogue as much as they are tools for timekeeping.



The story of Split is inextricably linked to its founder, Ed Margulies, a third-generation watchmaker whose career is a formidable résumé of experience within the highest echelons of horology. His journey began with training at the Longines factory in the late 1990s, followed by time at the Vacheron Constantin manufacturer in Switzerland. This foundation led him to a significant role as a brand manager, where he was responsible for overseeing the UK distribution for some of the most respected names in the business, including Blancpain, Audemars Piguet, Hublot, and Girard-Perregaux. This immersion provided him with an unparalleled understanding of what makes the luxury watch world tick.



Despite his success, Margulies felt a growing disconnect between the industry he knew and the modern world it served. He envisioned a different kind of watch brand—one with grit and purpose, rooted in the craft of watchmaking but not shackled by its conventions. He found inspiration in the straightforward clarity of the bi-compax chronograph layout and the substance-first innovation of brands like Seiko, particularly their early two-register automatic chronographs. This admiration for functional, bold design became a cornerstone of his creative vision.



The true catalyst for creating Split, however, came from a more personal place. After confronting his own resurfaced trauma and navigating a difficult period with his mental health, Margulies was determined to create something more meaningful. He did not want to return to business as usual. Instead, he wanted to build a brand that could stand for vulnerability as a form of strength and encourage the very conversations that are crucial for mental well-being. This mission to challenge the status quo led him to found Split, a brand forged by experience and built to connect.



To bring this vision to life, Margulies collaborated with his friend Dara, a musician-turned-consultant who shared the same conviction that a product should be raw, real, and grounded in truth. Together, they established the core tenets of Split. Every aspect, from the design philosophy to the material selection, had to reflect a new mindset. The brand would move beyond the heavy, polished stainless steel standard, opting for materials that were lighter, tougher, and more forward-thinking, mirroring the brand's unapologetic and resilient character.



Central to Split's identity is its social impact mission. The brand has formed a meaningful partnership with Anna Freud, a mental health charity dedicated to supporting young people and their families. This collaboration is not a footnote but a fundamental component of the brand's operation. For every single Split watch sold, the company funds one hour of therapy for an individual in need. This tangible commitment transforms each purchase into an act of support, turning the concept of time into a shareable gift.



The brand's name, "Split," carries a layered significance. It is a direct nod to the split-second chronographs in Margulies' personal collection, which date from the 1950s to the present. More profoundly, it speaks to a modern paradox: in an age of unprecedented digital connectivity, many people feel increasingly disconnected and split from one another and from themselves. The brand aims to address this schism by creating products that serve as conversation starters.



This philosophy is visually encoded into the watches themselves. In a deliberate break from industry marketing standards, where watch hands are almost universally set to 10:10 to create a smiling, symmetrical look, Split watches are presented with their hands at 7:23. This setting is intended to symbolize a "Braveface," a subtle but potent acknowledgment of the silent struggles many people face. The brand's logo, an asterisk, further reinforces this message. It was chosen to represent the power of adding depth and meaning to a story, inviting the observer to look closer and uncover the truths that lie beneath the surface.



The debut collection consists of five distinct models, each a variation of the same Bi-Compax Chronograph design. The MC-1, MC-2, MC-3, and MC-4, along with the Sub-7, share a unified architecture but are distinguished by their bold colorways. Each model is a limited edition of 250 pieces, reinforcing the unique nature of the project. The design is immediately striking, characterized by an angular, multi-faceted 42mm case that eschews simple roundness for a more aggressive and modern profile.



The case material itself is a statement of intent. Instead of steel, Split utilizes Ceramod+, a fused ceramic material chosen for its advanced properties. This material is not only tough and scratch-resistant but also possesses thermal properties that ensure it remains comfortable against the skin, regardless of ambient temperature. The case measures 15mm in thickness, giving it a substantial presence on the wrist that is balanced by the lightweight nature of the ceramic construction. The case sides feature horizontal grooves that add texture and visual complexity, while a screw-down crown and robust mushroom-style pushers contribute to its functional credentials and a water resistance of up to 100 meters.



Looking at the watches, the color palettes are expressive and varied. The MC-1 features a muted beige case and strap, with a matching dial accented by black subdials and vibrant green hands. The MC-2 is a stealthy all-black execution with white subdials and the same green accents, creating a high-contrast "reverse panda" effect. The MC-3 uses a deep, matte blue for its case and strap, paired with white subdials and bright red hands for a classic sporting look. The MC-4 adopts an olive-green color scheme with mustard-yellow subdials and red hands, evoking a modern military aesthetic. Finally, the Sub-7 is the most audacious of the group, rendered in a brilliant, saturated yellow with white subdials and red hands.



The dials are designed for clarity and function. The bi-compax layout features two subdials positioned at 3 and 9 o'clock, with a neatly framed date window at the 6 o'clock position. A tachymeter scale is printed on the angled chapter ring, providing additional functionality. The brand's asterisk logo and name are prominently displayed below the 12 o'clock marker. Readability is prioritized, with applied hour markers and hands treated with the highest-grade luminescent material to ensure visibility in low-light conditions. The entire dial is protected by a flat sapphire crystal with an anti-glare coating.



Powering these timepieces is a Japanese bi-compax automatic chronograph movement sourced from the Seiko family. Visible through an exhibition caseback, the choice of movement reflects the brand's philosophy of substance and reliability over Swiss-made prestige for its own sake. The caliber is a robust and proven performer, showcasing the intricate mechanics of the chronograph function. The sapphire crystal on the caseback is framed by an engraved steel ring that denotes the model, its limited-edition number, and the words "DESIGNED IN LONDON."



The integrated strap is another key element of the watch's design and material-forward approach. It is crafted from FKM rubber, a high-performance fluoroelastomer known for its exceptional durability and comfort. FKM is resistant to high temperatures, chemicals, water, and sweat, making it more hygienic and long-lasting than many other strap materials. The strap's design complements the case, featuring a honeycomb texture near the lugs before transitioning into horizontal ribs, and it secures to the wrist with a simple, sturdy pin buckle.



Adding another layer of meaning, Split offers a personalization service for the straps. Upon request, a personal message can be added using hand-written calligraphy, transforming the watch into a unique token of connection or a personal reminder. This service underscores the brand's focus on individual stories and the power of a personal touch in a world of mass production.



To ensure the longevity and performance of its products, Split has established a dedicated after-sales service program. This department is led by master watchmaker Kelvin Rampersad, an industry veteran with over four decades of experience working with top-tier luxury brands. His expertise provides owners with the assurance that their timepiece will be maintained to the highest possible standards, reflecting a commitment to quality that extends well beyond the initial purchase.



The Split Bi-Compax Chronograph collection is a bold first step for a brand determined to do things differently. It successfully merges a modern, aggressive design language with high-performance materials and a reliable mechanical movement. The watches make a strong visual statement on the wrist, with their vibrant colors and architectural cases setting them apart from more traditional offerings in the chronograph space.



Beyond the physical product, however, is a compelling narrative and a tangible social mission. By tying its identity to the cause of mental health awareness and backing it up with a direct-action partnership, Split has created a product with a purpose. It challenges the conventional notions of luxury, suggesting that the true value of an object can lie in the conversations it starts and the positive impact it creates.



The initial collection is priced at $2,070 per watch. Given the unique case material, automatic chronograph movement, and limited-edition nature, this positions the brand in a competitive segment of the market. However, the added value comes from its story and its mission. For those who resonate with the founder's journey and the brand's commitment to fostering dialogue and supporting mental health, the Split chronograph is not just another timepiece.



Case: Ceramod+ case, 42mm diameter, 15mm thickness. Sapphire crystal with anti-glare coating. Water-resistant to 100 meters with a screw-down crown and mushroom pushers.

Movement: Japanese bi-compax automatic chronograph from the Seiko family, visible through an exhibition caseback.

Dial: Bi-compax layout with two subdials and a date window. Features highest-grade luminescence on hands and markers for visibility.

Strap: 20mm FKM rubber strap. Can be personalized with hand-written calligraphy on request.

Price: $2,070

Reference Number: MC-1 (Beige), MC-2 (Black), MC-3 (Blue), MC-4 (Olive Green), Sub-7 (Yellow)

Notes: Limited edition of 250 pieces for each model. For every watch sold, one hour of therapy is donated in partnership with Anna Freud. The hands are marketed at the 7:23 'Braveface' position.