The Case for Practicality
Art Deco roots. Military utility. Powered by Quartz.
In the world of watchmaking, it is easy to get lost in complications. Tourbillons, perpetual calendars, high beat rates—these are all marvels of engineering. But sometimes, in the pursuit of mechanical complexity, we lose sight of what a watch is actually for.
It’s meant to be worn. It’s meant to be ready.
With the first release for 2026 coming from our Standard Picks, the CLQ2601, we wanted to return to the essence of the "Daily Watch." We wanted to create a timepiece that doesn't just sit in a watch box waiting for a special occasion, but one that you reach for instinctively every morning.
The Return of the Cushion Case
To build the ultimate all-rounder, we looked back to the 1920s. The "Cushion Case" (or squircle) emerged during the Art Deco era as a stylish rebellion against the traditional round pocket watch. It was elegant, architectural, and distinct.
But by the 1940s, the narrative shifted. The shape was adopted by military divers—most notably the Italian Navy—because it was robust and legible.
This duality—Elegance meets Utility—is exactly why we chose the Cushion Case for the CLQ2601. It’s a shape that defies labels. It looks just as at home under a tailored suit cuff as it does with a rolled-up denim jacket.
Ibarra DNA: A Crossover
Design-wise, the CLQ2601 reflects a "greatest hits" of the Ibarra archives. We blended the rich, textured depth of the Mariano with the sharp, raised indices of the Soldado. The result is a metallic sun ray dial that catches the light dynamically, anchored by a small-seconds sub-dial that adds a touch of class without feeling stuffy.
The "Hot Take": Quartz is Cool
Let’s address the elephant in the room. The CLQ2601 is Quartz. And we are proud of that.
We believe that a serious watch is one that respects your time. By using the reliable Miyota 1L45 movement, we achieved two things that are impossible with most affordable automatics:
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A 7.9mm Profile: The watch is incredibly slim, slipping effortlessly under any sleeve.
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Grab-and-Go Reliability: There is no winding. No resetting the time after a weekend away. It is always precise, always ready.
The Verdict
Whether you choose the sharp Moonshot Gray or the warm Champagne Burst, the CLQ2601 is designed to be the most practical, stylish piece in your rotation.
It’s an all-rounder. It’s a tool. It’s a classic. Dress it up. Dress it down. Wear it out.
Ordering: December 23, 2025
Shipping: Starts on January 15, 2026