Hemel is one of those microbrands that leans into a sense of place. By its own description, its a New York-area outfit rooted on Long island (Nassau county, close enough to Manhattan to make the point), and itS grown around a founder whose background is design and branding rather than traditional watchmaking.Its origin story is unusually straightforward: marvin Menke originally ran Hemel as a design consultancy, the first watches were conceived as gifts for clients, and the idea only turned into a proper watch project once people around him pushed it beyond the holiday-present stage. Under that wider umbrella, Eylandt is presented as the more direct, specs-forward offshoot with “no-nonsense” pricing, and even the name is a small nod to home – “Eylandt” being framed as the Dutch word for “island” in reference to Long Island.
That context makes the latest Eylandt release easier to read. [The Puck](https://www.hemelwatches.com/collections/eylandt) is a lug-less, puck-shaped 40mm watch that’s essentially built around silhouette first: a clean, no-lug disc of steel with the strap tucked underneath, kept relatively slim at 11mm, and paired with a Japanese VH31 quartz movement chosen specifically for its smoother-seeming seconds cadence. The idea is to deliver an everyday tool-ish watch with a bit more visual intention than you tend to see below the US$200 mark.
The case
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## The case and specs
The case of The Puck is where Eylandt’s design philosophy really shines. It’s 40mm in diameter, 47mm lug-to-lug, and 10.2mm thick – dimensions that should work well on a wide range of wrists. The case is constructed from 316L stainless steel with a brushed finish, giving it a robust and understated look. The bezel is a key design element, featuring a coin-edge pattern that provides a tactile grip and a vintage-inspired aesthetic. It’s not a rotating bezel, but rather a fixed element that contributes to the watch’s overall character.
Up top is a flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating; down below is a screw-down caseback that’s engraved with the brand’s logo,and the whole package is rated to 100 metres of water resistance.
The dial
Where the Puck becomes more than a case study is in the dials. Eylandt frames the range as four distinct variations tied to familiar archetypes – field, maritime, motorsport, aviation – but the more useful way to think about them is as graphic design exercises executed within the same physical template. There’s a consistent family language (the case, the bezel feel, the bright accent color that turns up again and again), but each dial changes the emotional temperature of the watch.
The Avenger is the most legible “field” of the four.It runs a black base with a bold outer minute track and an inner 24-hour scale, then uses oversized numerals that feel slightly playful. There’s a crosshair at the centre that adds to the instrument vibe, and an orange seconds hand with an arrow tip. Lume is present on the hands and indices.
The Radio Room is the outlier in the best way. It takes the idea of maritime communication references and turns it into a bold, segmented dial that reads like a piece of functional signage, featuring high-contrast Arabic numerals over a white base, with salmon and orange wedges radiating from the centre. The “Radio Room” label is printed into the dial as a literal thematic anchor, while an inner 24-hour scale adds an extra layer of information. The dial itself is fully lumed – not just glowing hands and plots, but an entire face that lights up.
Eylandt, a relatively new name in the watch world, continues to impress with its commitment to design and value. Their latest releases, The Puck and The Navigator, build upon the brand’s established aesthetic, offering compelling options for those seeking a distinctive timepiece. Both models share a common DNA, yet each possesses a unique character. Let’s dive into the specifics.
The puck: A Bold Statement
The Puck is the more adventurous of the two. It features a 40mm stainless steel case with a distinctive cushion shape. This isn’t a subtle watch; it commands attention.The dial is where The Puck truly shines,available in a range of vibrant colors – teal,orange,and a striking deep blue. Thes aren’t just painted dials; Eylandt employs a multi-layered process, resulting in a rich, textured finish that catches the light beautifully. Applied indices and a generous submission of Super-LumiNova ensure excellent legibility in all conditions.
Powering The Puck is the Seiko NH70A automatic movement, a reliable and robust caliber known for its accuracy and smooth operation. The exhibition caseback allows a view of the movement, adding to the overall appeal. Water resistance is rated at 100 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear and light water activities.
The Navigator takes a more traditional approach,offering a classic field watch aesthetic with Eylandt’s signature flair. It also features a 40mm stainless steel case, but with a more conventional round shape. The dial is available in black, cream, and a captivating olive green. The Navigator’s dial is characterized by its clean layout, Arabic numeral hour markers, and a railway-style minute track. Like The Puck, the dial boasts a multi-layered construction for added depth and visual interest.
The Navigator also utilizes the Seiko NH70A automatic movement and shares the same 100-meter water resistance. the caseback is solid, maintaining a more understated profile.
despite their distinct designs, The Puck and The Navigator share several key features. Both watches benefit from Eylandt’s attention to detail in finishing. Cases are brushed, providing a subtle yet refined texture. The dials are meticulously crafted, and the hands are well-proportioned and finished.
Across the range, Eylandt keeps the supporting cast consistent: Italian leather straps with bold contrast stitching and a signed brushed buckle. The darker, more utilitarian-looking references are shown on black leather, while the brighter dials are paired with walnut brown.
