Inside Secret Orbital II: A Watch That Escapes the Circle

For centuries, the hands of a watch have followed the same predictable path: a perfect circle. It's a design so ingrained in our perception of time that we rarely question it. The Secret Orbital II from Mandetbrote watches challenges this fundamental convention with a captivating mechanical display that traces a new path for the hour. This in-depth review explores the engineering, materials, and value behind this Kickstarter project for backers seeking a timepiece that truly offers a different perspective on time.

Quick Answer: Is the Secret Orbital II Mechanical Watch Worth Backing?

For enthusiasts of mechanical watches and innovative design, the Secret Orbital II presents a compelling proposition. Its standout feature is the unique orbital display, where the hour indicator travels along a rounded quadrilateral path rather than a traditional circle. This is powered by a custom-modified Miyota 9015 automatic movement, a reliable caliber known for its durability. Combined with premium materials like an aventurine glass dial and a double-domed sapphire crystal, it offers features often found in more expensive timepieces. With over HK$ 535,843 pledged from more than 166 backers, the project shows significant interest and is well past its funding goal, indicating strong community confidence in the experienced team.

1. The market context: why this matters now

The microbrand watch market is crowded. Many new entries compete by offering variations on established designs—changing colors, case materials, or strap options. True innovation in the fundamental way a mechanical watch displays time is far less common, often reserved for high-end haute horlogerie with inaccessible price tags. Mainstream solutions have largely settled on the circular dial as the definitive standard. The Secret Orbital II enters this space by focusing its innovation on the core user experience: the act of reading time. By developing a mechanism that moves the hour indicator in a non-circular orbit, Mandetbrote watches creates a visual distinction that sets it apart from the sea of conventional three-hand watches. This approach appeals to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate mechanical novelty and want a conversation piece that demonstrates a different way of thinking about horological engineering.

2. The Quadrilateral Orbit: A New Mechanical Journey for Time

The defining feature of the Secret Orbital II is its patented orbital display system. Instead of a hand pivoting from the center, the hour indicator travels along a precisely engineered rounded quadrilateral track. This creates a constantly shifting, dynamic display that feels both mechanical and alive. The development of this system required a significant modification of the base movement to translate the rotational energy into a complex, non-circular path. This isn't just an aesthetic choice; it’s an engineering challenge that provides a fresh visual narrative for the passage of time. Each hour, the indicator arrives at a corner of the quadrilateral, momentarily altering its speed and direction in a way that circular hands cannot. This design choice directly addresses the desire for a watch that does more than just tell time—it provides a visual and mechanical spectacle that engages the owner throughout the day.

3. A Trusted Heartbeat: The Custom-Modified Miyota 9015 Movement

At the core of the Secret Orbital II is a proprietary caliber built upon the Miyota 9015 automatic movement. This Japanese-made movement is highly regarded in the industry for its reliability, slim profile, and performance, operating at a frequency of 28800 BPH (beats per hour) with 24 jewels. Mandetbrote reports a 42-hour power reserve and an accuracy of -10 to +30 seconds per day, which are solid specifications for this category. The choice of the Miyota 9015 as a base is strategic; it provides a robust and serviceable foundation that keeps the watch accessible. The team then builds upon this foundation with their custom module to drive the unique orbital display. This hybrid approach allows them to deliver an innovative time-telling mechanism without the extreme costs and potential reliability issues of developing a completely new movement from scratch, offering backers a balance of novelty and proven performance.

4. Dial and Crystal: Aventurine Glass and Domed Sapphire

The visual appeal of the Secret Orbital II extends beyond its unique movement to its carefully selected materials. The dial is crafted from genuine aventurine glass, a material containing countless microscopic mineral inclusions that sparkle and shimmer, creating an effect reminiscent of a starry night sky. This gives each watch a unique dial with exceptional depth and brilliance. Protecting this intricate display is a double-domed sapphire crystal, the second hardest material after diamond. The domed shape helps reduce distortion at the edges of the dial, while multiple layers of anti-reflective coating on the interior surface minimize glare and maximize clarity. This combination ensures not only excellent scratch resistance for everyday durability but also an unobstructed, clear view of the orbital mechanics and the beautiful aventurine background. For low-light visibility, the hands and markers are treated with Swiss Super-LumiNova® BGW9, which emits a bright blue glow.

5. Specifications at a glance

The technical details of the Secret Orbital II confirm its positioning as a well-equipped modern mechanical watch. Here are the core specifications as provided by the Mandetbrote watches team:

6. The trade-offs backers should know

While the Secret Orbital II offers an innovative design and solid specifications, prospective backers should consider a few trade-offs inherent to the project and product category:

• Movement Pedigree: The watch uses a caliber based on the Miyota 9015. While this is a highly respected and reliable Japanese movement, some watch purists exclusively seek out Swiss-made movements. This choice is a practical one to deliver the watch at an accessible price point, but it represents a trade-off compared to higher-end, Swiss-powered timepieces.
• Inherent Crowdfunding Timelines: The estimated delivery for the watch is August and September 2026. Although the Mandetbrote team has a successful track record with a previous campaign, all crowdfunding projects carry the risk of production or shipping delays. Backers should be prepared for a waiting period and the possibility of timeline adjustments.
• Niche Design Language: The orbital, non-circular display is the watch's main appeal, but it's also a bold aesthetic. It may not suit those who prefer the understated and classic look of a traditional round watch. Its unique character makes it a statement piece, which may be less versatile for highly formal settings compared to conventional designs.

7. Behind the product

The Secret Orbital II is a project by Mandetbrote watches, a team that describes itself as having over 20 years of experience in the watch design and manufacturing industry. This is not their first foray into crowdfunding. The team has two created projects on their record, including their previous campaign for the "Secret Time" watch. That project was a notable success, supported by 1,319 backers, and the team states they successfully delivered almost all watches with only minimal delays. This history provides a layer of credibility and suggests the team has established manufacturing and logistics processes, which is a critical factor for potential backers to consider when evaluating the project's risks and the likelihood of a successful delivery.

8. What backing looks like

The Kickstarter campaign for the Secret Orbital II has already surpassed its funding goal, with over 166 backers pledging more than HK$ 535,843 to bring the project to life. The primary offer for backers is the Super Early Bird tier, which prices one watch at approximately US$399, a significant discount from the future retail price. There are also tiers for purchasing multiple watches at a greater discount. Each watch comes with a 2-year international warranty, a travel packaging box, and free worldwide shipping, with duties covered by the team. The campaign funding period is set to end on August 6, 2026. The team has estimated that the first batches will begin shipping to backers in August 2026, with subsequent batches shipping in September 2026. Backers can choose their preferred colorway after the campaign concludes. To see the available options and lock in the early pricing, you can View the Kickstarter campaign →

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FAQ: Secret Orbital II

Answers to common questions about the Secret Orbital II and its Kickstarter campaign.

What is the orbital display on the Secret Orbital II?

The orbital display is the watch's unique time-telling system. Instead of a traditional hour hand that rotates around a central pivot, the Secret Orbital II features an hour indicator that physically travels along a non-circular path shaped like a rounded quadrilateral. This is achieved through a proprietary mechanical module built on top of the Miyota 9015 movement. This complex mechanism creates a dynamic and ever-changing visual on the dial, as the indicator seems to float along its orbit. The minute hand functions in a conventional way, rotating from the center, providing a familiar reference point for precise time-reading.

How does the Secret Orbital II's price compare to other mechanical watches?

The Secret Orbital II is priced very competitively within the microbrand watch market, especially considering its unique complication. The super early bird price of US$399 places it in a category where watches typically feature standard movements and designs. For this price, backers are getting a custom-modified automatic movement, a genuine aventurine dial, and a double-domed sapphire crystal. These are features often associated with watches at a higher price point. While it doesn't use a Swiss movement, the value proposition is centered on its innovative design and premium materials, offering a unique piece for a cost comparable to many entry-level automatic watches with more conventional features.

Is the Mandetbrote Secret Orbital II suitable for everyday wear?

Yes, the Secret Orbital II is designed with everyday use in mind. The case is made from 316L stainless steel, a durable and corrosion-resistant material common in quality watches. The double-domed sapphire crystal offers a high degree of scratch resistance, protecting the dial from daily bumps and scuffs. It has a stated water resistance of 50 meters, which means it can withstand splashes and brief immersion in water, such as washing hands or being caught in the rain, though it is not intended for swimming or diving. The included 20-18 mm leather strap with a folding clasp is designed for comfortable, long-term wear.

What are the risks of backing the Secret Orbital II on Kickstarter?

As with any crowdfunding project, there are inherent risks, primarily related to potential delays in production and delivery. The estimated shipping date is August/September 2026. However, Mandetbrote watches mitigates this risk with a proven track record. Their previous campaign for the "Secret Time" watch was supported by over 1,300 backers and was successfully fulfilled. This experience suggests they have a reliable supply chain and understanding of the manufacturing process. The team has also stated that production began in June, which indicates they are proactive. While no project is entirely without risk, the creator's history provides a higher level of confidence compared to a first-time creator.

How do you read the time on the Secret Orbital II watch?

Reading the time on the Secret Orbital II is intuitive despite its unconventional display. The watch features two main indicators. The first is a conventional minute hand that pivots from the center of the dial and points to the minute markers along the outer edge, just like on a standard watch. The second is the hour indicator, a small pointer that moves along the rounded quadrilateral track inside the minute ring. To read the time, you simply note the number the orbital hour indicator is pointing to and then read the minute from the central minute hand. For example, if the orbital indicator is pointing at the '3' and the central hand is pointing at the '15' minute mark, the time is 3:15.