In a busy field of microbrand watches, Abingarnim rods are trying to distinguish themselves. It is being marketed as a compact, versatile diver who also serves as a travel companion. The question is whether this debut offers more than just a fresh name for the scene. I had the opportunity to try it and see what it was.
Nimrod combines robust specifications with thoughtful concepts. It is usually made to feel both robust and refined, paying attention to the proportions and details associated with a single passion project. Let’s explore what this newcomer brings to the table.
New players in town
Abinger is the creator of Thomas Hauson Hill, who discovered his love for mechanical watches after receiving Mont Blanc as a gift. The finely completed sight of movement left a lasting impression and sparked a journey to the clock. Over time, visits and meetings to fairs with small manufacturers were inspired by him to start his own watch brand.
Tom’s vision for Abinger revolves around travel in the broadest sense. It is not only a luxurious holiday, but also the daily journey and adventure that shapes our lives. The website also starts with “Designed for everything, built for whom.” So I think we can safely state that Abinger is aiming to build a watch (where you go, whatever you want).
Tom explains that he was planning to first create a model that only has fixed bezel time. Along the way, he was inspired to push it further and create a travel-centric diver instead. I would like to see his vision of a model only for his time, but I’m sure he will release it at some point in the future.
Abing Garnim Rod
Therefore, Nimrod is Abinger’s debut model. It was conceived as any diver with versatility to adapt to any situation. The combination of compact dimensions, subtle styling and solid build makes it equally suitable for underwater use, outdoor adventures and everyday wear.
The name Nimrod suggests a source of several adventure-related inspiration. The chief among them is a modified anti-submarine plane, but he also mentions Ernest Shackleton’s Nimrod expedition. Tom adds other small hints of his source of inspiration. Curly 6, for example, suggests both the fabric and interior design backgrounds in which William Morris, along with his Baroque desin, serves as the subject of his admiration. This number is modeled after six of his Holy Grail clock, Grasquitte’s original seas.
Abinger Nimrod Specification
The watch bezel has a diameter of 38.5mm, but the case itself is a 45mm lug-to-lag span and is half a millimeter less. Thanks to its 10.9mm profile, the Nimrod feels wonderfully slim for divers. Made from 316L stainless steel with hard coating (1,200 hV) for extra scratch resistance. The watch also offers a solid 200m water resistance rating. Interestingly, the entire case and bracelet are painted with a brush, with only one polished chamfer on the back. Tom says the watch is not intended to be flaunted, but instead is intended to hide the wounds. In his words, “Business in the front. Party in the back.”
There are three variations of the dial. Green Hearn, Brown Ardent Fall, and Black Knight Fire. Each features a sunburst finish with BGW9 Lume molded ceramic markers. The Arabic numbers add clarity, but the 12-hour bezel offers the possibility to track a second time zone rather than passing diving time. The DLC-coated steel insert is completely scraped and attached to make it look restrained and transparent. A sapphire crystal with an internal reflective coating covers the dial, while a sapphire-equipped display case reveals movement.
Inside, check the automatic Miyota 9039. This relatively slim caliber lowers the overall profile while providing a power reserve of around 42 hours. It is regulated to run within the range of -10 to +15 seconds per day.
I’m wearing an abin garnim rod
When I opened the package, two things immediately stood out to me. Firstly, the Abinganim rod looks neat, clean and calm. Tom’s ambition to keep it subtle went well. Secondly, proportions are similarly subtle.
Nimrods are worn very well, thanks to their understated dimensions. It’s great and thin for a dive watch that’s rated at 200m. Overall, you forget that you’re wearing it very quickly. The short H-link on the bracelet and the Toolless Micro-Adjustment mechanism help you wear comfort and perfect sizing. The Abinger also includes Bayonet quick release pins in the bracelet.
Optional strap Nimrod
I’m not 100% sure about choosing a 12 hour bezel. Abinger clearly chose to emphasize the travel side of the watch, rather than the diving skills. I would have been chosen in a different way, but it is subjective.
First impressions of Abinger’s debut
At this point, I should probably state the price of the Abinganim rod. The watch is £650, which means you get to see a lot of your money. Abinger checks all typical spec boxes. You’ll get reliable movement, proper water resistance, sapphire sandwiches, quick release bracelets, and simple microadjusting agents. It also looks well made.
Overall, this is a promising debut for the younger brand. My one doubt is about the clarity of positioning. If you say you tend to draw inspiration from anywhere, trust me. But in an adventure/Gadah clock-filled world, you will need a clear story to assert your position. They keep an eye on everything and everyone feels perhaps a little safe.
That being said, I prefer to look at decent watches from companies that still find a niche rather than a smooth branded sub-par timekeeper. I will follow Abinger moving forward and I hope Tom has a very successful pre-sale! Delivery is expected in March 2026, so pre-orders can now be placed.
What do you think about Abinganim Rod? Let us know in the comments section below!
