Hi watch fans!

After spending a few days with the PALMOS ONE, I can confidently say it’s a fantastic debut. If you’re into 70s sports watch aesthetics but want something modern and refined, the PALMOS ONE is a great blend of vintage charm with contemporary design and performance.

Vintage-Inspired Design with a Contemporary Twist

The 40mm case fits comfortably on my wrist, though I think a 38mm version could appeal to those who prefer a slightly smaller size. The case is slim at 9.2mm, so it wears nicely without feeling bulky. That said, the mix of fine brushing and polished chamfers around the case edges gives it a slightly dressier feel, making it a great option for both casual and formal settings. The signed, knurled crown is another great touch—it’s easy to grip and adds a bit of extra refinement to the overall look.

I’ve been wearing the blue sunburst dial version, which has really caught my eye, but I’m also a fan of the olive green option. Both colours stand out, but PALMOS offers two more understated choices: jet black and steel grey. These classic colourways offer something for everyone, from those who want to make a statement to those looking for something more subtle.

Bracelet and Clasp: Comfort and Quality

The bracelet on the PALMOS ONE continues that 70s-inspired vibe, but with a modern twist. The solid links and butterfly clasp feel robust and well-made. I found the bracelet a bit stiff out of the box, but it quickly loosened up, and I had no issue getting a comfortable fit on my just over 7-inch wrist. One of the issues with vintage-inspired bracelets is that they can feel cheap—PALMOS avoided that entirely, giving the bracelet a more premium feel while retaining its retro charm.

Movement: Swiss Precision at Its Core

Inside the PALMOS ONE, you’ll find the Soprod M100 automatic movement, a reliable Swiss-made movement known for its smooth timekeeping and durability. Often compared to the ETA 2892 and Sellita SW300, the Soprod M100 operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (VPH) or 4Hz, which results in a smooth second-hand sweep. The 25-jewel movement offers a 42-hour power reserve, so you won’t have to worry about winding it constantly if you rotate your watches.

The Soprod M100 is regulated to five positions, providing excellent accuracy with an expected variance of +/- 4 seconds per day. This is particularly impressive in a watch at this price point. It also features Incabloc shock protection, which ensures durability in day-to-day wear.

Flip the watch over, and you’ll see the decorated movement through the sapphire crystal case back. PALMOS didn’t skimp on the finishing here—the movement features blued screws, a tri-mounted rotor, and beautiful details like perlage and Côtes de Genève striping on the rotor. These touches elevate the watch, giving it the luxury feel you expect from a Swiss-made watches.

Comparisons in the Market

The PALMOS ONE fits neatly into the competitive segment of integrated bracelet watches right now, offering a fresh take on the 70s sports watch aesthetic. Other watches like the Tissot PRX and Citizen Tsuyosa share a similar vibe, but PALMOS stands out with its attention to detail in some areas and choice of Swiss movement. If you're interested in exploring these other options, you can check out my detailed reviews of both the Tissot PRX and Citizen Tsuyosa.

Built to Last

Beyond the movement, the PALMOS ONE is built for daily wear. It’s water-resistant to 100m, which is more than enough for anything short of diving. The sapphire crystal has five layers of anti-reflective coating, making it easy to read the time in any light. Additionally, the scratch-resistant coating on the case means it should hold up well even after years of use.

Specifications

Case Size: 40mm
Case Thickness: 9.2mm
Material: 316L stainless steel with IP hardness coating (HV1200)
Crystal: Sapphire with five layers of anti-reflective coating
Movement: Swiss Soprod M100 automatic, 28,800 VPH, 25 jewels, 42-hour power reserve
Water Resistance: 100m
Dial Options: Jet black, classic blue, olive green, steel grey (galvanic metal with a sunburst finish)
Bracelet: 316L stainless steel bracelet with solid links and butterfly clasp, premium leather strap, and NATO ribbed strap
Price: Under £800 with a 40% discount for pre-orders

Upcoming Design Refinements

PALMOS has announced some exciting refinements to the bracelet and lug design of the PALMOS ONE since I had it. One of the key updates is the widening of the polished chamfers along the lugs, which will now seamlessly transition into the bracelet’s chamfers. I think this is a smart move—it will definitely make for a more cohesive and fluid look on the wrist. This change will also enhance the way light interacts with the case and bracelet, giving the watch an even more refined visual effect.

Additionally, the bracelet end links are being extended slightly to eliminate the small gap between the case and bracelet. Now, while I personally didn’t find much of an issue with the end links when I had the watch on, it’s great to see PALMOS paying attention to these small details. It shows their commitment to improving the watch even further. They’re also adding quick-release spring bars to the updated end links, which I’m particularly excited about. As someone who loves switching out straps for different looks, this is a really convenient addition. On top of that, the inclusion of a complimentary grain leather strap that matches the dial color straight out of the box is a fantastic touch—bravo, PALMOS!

Final Thoughts

The PALMOS ONE is an impressive debut from this new brand. Its design, fit, and finish make it a strong contender in the sub-£800 market, especially for those looking for a Swiss-made automatic with both vintage appeal and modern features. The Soprod M100 movement adds technical value, and the thoughtful detailing elevates the watch beyond its price point. With more updates and refinements coming, this really stacks up to be a watch you should consider.

If you're interested in a PALMOS One, visit www.palmos-watches.com and take advantage of the 40% pre-order discount.

What dial colour catches your eye—blue, green, black, or grey? Let me know in the comments below!