Tessé Michel GMT: A Glimmer of Canadian Watchmaking Creativity

I have with us today a very neat microbrand watch called the Michel GMT, a new release from Tessé Watches out of Toronto, Canada. I’ve been enjoying this watch both on and off the wrist for about 3 weeks now, and I can confidently say it’s easily my favourite watch model and brand out of Canada. I’ve reviewed a couple other Canadian microbrand releases in the past, namely the York & Front Burrard from way back in the day, as well as the more recent Heron Watches Gladiateur from Montreal. Both of which were good watches, but missing a little something in terms of passion, creativity, and quality. The Michel GMT is ahead in all facets, and seeing how barren the local watch brand scene is in Canada, this watch has been very exciting to experience.

Case Design

Just taking a quick glance at the Michel GMT reveals a plethora of design cues, not overwhelming, but rather coherent. You’ll be immediately drawn to its very prominent and retro cushion case, that not only takes the true shape of a cushion, but also blends hints of a tonneau shape while also being radially brushed on the top part of the watch. This top section of the watch is quite expansive, allowing for long gorgeous brushed strokes to be applied generously, catching the light in a variety of different settings. It’s a very fine brushing that appears to be applied with care and precision, a great starting point for a new watch brand and first release model.

Tilting the watch on its side, or shifting your wrist while wearing it, reveals even further complexity and attention to detail from Tessé. The profile of the watch case has been vertically engraved with 4 swooping lines that curve following the shape of the case. The lugs of the watch are also short, stout, and high polished, allowing them to blend into the flow of the case but also pop a little as they contrast against the radial brushed top case.

I don’t generally dissect specs here on the WRB, but I have to say that Tessé has done a phenomenal job in terms of the sizing and proportions of this watch. Personally, I find it wears excellent on my 6.5 inch wrist, it does not seem like a “large” 40mm watch to me. The lug to lug distance is only 47.1mm, and in combination with the malleable leather strap, there is no protrusion over the edges of my wrist. Now, the best part, is the the thickness of the watch, which is an outstanding 10.8mm, and is also housing a Sellita 330-2 movement viewable through the sapphire exhibition case back – hats off to Thomas the founder and designer here.

Dial Layout

As interesting as the case is on the Michel GMT, the excitement gets cranked up a notch with its “Electric Teal” dial. The color, while paying a small retro tribute to futuristic advancements, is bright and attention grabbing. There’s hints of a retro teal hue to it, but also a little bit of Adriatic sea green in some lighting. The dial is full of depth and layers, with the center of the dial being a radial sunburst finish, and then three separate rings on the outside diameter of the dial. This exterior section of the dial is where the applied baton markers are placed, leaving the center of the dial with a clean flat look.

The hour and minutes hands are stick shaped, with the seconds hand being a nice slender needle shape. Both the hands and markers have Superluminova X1 lume applied, and that even includes the tip of the GMT hand. One of the more striking design aspects of this particular model is the siren orange GMT hand, that really follows the “electric’” theme of this watch, and looking even closer reveals that the GMT text on the dial is also in the same orange as the GMT hand. The date wheel is off to the 3 o’clock position, harnessing a little bit of traditional watchmaking design with its predictable placement.

The logo is very well placed at 12 o’clock, and I have to say, inconspicuous enough to not distract your attention away from the best parts of the watch.

Overall Vibe

The Tessé Michel GMT has absolutely surprised me in a good way, and as a Canadian myself, I feel proud to finally present such a unique and fun Canadian time telling creation to the masses. The case shape is ultra unique, but also presentable, keeping a restrained appearance but also offering pockets of fun design aspects.

I can see this watch being used as an every day wear watch, travel, or even for casual special occasions due to its bright and extroverted demeanour. This is truly what a microbrand offering should be, a watch that offers a unique experience differentiating away from the big established names, but also a watch that remains wearable and not over the top ridiculous. The excellent proportions, especially its thin case, colorful dial, and fantastic movement visible through the exhibition back make this a very compelling wrist companion for its reasonable price of $2105.00.

For more information on the Michel GMT or to view Tessé Watches entire catalogue, visit their official website here.