If you’re at all familiar with the intersection of the Venn diagram that is watches and style, you’ll know who Mark Cho is. His day job is as the co-founder of The Armoury and co-owner of Drake’s, making him an important figure in the world of style and tailoring. He’s also influential in the world of watches; there’s a good chance you’re aware of his empirical data on the wrist size, or his 12 principles of watch collecting (which includes this banger, “Rare watches are not always great, great watches are not always rare”). Or, you’re familiar with any of the raft of collaborative watches Cho has made (along with Elliot Hammer) for the Armoury, from brands as diverse as H. Moser & Cie and Paulin. Given this wealth of experience and expertise, the natural next step is for Cho to create his own watch, which is exactly what he’s done.

Temporal Works is the brand created by Cho and Hammer, and the Series A is their debut collection, one that firmly sets the tone for what Temporal Works could be about. Made in Japan, the Series A features a sleek, 37mm case that sits 10mm high and 45mm lug-to-lug, widely considered to be real Goldilocks dimensions for a lot of wearers, and with sleek lines accentuated by crisp Zaratsu polishing. While the case provides the grounding, it’s the dials that really draw you in — offered in three configurations initially, the boldest being the fortune dial in red glossy lacquer. The black and blue versions add in a different dial treatment — an oversized sector style layout with a quarter brushed finish that gives the watch some dramatic flair in the light, and is reminiscent of some of Cartier’s more memorable Tanks.

Temporal Works Series A in two-tone black or blue oversized sector with toothed minute track

Temporal Works Series A in red glossy lacquer dial

As for the rest of the package, you’re looking at a Jean Rousseau calfskin strap or a Staib bracelet (which is offered as an early order bonus, btw), and a Sellita SW210 inside, behind a closed case back. As for price, you’re looking at USD 2500, which feels about right for the overall package.

Blue genuine calfskin strap

Staib mesh strap

Caseback of Temporal Works Series A

As to what the brand could be, Mark Cho says, “With Temporal Works, we wanted to build something free from precedent, where every decision could be reconsidered from first principles.” “Our goal was straightforward: create watches as thoughtfully designed and effortlessly wearable as a perfectly tailored navy blazer.” Hammer adds, ” The wearing experience was equally important; we want Temporal Works watches to feel as though they’ve always belonged on your wrist.”

Temporal Works Series A in two-tone blue dial

It’s a compelling premise, and simply based on the people backing it and their track record, Temporal Works is one to watch.

Tech Specs: Temporal Works Series A

Movement: Sellita SW210-1 b D4, automatic, 42 hours of power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Case: Stainless steel, 37mm diameter, 45mm lug-to-lug. 10mm thickness, water-resistant to 50M
Dial: Two-tone black or blue oversized sector with toothed minute track or red glossy lacquer
Strap: Black pebble-grain or blue smooth genuine calfskin, optional Staib mesh
Price and Availability: USD 2,500, available from The Armoury, either online or in-store at its Hong Kong or New York City locations