This is a small review of the Martin Braun EOS – a watch with a sunrise and sunset indicator on the dial! That’s right – SUNRISE and SUNSET times adjusted for your specific location! Can your watch do that? – I didn’t think so 🙂

Martin Braun is a master watchmaker originally from Germany. If you came of ‘horological age’ in the early 2000s, you may remember seeing Martin’s watches frequently featured in “Watchtime” and “iW Magazine” (boy, that takes me back!)

Best known for incorporating spectacular astronomical complications into wristwatches, Martin Braun’s most emblematic watch is the EOS, first released in 2000.

This was the first wristwatch designed to show the times of the sun rising and setting at the owner’s location adjustable by date. This was done via 2 small cams driving a pair of extra hands at the bottom of the dial. The scale on the left shows the time of sunrise, and the one on the right showing the time the sun will set.

The cams were machined according to the user’s specification, as were the appropriate times on the scales. The indicator at 12 o’clock shows the date.

The owner was issued with a card showing correct settings for sunrise/sunset times and once set, the indicators adjusted themselves as long as the watch remained wound (automatic movement). Recessed pushers in the case allowed the cams to be adjusted manually to set the watch.

The EOS was made in a variety of case materials (my one is steel). Mine happens to be serial number 001 (that’s right – BOOM!). 42mm case has a lot of presence on the wrist!.

I love wearing this Martin Braun EOS. It’s unique complication never fails to impress me with its ingenuity.
The Martin Braun brand is no longer active (following a disastrous takeover by Franck Muller Group), but MB Watches are serviceable and Martin (the man) is very much active and contactable. Guy’s a horological genius.