Magrette Timepieces is an independent boutique watch brand founded in 2007 by Dion Wynyard McAsey. Based in Auckland, New Zealand—often referred to as the “City of Sails”—the brand has established a distinct identity within the microbrand community by blending traditional nautical themes with local cultural heritage. McAsey, who previously worked in digital design, established the brand with a vision to create a uniquely New Zealand watch company that avoided the traditional path of mass-produced quartz models in favor of mechanical movements and specialized craftsmanship.
The brand is recognized for its “classic modern” design philosophy, which emphasizes robust, functional timepieces with a vintage aesthetic. A signature feature across much of the catalog is the use of the cushion-shaped case, a silhouette that provides a significant presence on the wrist while maintaining a shorter lug-to-lug distance for wearable comfort. Enthusiasts are often drawn to Magrette for its integration of Māori and Polynesian culture, most notably seen in the brand’s shield logo featuring a koru fern. Furthermore, the brand is known for its “Art Collection,” which features highly intricate, hand-engraved cases created in collaboration with New Zealand artists, transforming functional tools into pieces of wearable art.
Magrette’s catalog is primarily defined by several key collections that focus on professional-grade specifications. The Moana Pacific Professional is perhaps the most iconic series, serving as a dedicated dive watch with a water resistance rating of 500 meters. These models often utilize high-performance materials such as Grade 5 titanium, bronze (CuSN8), and 316L stainless steel, paired with Swiss-made Sellita or Japanese Miyota automatic movements. Another significant line is the Leoncino, which offers a more versatile sports watch aesthetic while retaining the brand’s signature case shapes.
In addition to its standard dive and sports watches, Magrette has expanded its lineup to include functional complications such as the Waterman GMT and the Dual Time. These pieces cater to travelers and adventurers, maintaining the brand’s reputation for building durable, “adventure-ready” tools. Limited edition releases remain a cornerstone of the brand’s business model, often featuring unique colorways, ceramic bezel inserts, and specialized engravings that appeal to collectors seeking exclusivity from a Southern Hemisphere manufacturer.
