Marin Instruments is a United States-based watch brand founded in 2020 by Justin Walters. Based in New Mexico, Walters brings a diverse professional background to the brand, having worked as a US Government employee involved with satellites while simultaneously pursuing interests in design and watchmaking. His experience in graphic design, which includes work for companies like Girl Skateboards and Fourstar Clothing, heavily informs the brand’s visual identity.
The brand is built on a “form follows function” philosophy, specializing in Swiss-made tool watches that prioritize technical utility, high legibility, and a minimalist, monochromatic aesthetic. Enthusiasts are particularly drawn to Marin Instruments for its modern interpretations of classic styles that avoid being direct homages. The brand’s focus on robust specifications, such as the use of reliable Sellita automatic movements and thoughtful ergonomic details like integrated rubber straps, appeals to collectors seeking durable, purpose-driven timepieces.
The flagship collection for the brand is the Skin-Diver, a 39mm watch that modernizes the 1960s skin diver silhouette. It features a high-contrast dial layout, a 60-click unidirectional PVD-coated bezel, and 200 meters of water resistance. The Skin-Diver is available in two primary variants: the Standard, which features a matte black dial with white printed lume plots, and the Polar, which utilizes a white dial for maximum contrast. Another key piece is the Odyssey, which expands on the brand’s design language by offering a more rugged, adventure-oriented profile while maintaining the signature monochromatic color palette. Each model typically utilizes the Swiss-made Sellita SW200-1 movement, a recognized workhorse in the watch industry.
