Hands-On: The New Heron Mirabel GMT

April 14, 2017

Have you ever noticed that most GMT watches are quite sporty? That s great for many people, but what if you travel for work or simply have a more formal style? Well, Canadian microbrand Heron has got your back! I would like to introduce you to the Heron Mirabel GMT, a dressy travel watch - or, as Heron puts it, a dress watch with a trick up its sleeve.You can have your pick of four colorways, all priced at $620 / US$690. I got a chance to go hands-on with the white version of this very affordable dress GMT. This is how we fared.The Heron Mirabel GMTs specsSo, what do we have here? At its core, the Heron Mirabel GMT is a tonneau-shaped watch in stainless steel with a 37.5mm diameter, a 43.5mm length, and a 10.6mm thickness (11.8mm total with the crystal). It has a 50m water resistance rating, and the 20mm lug gap is home to a luxury Baranil strap from Delugs. Up top, we find a box-type sapphire crystal with an AR coating. The case back features a worldtimer engraving and hand-applied enamel in the center. Inside ticks the relatively new Miyota automatic caliber 9075, a flyer-style GMT movement ticking at a 4Hz (28,800vph) frequency. This basic but effective caliber offers a 42-hour power reserve on a full wind. It is the only flyer GMT you will find in this lower-price segment, offering the possibility of quickly setting the 12-hour hand for local time independently of the home time (the fourth hand).Some unexpected fancy featuresAlthough the Heron Mirabel GMT costs less than your average full service for a higher-end watch, you get some rather decadent features. The dials, for instance, are enameled. This results in a highly glossy, very attractive surface. Heron also puts a blue resin cabochon in the crown and neatly caps the hand stack. The enamel patch on the case back is applied by hand.Usually, you will find blue-painted hands on watches in this price segment. Fascinatingly, Heron managed to pull off true heat-blued hands for the Mirabel GMT.Put together, these features point to a price much higher than the current $620. If you are a fan of gold, you can even opt for one of two gold-PVD-coated cases at no extra charge. Heron truly offers a lot of bang for your buck here.Wearing the Heron Mirabel GMTYou may know that I have a thing for 37C38mm watches. I love the neutrality of this size range. These watches dont feel big or small but, rather, just right. As expected, this applies to the Heron Mirabel GMT. Strapping my white-dial press sample on immediately felt like coming home in that sense.The watch measures less than 12mm thick and has a nice curvature. This means it wears like a charm. The comfort is spot on, and so is the look on the wrist. Being a little dressier in style, the slightly smaller size works aesthetically, even on larger wrists.I found the Heron Mirabel GMT extremely versatile. Yes, it is a dressier watch. However, it works just as well with casual apparel. It certainly doesnt come across as overly formal or stuffy. I reckon swapping straps will bring out very different sides of this watch to boot.Some ruminations on the designI must say that I love the look of this new Heron Mirabel GMT. All the elements come together cohesively and attractively. The C-shaped case suits the classical dial while adding a little bit of visual mass. This keeps the Mirabel GMT from appearing dainty. The heat-blued hands jump out against the crisp white enamel, as do the stark black applied Roman numerals.Admittedly, I would have omitted the blue cabochon in the crown. Along with the red leather outer packaging, this is a bit too reminiscent of a certain iconic French brand. This is a shame because the watch doesnt need that connection at all. Heron put plenty of original and appealing design ideas into the Mirabel GMT so as not to have to rely on overly familiar design cues such as these. I would have preferred it to have steered completely clear of homage territory.Closing thoughts on the Heron Mirabel GMTSo, how do I feel about the Heron Mirabel GMT? I think Heron offers ridiculous value with this watch. Of course, the finishing is basic, as expected at this price. Still, I feel the Mirabel GMT punches above its weight by some margin.The watch works in almost any situation, almost more like a GADA (go anywhere, do anything) than a dress watch. Thats a good thing! The enamel dial, heat-blued hands, and fancy case back all feel rather luxurious. Kudos, Heron, for making that happen at this price.My only gripes are the visual nods to existing watches. These almost feel like unnecessary modesty. The Mirabel GMT has plenty to be proud of, so it would have been fine without them.What do you think of the new Heron Mirabel GMT? Let us know in the comments section below!Watch specifications Brand Heron Model Mirabel GMTReference 4002-ADial White enamel with black applied Roman numerals, black printed sector markings and 24-hour scale, heat-blued local-time handsCase Material Stainless steel with brushed and polished finishes, blue resin cabochon in crownCase Dimensions 37.5mm (diameter) 43.5mm (lug-to-lug) 11.8mm (thickness with crystal, 10.6mm without)Crystal Box-type sapphire with AR coatingCase Back Stainless steel with worldtimer engraving and hand-applied enamel patch, screw-in Movement Miyota 9075: automatic with manual winding and hacking, 28,800vph frequency, 42-hour power reserve, 24 jewelsWater Resistance 50 metersStrap Dark blue Baranil calf leather by Delugs (20mm width) with quick-release spring bars and stainless steel pin buckleFunctions Local time with flyer function (12-hour hand with independent setting, minutes, seconds) and GMT (24-hour hand and scale)Price $620 / US$690 Special Note(s) Three additional colorways are available (blue/steel, brown/gold, and black/gold)