Fleming Series 1 Mark II Leads New Wave of High-Horology Independent Watch Releases

Fleming debuts the Series 1 Mark II with a 7-day movement alongside updated 2026 collections from Breguet, Parmigiani Fleurier, and Richard Mille.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 10, 2026, 7:14 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from GQ

Refining the American Independent Architectural Vision

Thomas Fleming and James Kong have unveiled the Series 1 Mark II, a comprehensive technical and aesthetic evolution of the American brand’s initial 2024 launch. While maintaining the original’s 38.5mm diameter and 9mm profile, the Mark II introduces skeletonized lugs and a redesigned mid-case to improve surface transitions and finishing. Two distinct references have been produced: the rose gold "Redwood" and the tantalum "Pacific," both drawing inspiration from the landscapes of Northern California. The tantalum model, priced at approximately 55,500 CHF, is limited to 25 pieces and represents a significant manufacturing feat due to the difficulty of sculpting and finishing the dense, rare metal.

Technical Leap with the FM.02 Caliber

At the heart of the Mark II is the new FM.02 movement, developed in collaboration with independent horologist Jean-François Mojon and the Swiss manufacture Chronode. The hand-wound engine utilizes twin mainspring barrels to achieve a 168-hour power reserve while maintaining a slim 4mm thickness. In a move catering to high-end collectors, the movement has been aesthetically overhauled to include 189 hand-finished interior angles and bridges that mirror the watch’s signature lug design. This attention to detail ensures that the internal mechanics now match the complexity of the "sector" dial, which features a mix of black-polished outer rings and faceted hands.

Breguet Revitalizes Tradition for a Modern Era

Entering its 250th anniversary cycle, Breguet has refreshed its Tradition collection with the 7037 Seconde Rétrograde in white gold and platinum. The 2026 update returns to the collection’s 38mm roots but incorporates a bold, charcoal-grey movement coating and rose-gold-colored gear trains. The signature retrograde seconds segment has been redesigned as a semi-circular satin-brushed gold track that no longer overlaps the primary Grand Feu enamel dial. This reference effectively bridges the gap between Abraham-Louis Breguet’s 18th-century "souscription" watch architecture and modern aesthetic preferences, including the surprising addition of textured rubber straps.