The Maen Hudson 38 MK5: A New Era for the Iconic Swedish Diver

I have always had our eyes on the Hudson collection. Since its inception, this line has represented exactly what many enthusiasts look for in a modern watch: vintage charm, wearable dimensions, and solid mechanics. With the release of the Maen Hudson 38 MK5, I am incredibly happy to say that the wait was worth it. This is not just another re-release. It feels like the fully realized version of a watch I have admired for quite some time.

The MK5 takes everything that was good about the previous models and elevates it. It addresses the community’s desire for better movements and refined aesthetics. If you have been following the journey of this Swedish brand, this latest update serves as a rewarding destination.

Refined Proportions and Case Design

One of the reasons I have kept the Hudson on my radar is its commitment to classic sizing. The MK5 maintains the 38mm diameter that makes it so wearable, but the construction has been reimagined from the ground up. The goal of this launch was to slim down the profile while increasing the capability, and the result is a case that measures a mere 11mm excluding the crystal.

Despite this sleekness, Maen has managed to secure a 30 ATM water resistance rating. This level of engineering allows the watch to transition from a professional diving tool to a refined daily wearer without the bulk usually associated with 300-meter divers. The addition of drilled lug holes is another detail I appreciate seeing, as it makes the watch a perfect “strap monster” for those of us who love to swap between rubber and steel.

The Shift to the La Joux-Perret G100

Perhaps the most significant news of this launch is the movement. While previous generations relied on standard workhorses, the MK5 introduces the Swiss Made La Joux-Perret G100. This is the heart of the watch that I’ve been waiting for.

The G100 brings a massive 68-hour power reserve to the Hudson family. For my lifestyle, this is a game-changer. It means I can set the watch down on a Friday evening and pick it up on Monday morning without it losing a beat. It provides the kind of high-spec reliability that usually demands a much higher price point, signaling that Maen is serious about competing with the bigger Swiss houses.

The initial launch of the MK5 offers four distinct models, catering to the “Ghost Date” debate and personal color preferences.

• Ref. M1.1.5 (Jet Black Date): The quintessential daily tool watch with high legibility and a practical date window.
• Ref. M1.1.6 (Midnight Blue Date): A sophisticated take on the diver, featuring a rich blue sunray dial that catches the light beautifully.
• Ref. M1.1.7 (Jet Black No-Date): This is the version for the purists. I personally find the symmetry of this dial to be the most compelling in the lineup.
• Ref. M1.1.8 (Midnight Blue No-Date): Combining the depth of the blue dial with the clean, balanced look of a dateless layout.

All models feature a sandblasted dial texture that provides a rugged, matte look, contrasting perfectly with the polished indices and the new ceramic bezel insert.

The launch of the MK5 also brings a higher level of material quality. The bezel is now polished ceramic, featuring a lumed pip for better utility in the dark. To protect the dial, Maen opted for a bold box-domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. This mimics the warmth and charm of vintage acrylic while offering modern scratch resistance.

The lume has also seen an upgrade to Grade X1 Super-LumiNova. This ensures that the watch glows brighter and longer than its predecessors, meeting the demands of those who actually intend to use their Hudson in low-light environments. Whether paired with the FKM rubber strap or the upgraded five-link metal bracelet with on-the-fly adjustment, the MK5 feels like a finished, mature product.

Pricing, Availability & Where to Get One

For those ready to jump on this launch, the pricing is as impressive as the specs. The Maen Hudson 38 MK5 starts at EUR 899.00, VAT included, for pre-orders, representing incredible value for a 300m Swiss diver with a La Joux-Perret movement.

For those who prefer an in-person experience, Maen has also opened a brand-new showroom in the heart of Stockholm where the entire collection is on display.

The launch of the Maen Hudson 38 MK5 feels like a celebration of how far the brand has come. It takes the vintage charm I first fell in love with and backs it up with serious Swiss engineering and refined manufacturing. I have always had my eye on this piece, and seeing it finally reach this level of perfection is incredibly rewarding.