Worn & Wound
Paulin Debuts a New Modul Made in Partnership with Artist Crystal Zapata
While the practicality-first among us may balk at the idea of a watch that purposely obfuscates the act of checking the time at a glance, some are willing to sacrifice some functionality for a little pizzazz. Enter Paulin-the Glasgow-based brand (part of the anOrdain group of watchmakers, enamellers, and designers) have put out several delightfully dizzying, design-forward timepieces already, but their next project, a collaboration with Chicago artist Crystal Zapata, looks to be their most daring yet. The Paulin Zapata Modul carries forward the brand’s flagship Modul case design, as seen throughout their lineup. The 316L stainless steel Modul case measures at a light and wearable 35mm with an 18mm lug width. I own a Paulin Oh No, which is also housed in a Modul case, and can vouch for its light stature, which doesn’t sacrifice its own neo-vintage charm despite being shared across several timepieces. The crown sits at the 3 o’clock position and wears a playful Paulin “P” logo. A Swiss-made ETA 955.112 quartz movement keeps the Zapata ticking and promises a seven-year battery life, while a Hesalite box section PVC crystal seals the dial in. The star of the show, however, is the gloss lacquer dial, which lays over a sunburst engraving, and showcases the key design elements of the watch. Star-shaped markers dot the minute track at the perimeter of the dial, matched by a large star on the end of the running-seconds hand, while a chunky and cheerful arrow-shaped ho...
