Imagine ditching the clunky lugs on your watch for a sleek, disc-like design that screams modern simplicity—welcome to the Eylandt Puck, a game-changer in everyday timepieces that's turning heads at an unbeatable price point.
December 29, 2025
Jason Lee (https://timeandtidewatches.com/author/jasonlee/)
Hemel stands out as one of those innovative microbrands that truly embraces its sense of location. As they describe themselves, this New York-area company, nestled on Long Island—specifically in Nassau County, just a stone's throw from the bustling energy of Manhattan—has built its identity around a founder whose expertise lies in design and branding, not the intricate art of traditional watchmaking.
Their backstory is refreshingly straightforward: Marvin Menke initially operated Hemel as a design firm, and the very first watches were crafted as thoughtful gifts for clients. It wasn't until those around him encouraged expanding beyond seasonal presents that it evolved into a full-fledged watch venture. Within that broader framework, Eylandt emerges as the no-frills, specification-driven branch, complete with straightforward pricing, and even the name pays homage to its roots—“Eylandt” derives from the Dutch term for “island,” a subtle shoutout to Long Island.
This background really helps decode the newest Eylandt offering. Introducing the Puck (https://www.hemelwatches.com/collections/eylandt), a lug-less, puck-inspired timepiece measuring 40mm, designed primarily around its silhouette: a pristine, lug-free steel disc where the strap sits neatly underneath, maintaining a slender 11mm profile, and powered by a Japanese VH31 quartz movement (https://timeandtidewatches.com/best-quartz-watches/) selected for its exceptionally fluid seconds hand sweep. The goal? To create a practical daily companion with a stronger visual focus than what's typically found under $200.
And this is the part most people miss: how the case transforms a simple watch into something unexpectedly stylish.
When it comes to the physical build, the case is the star. For a lug-less watch—think of it as a watch without those protruding ears that attach to the strap—success hinges on perfect proportions. If it's too thick, it resembles a hockey puck; too wide, and the bezel dominates. That's why the 11mm height is just as crucial as the 40mm width. By concealing the strap beneath the case, it gives the watch a more compact feel on the wrist compared to a standard 40mm with visible lugs. Eylandt enhances this round shape with a rotatable coin-edge bezel, featuring 120 clicks for timing tasks and a subtle “floating” luminous dot that stands out at the edge.
The finishing touches are all about intentionality over extravagance: matte brushed areas for everyday durability, contrasted with shiny polished sections that add a spark of light and prevent the case from looking dull. You'll find the crown positioned at the low 4 o'clock spot. Above, there's a flat sapphire crystal treated with anti-reflective layers, and below, a screw-on back engraved with the brand emblem, all wrapped in 100 meters of water resistance (https://timeandtidewatches.com/watch-waterproof-guide/). Just to clarify for newcomers, lug-less designs like this prioritize a minimalist look, making them easier to wear under sleeves without snagging, while the coin-edge bezel adds a tactile element for quick rotations, like timing a race or a cooking interval.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is prioritizing looks over traditional watchmaking a step forward or a shortcut? Some purists might argue that design firms branching into horology dilute the craft—yet Hemel's approach democratizes style for everyday folks.
The real magic unfolds in the dial designs, elevating the Puck beyond mere case aesthetics. Eylandt categorizes their lineup into four themed variations—field, maritime, motorsport, aviation—but a better lens is to view them as creative graphic experiments within a shared framework. They share a cohesive style (the case, bezel texture, and recurring bright accent hues), yet each dial shifts the watch's vibe dramatically.
Take the Avenger, the clearest embodiment of the “field” theme. It boasts a black face with a prominent outer minute ring and an internal 24-hour scale, plus oversized numbers that bring a fun, almost whimsical touch. A central crosshair reinforces the tool-like feel, complemented by an orange-tipped seconds hand. Glow-in-the-dark elements illuminate the hands and markers for low-light readability—perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who need reliability without fuss.
Then there's the Navigator, channeling aviation vibes. It echoes the classic triangle marker at 12 with a high-contrast setup for fast glances. The standout feature? The straightforward “Electronic” label, emphasizing its modern essence. Sleek numerals and that signature orange seconds hand tie it back to the collection's overall playful spirit. For beginners, this dial's design aids quick time-telling, much like how pilots use instruments for orientation—imagine it helping you navigate a busy day effortlessly.
The Radio Room breaks the mold in the best possible way, drawing from maritime communication motifs to create a striking, segmented face reminiscent of old-school signal boards. High-contrast Arabic numbers pop against a white backdrop, with radiating salmon and orange sections emanating from the center. The “Radio Room” text serves as a thematic centerpiece, an inner 24-hour ring adds depth, and the entire dial glows luminously—hands, markers, and all. It's like having a mini beacon on your wrist, ideal for those who appreciate retro-tech flair; think of it as a nod to historical ship radios, where clear signals were life-saving.
If the Radio Room exudes crisp, official graphic appeal, the Snelway injects motorsport energy with a wink of humor. The bezel turns into a checkerboard pattern, the dial splits into colorful zones—a light blue expanse over a vibrant orange wedge, divided by a white stripe and anchored by a star emblem. Applied indices and sharp hands complete the dynamic look. Picture this as the watch for speed demons: the checkerboard evokes race flags, reminding us of the thrill of motorsport without needing to hit the track.
And this is the part most people miss: how the movement choice subtly challenges the battery-powered stigma.
The engine under the hood is arguably one of the smartest picks. It runs on Seiko's VH31 quartz mechanism, delivering a seconds hand that glides smoothly at four ticks per second—far more refined than the jerky steps of cheaper quartz watches. For those new to this, quartz movements use a battery for precise timekeeping, often smoother than mechanical ones for casual wear, and here, it's chosen to enhance the “everyday tool” ethos without the maintenance of hand-wound options.
Across all models, the accessories remain uniform: supple Italian leather bands with striking contrast stitching and a debossed brushed buckle. Subdued versions pair with black leather for a rugged edge, while vivid dials get the richer walnut brown tone. This consistency ensures the strap complements the dial's personality, like choosing the right outfit to match your mood—practical yet stylish, with Italian leather known for its durability and comfort over long days.
In summation, the Puck represents a bold push to inject thoughtful industrial shapes and vibrant dial art into an affordable tier that's usually filled with fleeting novelties or bland replicas. Whether the candid “Electronic” honesty, the glowing spectacle of the Radio Room, or the daring checkerboard of the Snelway catches your eye, the core message holds: the case provides the blank slate, while the dial reveals Eylandt's creative ambition.
But here's where it gets controversial: Does blending branding expertise with watch design cheapen the horological tradition, or does it innovate for the masses? I'd love to hear your take—do you see this as a fresh evolution or a risky gamble? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Eylandt Puck Pricing & Availability
The Eylandt Puck is currently on sale straight from Hemel's online store (https://www.hemelwatches.com/collections/eylandt). Price: US$200
Brand Eylandt by Hemel
Model The Puck
Case Dimensions 40mm (D) x 11mm (T)
Case Material 316L stainless steel
Water Resistance 100 meters
Crystal(s) Sapphire front
Dial Black or multi-coloured
Lug Width 20mm
Bracelet Black or walnut-brown Italian genuine leather strap
Movement Seiko VH31, quartz with smooth seconds sweep
Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, unidirectional timing bezel
Availability Available now
Price US$200
