MAEN Hudson 38 MK5: Best Vintage Rolex Submariner Killer?

Table of contents:

Back to basics: With an overhaul of the case design and subtle updates like drilled lugs, lume pip and better quality finishing, it’s time to deep dive into our review of the MAEN Hudson 38 MK5

Summary

The biggest update to this collection for nearly a decade, this timepiece comes from the brand responsible for the popular Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin and Brooklyn 36 Triple Calendar.
Originally debuted in 2018, Co-Founders Sebastiaan Cortjaens and Jules van Helvoort deliver enticing value-for-money propositions, reflected in this fifth variation delivering 316L stainless steel, 2mm box type crystal and La Joux-Perret G100 movement.
Drawing inspiration from mid-20th century classic dive watches like the Rolex Submariner, it combines vintage aesthetics with contemporary engineering, creating a timepiece that feels both familiar and refreshingly modern.
There’s a slimmer case with this new iteration, a melange of brushing to enhance visual interest and polished ceramic insert, enjoying scratch-resistant properties.
Available in date and no date watches, there’s a five row bracelet, quick release end links and micro adjustment system within the clasp meaning speedy sizing is done without the need for tools.

With competition as fierce as the hotseat for the UK’s next Prime Minister after the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer and Shabana Mahmood set to take over as Chancellor by incoming Andy Burnham, we focus on an independent brand that has been smashing it in the affordable vintage sector.

We are of course talking about MAEN.

Based in Stockholm, this Dutch born duo have already made a name for themselves on the independent scene along with stalwarts like Atelier Wen and Beaubleu.

Renowned for the Manhattan, they have even done a jump hour à la Audemars Piguet alongside Nico Leonard. But now the hour is upon us to get wet as we pass judgment over the MAEN Hudson 38 MK5.

MAEN Hudson - A Timely Reminder

The Maen Hudson collection has established itself as one of the most compelling offerings in the modern microbrand watch market.

What makes it particularly appealing is its attention to detail.

From the carefully proportioned case and crisp dial layouts to the high-quality finishing, every element reflects MAEN's commitment to delivering exceptional value.

These specific models feature robust stainless steel construction, sapphire crystals, and reliable automatic movements, often associated with significantly more expensive brands.

Versatile and ergonomic in feel, it is a super strong strap monster.

Whether paired with a bracelet for a refined everyday look or a rubber strap for a sportier appearance, the Hudson adapts effortlessly to different settings. Its balanced design appeals to both seasoned collectors and newcomers seeking an ideal everyday piece.

In an increasingly crowded industry, the Maen Hudson stands out by focusing on timeless design rather than fleeting trends. The result is a collection that offers enduring style, practical functionality, and impressive craftsmanship.

For enthusiasts looking beyond mainstream top Swiss luxury watch brands, this model is much more than a homage piece. It represents a thoughtful and well-executed alternative that continues to earn praise throughout the watch community.

Personality Of The MAEN Hudson 38 MK5

"The Hudson MK5 reflects our philosophy that good design evolves rather than reinvents itself. We carefully refined the details that matter most to owners and paired the watch with the La Joux-Perret G100, a movement that offers the performance and dependability we look for in a watch designed to be worn every day."

Sebastiaan Cortjaens, Co-Founder of MAEN, talking exclusively to Chrono Hunter

Minor adjustments can be seen on this latest model that was initially launched as a Kickstarter campaign. Tailored to the more modern wearer, the steel case has been shrunk down with a melange of brushing techniques.

Measuring 38mm x 13mm with a lug to lug profile of 47mm and 20mm lug width, it’s the same diameter as a Longines Hydroconquest Exclusive Edition (L3.779.4.98.6) and 0.1mm smaller than a Vacheron Constantin Overseas Grand Complication Openface.

The latter has more than 600 components.

If you are looking for an ideal everyday driver with all the whistles and bells, at an affordable price this ticks many boxes. First off, there’s 300 metres of water resistance, perfect for deep sea and saturation diving.

For comparison, the ever popular Omega Seamaster Diver 300M, worn by Prince William, is eight times the price…for the exact same depth rating! With the last version of the MK5 dropping in 2022, it has been some time since they have updated this line.

But there’s plenty more.

From significant finishing, steel bezel and polished flanks to unidirectional 120-click bezel, screwdown crown and boxed-domed sapphire crystal, there’s a distinct vintage vibe that this brand seems to nail.

"The Hudson draws inspiration from classic dive watches, but it was never intended to be a tribute piece. With the MK5, we continued to develop its own identity through improved execution, stronger specifications, and a focus on creating a watch that feels equally at home underwater, in the office, or on a weekend adventure.”

Jules van Helvoort, Co-Founder

The Dials

Similar to the Atelier Wen Perception V3 that’s in its third instalment, although they are on version 5, there is enough going on to justify this review.

We are a fan of the new and improved dials that have undergone sandblasting with a textured, almost mottled-like appearance.

What wearers will like is the opportunity to pick and choose from not just two dial declinations in Jet Black and Midnight Blue but the number of options alongside it, including date and no-date variations.

The black dial has a differentiation of colour in the form of red text emphasising “Hudson” just above 6 with an identical red tipped hour hand, triangular marker at 12 and lollipop second hand. The indices are silver with mirror-polishing and baton hour markers.

These have been given a generous dose of Swiss Super-LumiNova X1 which has been leveled up in comparison to previous generation watches. This new version has a noticeable revamp thanks to the lume pip on the second hand that’s been mirror-polished.

The matte dial finish will reduce glare and promote legibility.

Not as many reflective surfaces as the Zenith Defy Extreme Mirror Chronograph but you get the point. Nonetheless, this doesn’t detract from a stellar job the brand has done. The vintage aesthetic can be seen as per 1960’s skin divers from brands like Florence based HTD.

Note the detail on the double baton indices at 12, versus singular form for the other hour indices which is great for readability.

We must point out the chapter ring, which is crisp and well defined with blue accents highlighted at 15, 30, 45 and 60, adding interest. Everything goes hand in hand (pardon the pun), including legibility, functionality and clarity.

Unfussy, uncluttered and stripped back, this will satisfy many aficionados looking to buy a watch for symmetrical and asymmetrical purposes as they cater to both. Other highlights we like from this release feature;

Solid 316L stainless steel crown with a coin edge and mirror-polished “M”
Drilled lugs
Double applied indices at 12
68 hour power reserve
Tungsten rotor.

The Bracelet

There’s a five-row bracelet which is akin to previous iterations while there’s a change by way of new quick-release end links. It tapers perfectly from 20mm to 16mm with mirror polished pushers that are as shiny as an Emmys after party.

Robust and well balanced with solid milling on the clasp, there is a two push button micro adjustment clasp. Made from solid 316L stainless steel, it offers comfort and a general sense of wellbeing on the wrist.

Silky smooth, the central links have been mirror-polished and we like the high-definition engraving of the brand logo that’s finished well, alongside 10mm of on-the-fly adjustment.

Official Specs - MAEN Hudson 38 MK5

Did You Know?

As both Founders hail from the Netherlands, the brand name originates from the old Dutch terminology for “Moon” (Maan) representing the ultimate symbol of time.

La Joux-Perret G100 Movement

Based on the Miyota 9000 series, inside the MAEN Hudson 38 MK5 is a stalwart of a calibre, used by many leading independent brands.

Gone is the Sellita SW200-1 from the MK4 version, and is replaced by La Joux-Perret G100. In an industry long dominated by familiar movement names, this movement has emerged as one of the most compelling alternatives.

Swiss-made, modern, and impressively engineered, the G100 is quickly earning a reputation as the movement that punches well above its weight.

What sets it apart?

An ideal alternative to the ETA2824-2, while many mainstream automatic movements offer around 38 to 42 hours of autonomy, the G100 delivers a robust 68 hour power reserve. That means you can take it off for an entire weekend and return to find it still ticking on Monday morning.

This makes it an ideal everyday driver.

As per the previous iteration, there’s still a daily accuracy of ±12 seconds.

The movement combines reliability with versatility. Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and featuring hacking seconds, hand-winding capability, and a proven architecture, La Joux-Perret G100 is built for real-world performance.

It offers brands a premium Swiss movement option without relying on the industry's usual suspects. Perhaps most importantly, it is perfect timing for those actively seeking greater independence and supply-chain flexibility.

As a result, it has found favour among a host of best microbrands and established manufacturers alike.

Other known models containing this calibre include;

Malm Wolf Air Viggen
Zelos Eagle 2
March LA.B Belza
Aquastar Model 60

Not flashy, not overhyped, and not burdened by legacy expectations, the La Joux-Perret G100 represents something increasingly rare in modern watchmaking: genuine value, thoughtful engineering, and performance that in our view exceeds expectations.

Official Movement Specs

Where Can You Buy A MAEN Hudson 38 MK5?

Presented on a black FKM rubber strap in four different models, featuring date and no date options, there are excellent options to level up this timepiece. The choice includes;

Jubilee bracelet (Add 127 EUR to total cost)
Five link bracelet (Add 151.20 EUR to total cost)

Prices are outlined in this easy to read table below;

Shipping on preorder models takes place around late August 2026. Prices correct as of July 2026

What’s Our View?

Legible, highly functional with a clean dial, as it should be with these types of watches, there’s a lot packed into the MAEN Hudson 38 MK5.

This is far from a homage.

Divers will like the 300 metres of water resistance, on par with an Omega Seamaster Diver 300M, while every horological sinew has been stretched, in terms of adding extra value and keeping affordability.

An ideal entry-level piece for anyone looking to get into the hobby, everyone should have one MAEN in their collection (at least). Add in enhancements from drilled lugs to enhanced finishing and there’s no surprise this series is on its fifth act.

And the smooth as butter screw down crown that you would experience on more expensive timepieces like a Tudor Black Bay. There’s a choice of symmetrical versus asymmetrical versions with date and no date versions being available.

Again, similar to variations offered by the coronet thanks to both variations of the Rolex Submariner.

Add in a La Joux-Perret G100 movement with a nearly 70 hour power reserve (around 20 hours superior to industry standards), and you have an all-encompassing package that’s a genuine game changer at this price point.

Conclusion

With subtle tweaks including the five-link bracelet, lume pip and nice tapering on a bracelet that’s one of the best in the mid-tier category, this is a well made and well polished tool watch.

In every sense of the word.

It’s nicely proportioned too, making it a breeze to move between the boardroom and beach bar. Who cares if there’s a phantom date setting position in all honesty. And the bezel could be a tad firmer but we are really clutching at straws.

The level of refinement especially on the micro-adjustment clasp are levels above, contributing to an excellent value proposition.

It ticks many timekeeping boxes in terms of lustre, tolerance levels and design language that embodies what the brand is about. Comfortable and refined, in spite of its sub £1000 tag, it is not overbearing on the wrist.

We like the low profile and it is balanced despite the extra slight crystal height. The coin teeth profile is executed nicely with a well proportioned case that will suit both date and non-date wearers.

As per the 1997 Sci-fi/action film starring Bruce Willis, the Hudson 38 series is now in its Fifth Element. However, like Gone with the Wind or Casablanca, the classics never go out of style.

Discover, hunt, buy, sell

Images:

Unless otherwise specified MAEN

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