Magrette

Overview

Magrette is a boutique watch brand from Auckland, New Zealand, specializing in limited-production timepieces inspired by yachting and Pacific themes. Founded in 2007, it combines Italian style influences with New Zealand maritime heritage, producing high-quality, small-batch watches.¹²³⁴

History

Magrette was founded in 2007 by New Zealand watch designer Dion Wynyard McAsey in Auckland, known as the City of Sails, to create yachting-inspired watches blending old-world Italian style with classic yacht aesthetics.¹²⁴ The brand has grown by securing international suppliers while maintaining small-batch production focused on quality and creativity.⁴ It remains an independent operation producing distinctive models rooted in Pacific folklore and New Zealand maritime culture.¹²

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Magrette produces small-batch watches with components sourced from international suppliers, assembled to maintain quality craftsmanship.⁴ Cases and dials feature thematic elements like Pacific motifs, with some models using bronze or hand-engraving by specialists.¹

Notable Products

• Maui's Fish - Limited to 10 pieces, hand-engraved by Andrew Biggs with Pacific folklore motifs.
• Moana Pacific Waterman Kaitiaki - Dive watch with New Zealand maritime design and robust specifications.
• Waterman Bronze - Bronze-cased watch linked to New Zealand stand-up paddling sponsorship.
• Kaitiaki - Professional-grade diver emphasizing Pacific Waterman heritage.

Reputation

Magrette is regarded by enthusiasts as a capable microbrand producing high-quality, distinctive watches despite limited recognition.² Strengths include unique New Zealand-inspired designs and craftsmanship in small batches, with criticisms centering on its relative obscurity in the competitive watch market.²⁴ Professionals note its consistent output of thematic, yachting-oriented timepieces.¹³