Pinion was founded in 2013 by Piers Berry, a former digital designer and watch collector based in Henley-on-Thames, England (yes, where Bremont is also headquartered). Since its inception, Pinion has focused on minimalist three-hand automatic and hand-cranked mechanical watches and one interesting chronograph driven by a new old stock Valjoux caliber. These watches have all been designed and assembled in England, and feature traditional sports watch aesthetics in burly rounded cases, with bold “Explorer” style dials. Though I’d not handled a Pinion before Berry sent me the Atom (and an Axis II for comparison), I knew the brand by reputation, with reports of excellent fit and finish, high quality straps and packaging, and good customer service. The designs are original as well, which is tough to do these days, especially in the “time only” watch arena, where the palette is more limited than with dive or complication watches. But with prices hovering above the $2,000 mark, Pinion has remained a bit of a niche company for those willing to spend that not insignificant amount for a “micro-brand.” With the Atom, the company now has an entry level watch with an altogether more affordable price tag.