Thinness in a watch, real thinness, the type that requires the word ?thin? to be in the name, is almost like a complication unto itself. This is not an original observation, but I think it bears repeating, especially when a watch is impressively, almost hilariously thin. The new MAEN Manhattan 39 Ultra Thin fits neatly into this category, taking every aspect of the popular 37mm version of the watch up a notch. To me it feels akin, almost, to the Lorier Hydra SIII released last year. Not because it has anything specific in common with that watch, but because it represents the manifestation of a type of watch enthusiasts have been dreaming of at an accessible price point for years. 

Before we get too deep into the wearing experience, let?s start with the numbers. The tale of the tape, for the MAEN 39 matters in a way I?d normally brush off. The 39mm diameter is just slightly larger than the original Manhattan. In truth, when you have the watches side by side, they look very similar. Part of this is because 2mm in this dimension is just not a whole lot of real estate on a case that?s elongated toward the bracelet sides, and part of it is a visual trick of the eye. 
$999

Hands-On: the MAEN 39 Ultra Thin

Case
Stainless steel

Movement
ETA 7001

Dial
Green

Lume
Yes, hands and markers

Lens
Sapphire

Strap
Integrated steel bracelet

Water Resistance
10 ATM

Dimensions
39 x 47.8mm

Thickness
6.9mm

Lug Width
24mm

Crown
Push/pull

War...