Design-forward mechanical watches from newer independent brands aren?t uncommon, but there is a distinct lack of up and comers in the dress watch segment and this holds especially true at the entry level. So, when I do hear rumblings of a new brand doing something a little offbeat like Toronto-based Vieren watches, I am compelled to check it out. Created by Jess Chow and Sunny Fong, Vieren seeks to walk a tightrope by balancing sleek ?minimalist? design with thoughtful touches like a Cerakote-coated case and quirky leather dial outfitted with a solidly reliable mechanical movement. The model I spent some time with here is the Vieren White Croc, a rectangular cased watch that you’ll find is rather aptly named after an initial glance. It’s almost trite to point out that rectangular dress watches are in no short supply but the charmingly eccentric use of white leather on the dial is really what grabbed my attention here.
A leather dial could run the risk of being gimmicky but having it match with the leather strap and the white case ends up pulling the watch together in a way that is very specific in its intent. So many watches opt to be as versatile as possible but the White Croc almost goes in the opposite direction. It doesn’t “go with everything” but it sure makes a statement when you do decide to wear it. It’s smart but divisive which always makes for some fun.

With a rectangular steel case coated in white Cerakote (a cerami...