When handling the new Studio Underd0g 02Series Mantis at the brand’s freshly minted D0ghouse workshop, two things hit you immediately: the absurd vibrancy of the gradient dial and the dramatically refined case profile. Studio Underd0g has carved an undeniable niche in modern horology by pairing whimsical design language with serious microbrand execution. With the Mantis, founder Richard Benc and his team have delivered what is easily the brand’s most electric full-lume creation to date.
The 02Series field watch collection received a silent generational update earlier this summer, but the Mantis serves as the true launchpad for these Gen 2 updates in a limited release. Measuring 37.5mm in diameter with a tight 46mm lug-to-lug distance, the new 316L stainless steel case has been thinned down to 11.5mm (including 2.1mm of domed sapphire crystal). The ergonomics on the wrist feel noticeably more balanced than Gen 1, sitting low and stable with modern field watch presence.
Sapphire Sandwich Dial Architecture and Intense Mantis Glow
The defining element of the Studio Underd0g 02Series Mantis is its floating multi-layer dial architecture. Studio Underd0g utilizes a sapphire sandwich construction: a base dial treated with a light-to-dark green gradient luminescent finish sits beneath a completely transparent upper sapphire disc. The minute track, Arabic hour numerals, and branding are printed directly onto this top sapphire disc, fastened with two visible countersunk screws.
In daylight, the gradient mimicry of a praying mantis creates striking depth as light bounces between the top glass and the colored base layer. Once darkness falls, the entire dial surface glows with incredible intensity. Studio Underd0g claims this is the brightest full-lume application ever released across their entire lineup, turning the entire 37.5mm face into a beacon on the wrist.
The Upgraded Sellita SW200-2 M Manual-Wind Movement
Underneath the floating dial lies another significant upgrade for the Gen 2 platform. Studio Underd0g has transitioned from the SW210 to the Sellita SW200-2 M caliber. This movement is a modified variant of Sellita’s workhorse SW200, specifically customized to strip out the automatic winding rotor and bridges in favor of a dedicated hand-wound architecture.
Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), the SW200-2 M delivers a boosted power reserve of 63 hours—a major improvement over older generations. Regulated in-house during assembly at the D0ghouse to a rated accuracy of ±7 seconds per day, the caliber offers crisp, tactile crown engagement with every turn. The elimination of the automatic rotor also contributes directly to the watch’s slim 11.5mm case height.
On-Wrist Experience and Launch Details
On the wrist, the 02Series Mantis wears like a modern classic. It comes fitted with an herb-moss green suede strap crafted by The Strap Tailor, perfectly echoing the natural tones of the dial. Water resistance is rated to 10 ATM (100 meters), complete with a screw-down crown that ensures real-world field utility alongside its playfulness.
Unlike traditional hyper-limited drops that sell out in seconds, Studio Underd0g is utilizing a time-window ordering strategy for the Mantis launch. The watch will be available to order during a strict 9-hour open window on September 1st, 2026 (from 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM BST / 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT), with every order placed during this period guaranteed fulfillment. Retail pricing is set at $1,200 USD (£875 GBP).
Specifications
| Reference | 02Series Gen 2 Mantis |
|---|---|
| Case Material | 316L Stainless Steel |
| Case Dimensions | 37.5mm diameter, 11.5mm thickness, 46mm lug-to-lug |
| Crystal | Domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal (2.1mm height) |
| Caseback | Exhibition sapphire display back |
| Water Resistance | 10 ATM (100 meters / 330 feet) |
| Dial | Sapphire sandwich dial with light-to-dark green gradient full-lume base |
| Lume | Super-LumiNova full-dial luminescent treatment |
| Movement | Sellita SW200-2 M (custom manual-wind conversion) |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph (4 Hz) |
| Power Reserve | 63 hours |
| Accuracy | ±7 seconds per day |
| Strap | Moss green suede strap by The Strap Tailor with steel pin buckle |
| Availability | 9-hour open order window on September 1, 2026 |
| Price | $1,200 USD / £875 GBP |
The evolution of Studio Underd0g from a design experiment into a serious independent manufacture is on full display with the 02Series Mantis. By tightening case tolerances, boosting movement performance, and doubling down on distinct aesthetics, the Mantis demonstrates why the brand continues to command such devotion among contemporary watch collectors. For enthusiasts interested in independent field watches, internal references like our coverage on the Formex Essence 39 COSC update and Ming 57.05 Comet Worldtimer highlight how microbrands and independent watchmakers are rapidly redefining modern horological expectations.
