Passionately On Point: Hands-On with the Hvilina Nombro Hybrid Synthwave
As a watch journalist, I find joy in experiencing a watch that is "on point." This means that the whole concept of a watch is well executed, even with the occasional pleasant surprise, and this becomes even better when such a watch also comes with an attractive price tag. As it turns out, the Hvilina Nombro Hybrid Synthwave is such a watch.
The model was launched last year by the Polish brand Hvilina and has since already made its rounds through various design contests. As a result, the Nombro Hybrid Synthwave has been awarded the silver medal at both the NY Product Design Awards 2024 and the International Design Awards, while it could collect the coveted platinum award at the MUSE Design Awards 2025. While these must please the people leading the brand, what matters for us watch enthusiasts most is how the watch performs on the wrist.
Hvilina follows the popular trend of integrated bracelets, yet interesting enough, it also equips it with a quick-release function. Straps are currently not available for the Nombro, although it is offered on its sister-model without the hybrid movement, but this might change in the near future. The bracelet is well-made and comfortable, with a hidden butterfly clasp operated by a pusher on either side. The brushed finish is very nice, and additional play of light is provided by a small polished bar on the middle link. The only remark is that the side of the bracelet doesn't feature the more elaborate finish on the side of the case, which is probably done to stay within a competitive price point.
The case itself measures 42mm in diameter and has an elaborate construction, which sets the stage for the rest of the watch. While most watches are approached and judged dial on, we more often than not view it at an angle, and Hvilina made sure that no angle is disappointing. The box-style sapphire crystal has an anti-reflective coating that seems to be more effective than I have seen on many other watches. This also allows us to take in the unique dial fully.
With the Synthwave version, purple is combined with pink in a neon-like setting. Many people who have seen the watch immediately thought back to the movie Blade Runner, and they are not wrong to define the character of this Hvilina as such. The vertical striped decoration at the center line of the dial breaks the purple area and adds a sense of depth. The hands and hour markers are filled with Super-LumiNova and very easy to read, and the same goes for the date, where Hvilina also opted for a futuristic font. The same can be said of the orange GMT-hand, with its scale well integrated within the design of the dial.
The back is almost a blast from the past, as here, a tinted mineral crystal shows us caliber EPSON PX85A. This is an auto-quartz movement, meaning that a battery is charged by an oscillating weight. Normally, when opting for such a movement, brands hide it away, but not Hvilina. In that way, it is reminiscent of Girard-Perregaux, who, in the 1980s and 1990s, also put a display back in their quartz-powered watches. Hvilina did right by it because the movement is not only pleasant to look at, but it also adds to the overall experience of the Nombro Hybrid Synthwave. When fully charged, the watch has a power reserve of 6 months, which can be checked by pushing the button at the side of the case, for which Hvilina provides a heavy-duty tool to do this in style. Even when not charged, picking up the watch is often enough to get it running.
For those who find the color scheme a bit too intense, does Hvilina also offer the Nombro Hybrid, for example, as 'Post Industrial' with a white and black dial or 'Downbeat,' with a black and silver dial. For those who want a more luxurious look, there are also two versions with a gold-plated case and bracelet available. Each version is limited to 350 pieces and priced at €399.
For more info, visit Hvilina, here.
