The world’s best watch for under $1000

8MM1/500$999

Project 2 in White Carbon, at three quarters

Meet the Project 2

An equilibrium of value and quality.

  1. An original design.

    Introducing our airframe carbon case, drawing on aerospace and automotive forms.

  2. Exceptional engineering.

    Ultra thin at just 8mm and light as a feather weighing just 48.4g.

    Project 2 in White Carbon, in side profile
  3. A sensible price.

    $999, taxes included. A limited edition of 500.

    Project 2 in White Carbon, from the back

WHAT THEY SAY

In their words.

Messages sent to us on Instagram, shared with the customers’ names left out.

Received my watch today. … The packaging is freaking beautiful and the watch, oh my god! It’s even better than it looks in the pictures. Feels so lightweight and premium.

Customer feedback via Instagram
  • I expected it to be good, but it is better than I could imagine!!

    Customer feedback via Instagram
  • This is the single greatest brand development I’ve seen. Keep up the good work!

    Customer feedback via Instagram
  • Trust me, we are all with you! You are redefining the industry! Keep that determination up and we will make your vision come true! Incredible

    Customer feedback via Instagram
  • Never taking it off haha going to wear it everywhere

    Customer feedback via Instagram
  • You guys must be over the moon. Fully deserve all the praise you get. My wallet will hurt from finding you guys. Or not hurt as the brand is focused on being affordable!

    Customer feedback via Instagram
  • First of many thanks man … such a beautiful piece

    Customer feedback via Instagram
  • I’m getting my boys on the new wave too!! Told them all about the white one and now they all waiting on the black one with me

    Customer feedback via Instagram
  • 10/10 customer service mate! Thank you for looking into it

    Customer feedback via Instagram
  • Absolutely brother!! Yall are killing it man! Looking forward to the next drops

    Customer feedback via Instagram
  • Guys you are the absolute king of this game

    Customer feedback via Instagram
  • Great news man! Got the watch and happy owner!

    Customer feedback via Instagram
  • Bruhh…. Thats also fire. You will make history

    Customer feedback via Instagram

04. Movement

THE MOVEMENT

Close view of the Project 2 skeleton movement: brushed bridges, gold wheels, ruby jewels and the red-tipped seconds hand

Nothing to hide.

  • 42h

    Power reserve

  • 25

    Jewels

  • 28,800vph

    Frequency, 4 Hz

  • 53°

    Lift angle

  • 3.8mm

    Movement thickness, in an 8mm case

  • Openwork

    Bridges and plates throughout

05. After dark

Project 2 transforms after dark

A bespoke vivid bioluminescent turquoise aqua glow reminiscent of the clarity of tropical ocean water. Against the darkness of the skeletonised dial, it creates a striking contrast.

Project 2 at three quarters in daylight: the carbon-fibre case on its white strap
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06. Design

THE DESIGN

  1. 01PHILOSOPHY
  2. 02THE DESIGN
  3. 03THE FINISH
Project 2 in Black Carbon from the front: the octagonal carbon-fibre case and the skeleton movement

01 — PHILOSOPHY

We live in a time when everything is moving faster than ever. From the latest breakthroughs in technology and software to the products that are being released to support the innovation, the language of design, at least to us, seems to be undergoing a distinct evolution of its own to reflect the world we are entering…

We wanted to create a watch that embodied this shift for 2027. Something unmistakably contemporary, with a form that catches the eye, yet remains true to the fundamental principles of watch design: elegance, proportion and simplicity.

We chose the octagon for its distinctive geometry, and its meaning. Architecturally, it offers eight generous directions for visual rhythm but as we explored the eight-sided form further, we liked another layer of significance.

In Chinese culture, the number eight is associated with prosperity and good fortune, its pronunciation echoing fā, meaning to prosper or flourish. We appreciated the thought that our watch might carry this sense of good fortune with it.

And of course turn the figure eight on its side and it becomes the symbol of infinity. This felt particularly fitting for a case shape we hope to develop and evolve over time, creating new interpretations while retaining a recognisable identity. What began as a search for an unconventional case shape became something more meaningful: a design that brings together prosperity and the pursuit of endless possibility.

Project 2 case back at an angle: the chamfered carbon-fibre case, the TNW crown and the movement through the sapphire back

02 — THE DESIGN

With the philosophy established, the challenge was to turn the octagon into a distinctive original watch that felt racy yet elegant, balancing contemporary geometry with classical proportions…

We explored how the eight-sided form could be stretched and refined, moving away from a conventional octagon towards a more elongated silhouette. The result is a case defined by its slightly longer sides and then chamfered edges, carefully considered surfaces and an extremely delicate three-dimensional profile.

The geometry gives P2 its contemporary character, while its proportions draw on the timeless principles of classical watch design. This contrast was central to our approach: creating something that feels unmistakably modern without losing the balance and refinement that makes a watch enduring.

Every angle was considered in relation to the next. The transitions between surfaces create depth and allow the case to change character as light moves across it, giving the design a strong visual identity from every perspective.

When the carbon case and skeletonised movement intersect, structure meets weightlessness. Inspired by aerospace and automotive engineering, Project 2 brings carbon and mechanical movement together in a study of strength, lightness and negative space.

Project 2 taken apart on a workbench: movement bridges, wheels, jewels and hands, the carbon-fibre case, the strap and the clasp, with tweezers

03 — THE FINISH

From the beginning, we knew carbon composite would be central to P2. Its lightweight properties and distinctive appearance made it a phenomenal choice at our price point. But as we explored the best available carbon composites, we faced a limitation…

The material we sourced was the best for its lightness and durability, yet its visual possibilities were relatively narrow.

We wanted to push it further. How could we retain the stunning carbon composite as the foundation while introducing a greater variety of colours, patterns and visual character?

Our answer was hydrographic finishing. By transferring a patterned film onto the case surface, this technique opens up new possibilities for the appearance of carbon composite. With the underlying case carbon composite, we felt creatively licensed to explore carbon finishes that would otherwise have been out of reach within our budget.

Working within our limitations challenged us to think creatively about how to bring this idea to life. Rather than viewing those constraints as a reason to compromise, we looked for a process that could expand what was possible.

The result is three distinct interpretations of P2 on its debut, each featuring a striking 3K carbon weave pattern. Each finish brings a different character to the same underlying design, laying the foundation for a case platform that can continue to evolve.

Black and white photograph: a row of open white carry cases, each with the new wave plate, being packed with watches

07. Meet the brand

THE MAN BEHIND THE WATCH

“I started the new wave with a simple ambition: to create distinctive mechanical watches with exceptional specifications, without the extraordinary markups traditionally associated with luxury watchmaking.”

Charles Founder, the new wave watch company

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08. Preorder & FAQ

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW.

When will my P2 ship?

Project 2 is available to preorder now. We are currently preparing for production, which is expected to take approximately 6–8 weeks, followed by quality control and fulfilment. We currently forecast dispatch in January 2027. We will keep you informed of progress by email and provide tracking information once your order has shipped.

Where do you ship?

We ship worldwide, subject to destination availability. Available shipping destinations are confirmed at checkout. Delivery times vary depending on your location. For estimated delivery times, please view our shipping information.

Are taxes and duties included?

Any taxes included in the displayed price will be confirmed at checkout. Depending on your destination and shipping arrangement, additional import duties, taxes or customs charges may apply.

What is the warranty?

Every Project 2 watch comes with a three-year warranty, accompanied by a warranty card in your tnw watch case. We are working towards establishing a global network of service locations. In the meantime, we will cover the cost of shipping your watch back to our HQ in Shanghai if it needs servicing.

Can I return my watch?

Yes. You have 14 days to change your mind: you can cancel at any time before your watch is delivered, and for 14 days after you receive it. To return a product, please email us first at sales@thenewwave.watch and we will communicate the next steps. See our Terms of sale.

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