Marnaut: Unique Croatian Watches Inspired by Diving Legends

When it comes to punctuality, few nations in the world come close to Japan. There is a word in Japanese, rooted in Buddhism, mujō, meaning impermanence or transience. It is precisely this awareness of time passing that gives each moment its value.

This philosophy inspired Mario Jutronić to create Marnaut in 2018, a Croatian watchmaking microbrand whose name combines the words 'mare' and 'nautics'. Growing up in Kobe, he developed a deep appreciation for the Far Eastern concept of time, later translating it into a brand that honours the tradition of mid-twentieth century dive watches. Marnaut brings together a Swiss heart, German craftsmanship, and Croatian soul in a design that feels both familiar and entirely its own.

'My love of horology started with studying the history of Seiko, Grand Seiko, and Swiss dive watches, which is very extensive and interesting. If you look back in history, you'll notice that these 'divers' went through a renaissance in the 1960s. All models by Rolex, Omega, Blancpain, Seiko, and other big watchmaking brands nowadays bear the design signature of those models. Therefore, I also wanted to create watches inspired by the golden age of 'divers' and the natural beauty of Croatia,' says Mario Jutronić.

At the heart of Marnaut’s identity are its distinctive dials, inspired by sea urchin exoskeletons. The surface is defined by precisely arranged metal dots, positioned just millimetres apart and radiating from the centre, a complex detail that makes each piece visually striking and technically demanding. 

A subtle but meaningful signature replaces the traditional 'Swiss made' marking: instead, each watch bears the geographical coordinates of iconic Croatian locations, such as the Blue Cave on Biševo, Zlatni Rat beach, or the Split Riva, depending on the model. Three models, Safe Harbour, Dark Surge, and Seascape, form the core collection, each defined by its unique interpretation of this signature dial.

'As a creative by profession, I approached this project primarily from a designer's perspective. I wanted to make watches that aren't merely an homage or a direct copy, but take inspiration from legendary divers, with their own character and originality. This meant that I had to create a unique dial, which I believe is the most important part of the watch. My father was a seaman, so we spent most of our time outside Croatia, except during summers, which we always spent on the island of Brač. While snorkelling as a boy, I often looked for sea urchins and their colourful exoskeletons. Their shape, symmetry, and absolute uniqueness have always fascinated me, so I transferred this fascination and personal touch to watches,' the creator of Marnaut explains.

Beyond the design, the technical specifications place Marnaut firmly among serious contenders in its category. The case is made of 316L stainless steel, powered by the reliable Sellita SW200 movement, while Super-LumiNova C3 indices ensure excellent visibility in low-light conditions.

Generation 2: A step forward

Marnaut is now entering a new chapter with its Generation 2 collection, a set of considered, purposeful refinements that make each model feel more complete. The Seascape gains a screw-down crown, while the enamel dials retain their signature texture but now feature a matte finish. 

A refined two-line Automatic inscription adds to the overall balance of the dial. The new generation also introduces straps of FKM rubber, a high-grade material known for its durability and comfort on the wrist, available in multiple colours. 

The standout addition is the Adriatic dial, a textured, light-reactive surface that shifts in appearance depending on the angle, evoking sunlight catching the peaks of Adriatic waves. It will be available as a special variant across all three models.

Bol and Split: New addresses for a growing brand

Marnaut watches are available online, as the brand expands its physical presence with a dedicated showroom in Bol, one of Croatia’s most recognisable destinations and home to the iconic Zlatni Rat beach, alongside a retail partnership in Split.

It is a natural progression. The Seascape model carries the coordinates of Zlatni rat, while the Dark Surge points to the Blue Cave in the Split archipelago. As with every Marnaut space, Brač stone will feature in the Bol interior, grounding the brand in the island that quietly shaped its identity.

In the end, Marnaut remains what it set out to be, a quiet intersection of time, sea, and memory, shaped on the shores of Brač and carried on the wrist.