Founded by two enthusiasts in 2019, Sō Labs strives to create design-focused watches. Sō — Japanese for “beginning,” “creativity,” and “layer” — perfectly encapsulates the Chicago-based company’s mission of building unique timepieces with an emphasis on color, layering, and transparency. 

The Layer Two features a 40mm stainless steel case with 100m water resistance.  With the dial, we have a small center layer representing seconds, a long skeletonized hand representing minutes and a large triangular hand representing hours. The other standout of the Layer Two — so named for that unique layered dial design — is its multiple finish options. Ranging from DLC-coated to polished to brushed, every variant is carefully designed to augment its dial design. Each Layer Two is paired with a stainless steel bracelet in a matching finish in addition to a complementary strap from Veblenist. 

Powering the Layer Two series is the Swiss-made Sellita SW220-1. An automatic movement, it features 26 jewels, hacking, hand winding, a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour, and a power reserve of at least 41 hours. Sō Labs has repurposed the SW220-1’s day and date function to create 217 unique dial combinations, ensuring that the Layer Two’s viewing experience is always special.