Source: Images and content by @ WatchPro. See the original article here - https://www.watchpro.com/online-launch-of-new-isotope-hydrium/
Any new watch faces oodles of competition. With hundreds of companies already on the scene, it takes a brave person to launch a new brand and the best way to stand out is to find a niche.
This is exactly what Harpenden-based José Miranda did in 2016 when he founded his company Isotope.
Choosing a name that suggests rearranging familiar components and delivering them in a unique way, Miranda has consistently surprised with his timepieces that take inspiration from 20th-century product designers including Max Bill and Gérald Genta.
Concentrating on minimalism, Isotope’s Hydrium watches, that have now become a collection in their own right, are particularly impactful when delivered in their most colourful combinations.
Past editions include Burnt Tangerine and the luminous Blue Night, and the latest limited edition, launching at 11am on 19 July, follows a similar philosophy.
Delivered in the same 40mm micro-blasted, stainless-steel case as the other versions, the silhouette feels streamlined and modern.
The dial features a stubby central seconds’ hand, large hour numerals, a minute track, the logo at 12 o’clock, and the model name at 6.
The unidirectional rotating bezel has a single teardrop-shaped indication meaning that it does not qualify as a diving watch despite its 300-metre water resistance.
Miranda explains that this was a simple design decision. “All the X versions have ‘Lacrima’ hands and a micro second-hand, which are not ideal for reading the time whilst diving,” he says.
“So, to keep the design as clean as possible, we opted to remove the scale and keep that only for the diving-orientated versions, such as the Hydrium Burnt Tangerine, for example, or the PRO versions, that will come in the near future.
The concept of having a fun watch that can cope with most sports activities, may not be new, but we were able to make it affordable, original and desirable.”
The watch is equipped with the Swiss automatic Landeron 24 calibre, which replaces the Miyota 9039 previously used in the Hydrium models, and is visible through the exhibition caseback.
According to Miranda it offers “Value for money, top finishing and accuracy. After trying Swiss Landeron movements for many months, and after learning how they come to life, this was the best possible decision. A Japanese movement, although excellent as well, can be a deal breaker, but a Swiss movement never is.”
Adding a summery feel, the new Hydrium X Blink is supplied on a tropical-style rubber strap and has a special colour combination of baby and hot pink highlighted with marine blue.
“The watch offers two colours we love: Blue + Pink = Blink. By combining the two colours, the Blink is a statement,” says Miranda. “We don’t make watches for men or women, we make them for everybody.”
The Isotope Hydrium X Blink is a limited edition of 100 pieces available exclusively online at isotopewatches.co.uk from 11am on 19 July 2022, priced at £617 plus tax.
