In Science, isotopes are different forms of a single element. In Horology, the brand ISOTOPE represents individuality and originality. A desirable brand combining ingenious design and the best technical solutions. A brand with the determination to explore new paths and become first among equals.
The “i” in our logo is aligned with the 7th hour. Most experts in numerology consider the number Seven a universal symbol of good fortune and unification. It is the world’s favourite number and the most significant across various cultures and religions.
ISOTOPE, horological complications demystified.
Our watch design needed to be unlike any other timepiece in the market so we started with a clean slate. After some time travel, we found ourselves in the1930’s. Inspiration came from the Streamline Moderne era designers which is an unexplored era where most designs are still authentic and desirable. The departing point were some of the most breathtaking cars and boats ever designed.
Two excellent examples are the 1938 Phantom Corsair designed by Rust Heinz and the Speedboats designed and built by Garfield Wood between 1930-1939.
The focus was the Art Moderne movement, not a specific brand or model. This is why we often mention that our watch was designed “by the wind” as we gained inspiration from various artistic, architectural and design fonts. Every element was created to look like the watch itself is in motion.
The domed sapphire crystal, the smooth edges, the dial with inverted water drop and oval hour window, the classic colours, the original font design, the scale elements, the reinvented classic gauge hands…The ISOTOPE Rider reinterpretes the Streamline Moderne philosophy to add timeless elements into its contemporary design. That is why the Rider is unique but also seems familiar.
Back in 1883, the Austrian Engineer Josef Pallweber invented a watch complication popularly referred to as the Pallweber “Jump-Hour” movement.
His invention had the simple idea of making easier to read the hour in pocket watches. He replaced the hands with a “digital” display of hours and minutes and every 60-minute cycle, the hour digit would suddenly “jump” to the next hour.
In 1885, the Swiss firm known as “The International Watch Company” of Schaffhausen, or “IWC”, patented the revolutionary Josef Pallweber mechanical pocket watch movement, which displayed the hours and minutes with Arabic numeral dials.
Between 1885-1887, the Pallweber “Jump-Hour” pocket watches were exclusively manufactured by IWC. Since then, several solutions were invented and explored by various watch designers and consequently, different watch brands.
We believe we are the first independent watch brand to ever introduce a new Jumping-Hour as it’s first complication. Therefore, our ISOTOPE Rider is a tribute to Josef Pallweber and Gérald Genta. A tribute for inventing the concept and an acknowledgment as no other watch designer created so many iconic versions of watches with a Jumping-Hour complication.
All variations are animated by a self-winding Swiss ETA 2824-2 with a bespoke Swiss made Jumping-Hour module showing an hour disc with Arabic numerals, ISOTOPE exclusive minute and seconds gauge hands.
The Rotor, visible from the case back window, can be either decorated with the ISOTOPE Logo or with a bespoke design/message as per our customers requirements, making each model even more priceless, exclusive and personal.
The dials show white or black painted indexes and Arabic numerals, depending on the dial colour. An oval guichet placed at 6 o’clock shows the hour. We placed the guichet in this position so it’s possible to observe the hour “jumping” with no hands interference. The cases, crown and ISOTOPE buckle are produced in Stainless Steel 316L, conferring a practical daily usage.
All variants will be supplied with a bespoke leather strap, either in black or dark brown Calfskin leather, depending on the ideal colour combination with the dial. The metal bracelet and clasp have our original design, exclusive for our watches. At this stage we are still deciding if we are producing the metal bracelets as they would be significantly expensive considering only 99 or less would be made. In the end, it will depend on the number of pre-orders.
BLUE BUBBLEGUM
CRÈME DE LA CRÈME
VINTAGE PASTEL GREEN
ENVY GREEN
WHITE RUSSIAN
BLACK PEPPER
Length, including lugs: 47,7mm
Width: 46,8mm (without crown) / 47,4mm (with crown)
Height: 12,1mm (excluding crystal) / 13,7mm (including domed crystal)
Domed AR Sapphire Crystal: ø37mm
Case Back AR Sapphire Crystal: ø24mm
Lugs width: 22mm
Buckle: Pin Buckle, 20mm
Movement: Swiss Automatic, self-winding, ETA 2824-2 with bespoke ISOTOPE Jumping-Hour module
Functions: Mechanical, Hour positioned at 6 o’clock, central minutes and hacking seconds
Accuracy: +20”/-10” p/day
Jewels: 26
Frequency: 28800 A/h
Shock Protection: Incabloc
Power-Reserve: 38 hours
In our Rider it is very easy to read the time: the number positioned at 6 o’clock represents the hour. As an example, at 5.59, as the minute and second hands reaches the last second before 6, the 6 “jumps” replacing the 5 in the hour window.
Our bespoke module, with window hour positioned at 6 o’clock, adopts an ingenious solution and the module uses a systematic amount of power throughout an entire hour, delivering excellent results in accuracy and reliability.
The heart animating the Rider is the well-known ETA 2824-2, a movement that has been widely used by top brands due to its reliability, accuracy and low-maintenance costs. The Jumping-Hour module is 100% Swiss Made and assembled in the Swiss district of Biel.
After testing various colour options, we decided to offer the six colours we believe are more elegant for our case design. Our customers will be able to choose their preferred colour dial before starting production. This means that some references might become even more rare than others.
Please contact us to discuss: info@isotopewatches.com
Quick Release Black or Brown French Calfskin and Orange grained lining
Quick Release Bespoke Sturgeon Leather
Our watches are offered with a high quality French Calfskin and Orange grained lining strap with Presto Stainless Steel spring bars for quick release, avoiding the necessity of tools and potential damages to the watchcase when changing the strap. The leather bracelets are an ISOTOPE exclusive Design.
Hand-Made in Bern, Switzerland, by the Award Winning Designer Sabina Bragger, these exotic, rare straps are made out of Sturgeon Fish Leather, with an exclusive design for ISOTOPE Watches. These straps are unique, original, unscented and extremely resistant and water proof. Sturgeon Leather straps will last up to 3 or more years depending on usage and can be washed with water and soap. It is probably the best option if your intention is to use the watch whilst playing sport activities. Again, it is possible to plan a guided visit to our partner in Bern and learn in detail how Sabina sources the leather, the Eco-Friendly Tanning Process and also create an exclusive and unique strap that will only fit the owner’s wrist.
However, this strap is an optional so please contact us to discuss: info@isotopewatches.com
The buckle is fabricated with the same Stainless Steel grade used to manufacture the watchcase. It is highly resistant and comfortable. It’s colour matches perfectly with the Black or Brown Calfskin leather. The Sturgeon leather strap will be fitted with this same buckle design and previous tests looked astounding.
We are pleased to offer you the option of custom hand-engraving of your ISOTOPE Rider - for an even more exclusive and bespoke experience. After extensive research, we have chosen to exclusively use Joanne Ryall for our traditional hand engraving requirements.
We consider Joanne’s work to be one of the best in the industry. Therefore, we are delighted that she can bring her traditional skills and passion to our watches - lifting a timepiece that is already a work of art, to the status of a treasured heirloom. All works will be carried out on a brand new watchcase. Then, once Joanne completes the engraving of your preferred theme, we can plan a visit to our partner in Switzerland, letting you witness the final assemblage of your very own 1 of 1 ISOTOPE Rider.
Please, contemplate and enjoy some of Joanne’s latest work on her FACEBOOK PAGE.
Please contact us to discuss: info@isotopewatches.com
Designed specifically for our ISOTOPE Rider case, the Stainless Steel bracelet is made to order. At this stage we are still determining if we are producing them as they would be highly expensive to our customers considering only 99 or less would be made. We will keep you informed on the production of the metal bracelets, as it will depend on the number of pre-orders.
However, this bracelet is an optional so please contact us to discuss: info@isotopewatches.com
We are pleased to offer you the option of custom engraving the movement Rotor. The standard version will have the ISOTOPE logo but it is possible to inscribe your own text or design.
For further details, please contact us to discuss: info@isotopewatches.com
ISOTOPE will keep a registry of the serial number combined with the bespoke design and colour options. Each ISOTOPE Rider will have its own leather pouch, useful to protect your watch either at home or when travelling. The leather pouch is designed by Sabina Bragger and produced in Bern, Switzerland. A collective of Award Winning Designers created the Streamline Box. This unique box will be printed with the same serial number inscribed in the watch case and was conceived to be admired, not to be locked in the safe.
Please contact us to discuss your bespoke specifications. It will be a pleasure to talk and to meet all our customers in person: info@isotopewatches.com
Our watches have a manufacturers warranty against materials and workmanship defects for a period of 24 months. Please read our terms and conditions for detailed information.
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