Old Radium Bronze Tobacco

Isotope Old Radium Bronze Tobacco

Limited Edition of 100 numbered watches

The 'Old Radium’ is an ode to the brave pilots that fought the odds of WWII, which were often not in their favour. Its design is a subtle mix of straightforward functionality and vintage elegance.

Several elements give the 'Old Radium' its charismatic character, starting with the case. With a diameter of 40mm, it can be worn as easily over the cuff as underneath it, proving its worth in all facets of an active lifestyle. Opting for CuSn8 bronze, one of the finest qualities available of this alloy, the case has a warm hue, close to that of rose gold. This alloy is known for being very pure and consists of 92% copper, 7.5-8% tin, and around 0.30% phosphorus. It will develop patina at a lower rate than lesser quality bronze but eventually does reveal its unique look.

The dial is highly legible, as one would expect from a Pilot's watch. It features Isotope's hallmark lacrima in Military Olive, featuring a grainy finish just like the area surrounding it. This is placed slightly higher so that there is quite a bit of depth to the dial. The area surrounding the lacrima is in Tobacco Brown exclusive to this Limited Edition of 100 watches. The Arabic numerals, as well as the sword hands, are filled in with Super LumiNova in a colour that is reminiscent of the aged Radium of vintage watches, hence its name 'Old Radium.' The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal which has an anti-reflective coating.

While bronze cases add character to a watch, this unique alloy can also cause allergic reactions when worn directly on the skin for extended periods. To prevent this, the 'Old Radium' features a titanium case back. A sapphire crystal insert allows owners to see the Swiss-made Landeron calibre 24. This rugged movement is the perfect engine for a sophisticated gentleman's Pilot's watch, featuring automatic winding and a power reserve of 40 hours while running at 4Hz/28.800 VpH. The 'Old Radium' is water-resistant up to 10ATM, unique for a Pilot's watch.

The finishing touches are the comfortable straps made from an Italian soft calf and a Marine National style strap, handmade in Barcelona by Didymostraps exclusively for this Old Radium version. It comes with a buckle engraved with the Isotope name made out of CuSn8 bronze alloy.

Technical Specifications

• Brushed CuSn8 Bronze case, sandblasted Titanium exhibition case back
• Case diameter 40mm X 47mm (with lugs)
• Height 10.1mm
• Anti-reflective crystal sapphire
  
• Screw-down crown at 3 o’clock
• No date textured dial with Old Radium luminescent coating applied on numbers and indexes
• Isotope Brushed Bronze Sword hands applied with Old Radium luminescent coating
• Water-resistance 100m / 10 atm / 330 ft (Light swim rated)
• 20mm Quick-release Italian calfskin strap with bespoke Bronze Brushed Buckle
• Bespoke Marine Nationale strap handmade in Barcelona by Didymostraps with genuine full-grain vegetable-tanned leather from Tuscany, Italy.

Swiss Landeron Mechanical Movement

• Automatic, self-winding
• Power reserve 40 hours
• 25 Jewels, 28800A/h
• Accuracy -12/+12 s/day
• Decorated, Côtes de Genève, perlage

Caring for your Bronze CuSn8 Isotope - Bronze is a copper alloy and oxidises when in contact with oxygen. The bronze forms a natural patina, which gives your watch a unique character. With time, your Old Radium Bronze will become darker due to oxidation: the patina. This is a natural process and does not indicate quality issues.

Bronze is a living alloy and it's not hypoallergenic - data suggests that more than 10% of the world population is known to be allergic to nickel. Therefore, a bronze watch case may irritate your skin. 

Independent hands-on review by Average Bros:

How to fit the 4L'MENTS strap video: