Isotope Watches Hydrium Limited Editions

April 29, 2015

UK-founded independent watchmaker Isotope Watches made a name by releasing remarkable watches that stood out through their original designs, whimsical details, and robust engineering. The brand helps you break from convention and embrace the eccentric side everybody has, no matter how deeply tucked away. You could do that with the four new Isotope Watches Hydrium limited editions, restricted to just 20 and 100 pieces (respectively). Try the taste of The Wasabi, feel the Ooh La La, visit Coconut Island, or race the British Racing Green.Three years ago, the Isotope HydriumX Will Return with its dial inspired by the iconic Will Return clock door sign that tells when a shop will be open again, took me by surprise. The colorful red, white, black, and blue version of the iconic clock for the wrist with its full-lume dial is more than just a fun design object. Its water-resistant to 300 meters, for instance. It may look like a toy-like design object, but at the same time, it s a capable underwater tool watch. And now there are four more playful variations on the Hydrium theme.Be surprised by four new Isotope Watches Hydrium limited editionsThe Isotope Hydrium is a tool dressed in a designer outfit. The case measures 40mm in diameter and 14.9mm thick if you count the double-domed sapphire. The 48mm long watch with a 22mm lug width wears like a normal timepiece on the wrist. But through your eyes, your brain registers something unusual. That was the case with the watch modeled after the sign on the door, and its also the case with the four new limited editions. Again, isotope lets creativity run free but also respects professional-grade specifications. Things get off to a fiery start with the Hydrium The Wasabi.? Im not sure if the watch will also bring you the pungent heat that primarily affects the nose and sinuses when you put it on the wrist that its namesake is known for. Regardless, it certainly stirs a strong reaction. The watch that comes in a small serving of 20 pieces is an unapologetic tribute to sushi culture. It bursts in vibrant wasabi green that glows in the dark. It also features chopsticks for hour and minute hands, a swirling wasabi dollop as the seconds hand, and tiny sushi illustrations at 3, 6, and 9 oclock. The micro-blasted stainless steel case houses a Swiss-made, La Joux Perret G101 Soigne automatic movement. This one comes on a crisp white FKM rubber strap with a quick-release system and a signed micro-blasted steel pin buckle.Je ne sais quoiThe 20 watches with the tres French outcry of Ooh La La for a name have a certain je ne sais quoi. Its also charming, like Paris, the city of lights, which inspired this watch. The romantic dial shows a radiant sunburst blend of red, orange, and golden yellow. Think of it as a sunset you enjoy while sitting hand-in-hand on the steps before the famous Sacre-C?ur basilica in Montmartre. So romantic! A neat touch is using sapphire crystal hands that float above the dial. They catch and reflect light like glass sculptures, making the Ooh La La? a veritable objet dart on the wrist.Travel to Coconut IslandOn Coconut Island, precise Swiss mechanics meet laid-back summertime vibes. The bright sunburst silver dial is the backdrop for palm-tree-shaped hour and minute hands, while the seconds hand is a spinning coconut.The watch is limited to just 20 pieces and has a suede-leather strap. Its a playful creature. But like the other Hydrium models, it has a screw-down crown, case back, and a unidirectional 120-click bezel, meaning its not just fun and games. The Coconut Island is still more of a dive in than a dive watch, if you know what I mean.High octane greenThe Hydrium British Racing Green Limited is less limited than the other three novelties. But its relative rarity is maintained because there will be just 100 pieces up for grabs. I dont think I m telling you anything new when I write this: the watch is an homage to the grand British motorsport tradition. The UK-based brand took things a bit more seriously on this variation. The deep green dial is surrounded by a checkered flag minute track, featuring racing-inspired hands. Do you recognize the bright orange seconds hand as something like the one you could find in a vintage cars tachometer? All four new Isotope Watches Hydrium limited editions cost US$1,703/$1,462.95/$1,490. For information on availability, please visit Isotope Watches official website.