I’ve got a close affinity to Scotland given my surname and the fact my summer holiday this year was spent touring the west coast in a motorhome, which is why the latest release from Isotope peaked my interest.
Teaming up with Scottish Watches, Hertfordshire-based Isotope Watches has released the Hydrium Alba, referencing the old Scottish Gaelic name for Scotland itself.
In doing so, Jose Miranda explained to WATCHPRO last week how he wanted to express how the identity of Scotland goes far beyond haggis, kilts and bagpipes.
He explained how as the most northern part of the United Kingdom, it offers some of the most breathtaking scenery and welcome combination of nature, historic sites and energetic cities – something which I can vouch for after my August adventure.
Scotland also plays an essential role in the history of Isotope. At a dinner party in Glasgow in 1913, radiochemist Frederick Soddy was discussing his discovery of radioelements with unique half-lives.
As the Periodic Table has no room for them, a close friend of his wife, Dr Margaret Todd, suggested calling them Isotopes. A very appropriate name as in Greek, this means ‘(coming from the) same place.’
Soddy adopted the name, publishing his theory in the December issue of ‘Nature,’ that same year and being awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1921.
Back to the watch though, and both considering themselves as straightforward brands, the product of the team-up is described as “a no-nonsense watch, with a new sense of refinement,” representing the national colours of Scotland by combining a pure white enamelled dial with beautiful heat-blued hands.
The contrast between the rugged 40mm large case made of 316L stainless steel with a micro-blasted finish and the mysterious gloss provided by the enamelled dial is a rarity in a diving watch.
The Isotope Hydrium Alba is powered by a Swiss Landeron calibre 24, an automatic movement which runs at 4Hz and offers a power reserve of 40 hours.
To underscore the rugged nature of the watch, Isotope keeps this well-decorated movement hidden underneath a closed case back.
However, a deep engraving of a divers’ helmet ensures that the back of the Hydrium Alba remains as attractive to look at as the front.
The enamelled dial is protected by double-domed sapphire crystal, framed by a black 120-click bezel with a sapphire insert.
Its understated appearance is strengthened by Isotope’s decision to not include a date function, achieving a cleaner and more powerful appearance.
With a water resistance of 300m/1.000 ft, the Isotope X Scottish Watches Hydrium Alba is a Limited edition of 100 pieces.
Pre-orders opened on November 30 and is offered exclusively online at £700 (ex VAT).
WATCHPRO CHRISTMAS MARKET
WATCHPRO Christmas Market takes place in a retail store space right under the Piccadilly Circus Christmas lights on Regent Street; one of the highest footfall destinations in London from December 2-4.
To find us, simply exit Piccadilly Circus tube station, look to the famous digital advertising billboards and you will see WATCHPRO Christmas Market right beneath the lights.
CLICK TO REGISTER FOR FREE TICKETS
Exhibitors & Partners at WATCHPRO Salon 2022:
