DESIGN DRIVEN
By Steve Huyton
Steve Huyton is an industrial designer , illustrator and author who publishes Total Design Reviews .
Isotope Appeals With Originality
Through Facebook groups like ‘ Premium Mechanical Microbrands ’ I have discovered several independent watchmakers . Designers that have a massive passion for horology own many of these watch brands .
In the past , it was very challenging for small companies to get editorial exposure . Certainly , most of the magazines in Australia ( where I am based ) only support well-known labels . Ultimately , this is because they rely on advertising revenue .
Fortunately , brands like Isotope raised their profile via social media . They also offer buyers very attractive watches at competitive prices . A great example can be found in Isotope ’ s latest release called the GMT 0 º.
Isotope was established five years ago ( 2016 ) in England by José and Joana Miranda . The brand ’ s catchy name is inspired by science . An isotope is a different form of a single element . But in horological terms , this equates to individuality and originality .
Certainly , I ’ ve been impressed by the company ’ s progress and reviewed the Isotope Goutte d ’ Eau Compressor Diver on my own website several months ago . This incredible piece was nominated for a 2020 Grand Prix d ’ Horlogerie de Genève award . For a Swiss mechanical automatic retailing for $ 670 I feel this timepiece is an absolute bargain . Ultimately , the watch community agreed and this special edition sold out very quickly .
Following up on the success of the Goutte d ’ Eau Compressor Diver
Isotope has just released another fantastic watch called the GMT 0 º. For several months I have been anticipating the release of this timepiece . Therefore , imagine my delight when it arrived and exceeded my expectations .
Within the range , there are several colors to choose from including a special bright yellow version made in collaboration with New Yorkbased publisher Cool Hunting . With the exception of this philanthropic version ( 10 % of the proceeds go to Miles4Migrants ), my favorite is the Beluga Grey , which is limited to forty-nine pieces and priced around $ 1,000 .
44 | AboutTime Magazine