sotope’s new timepiece, the ’Old Radium’, is an ode to the brave British pilots that fought the odds of WWII, which were often not in their favour. They fought for what was right with their magnificent aeroplanes, and the ’Old Radium’ could have been a welcome companion on their missions. Its design is a subtle mix of straightforward functionality and vintage elegance. Form and function don’t get in the way of each other but rather become a unit that is stronger than its separate parts. It results in something that can best be described as a gentleman’s pilot watch, a contemporary ode to times long gone.

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. While stainless steel would be period correct, bronze offers a more exciting proposition. 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. While a polishing cloth will get rid of any patina at the owners’ discretion, many opt to leave it as it is so that the watch gets even more character.

The dial is highly legible, as one would expect from a Pilot’s watch. It features Isotope’s hallmark Lacrima in black, 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 available in Ash Grey, Olive Green, and Ox Blood Red, each giving the ’Old Radium’ a different touch. 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.’

A date window adds another practical touch to this Isotope, which thanks to its black background, blends in nicely with the rest of the dial. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal which has an anti-reflective coating. This not only increases legibility under all circumstances but also makes the colours of the dial more vibrant in appearance.

While bronze cases add character to a watch, this unique alloy can also cause allergic reactions when worn directly on the skin for more extended periods. To prevent this, the ’Old Radium’ features a titanium case back. The great care and eye for detail that went into developing the ’Old Radium,’ become clear once more, as the slots that fit the key to open the case back have the brand’s signature Lacrima. 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. It is operated by a screw-down diamond-shaped crown, which can be operated as easily with gloves as without. The ’Old Radium’ is water-resistant up to 10ATM, unique for a Pilot’s watch. However, this allows its owners to enjoy life to the fullest and never have to give any thought to if your watch is up to the activities you participate in.

The ’Old Radium’ finishing touch is the comfortable strap made from Italian soft calf. It comes with a buckle engraved with the Isotope name and is made out of the same exclusive CuSn8 bronze alloy as the case. It allows the ’Old Radium’ to be pleasantly secured around the wrist while looking good doing so. It also opens a new chapter in the further development of Isotope Watches, by inventing its history in retrospect.

The Isotope Old Radium Bronze Pilot is a Limited edition of 300 pieces per dial, and it’s now ready for Free Express shipping via DHL or Royal Mail. It is offered exclusively online at £800 (ex VAT).

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
• 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 calfskin strap with bespoke bronze brushed buckle
• Swiss Landeron Mechanical Movement: Automatic, self-winding. Power reserve 40 hours. 28 Jewels, 28800A/h. Accuracy -12/+12 s/day. Decorated, Côtes de Genève, Perlage