Review: Isotope Old Radium ‘Black Ink Bronze’ x Espiral Do Tempo
A winning black and bronze color combination makes this collab the best Old Radium yet
The "Black Ink Bronze" version of British watch brand Isotope's Old Radium pilot watch is a limited edition. I wish it wasn't—the watch is so stunning it’s easily the best Old Radium yet. (And that’s stiff competition, the other versions of the watch are pretty desirable themselves.)
A collaboration with Portuguese watch magazine Espiral do Tempo, the “Black Ink Bronze” continues to use the CuSn8 bronze case found in previous models with a titanium exhibition caseback. (The bronze case will patina over time, making the alloy something of an acquired taste in the watch community as the appearance of the watch can change fairly radically. ) While at 40mm it’s better suited for larger wrists, it should fit most wrist sizes comfortably—particularly on the accompanying leather strap—thanks to a 47mm lug-to-lug distance.
Like in all Old Radium models, the “Black Ink Bronze” is powered by a Landeron calibre 24, a clone of the ETA 2824-2 movement. It’s a reliable movement with a date complication, a 40-hour power reserve, and an accuracy rating of ±12 seconds per day.
Giving it some durability, the watch has an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, and, thanks to a screw-down crown, 100 meters of water resistance. And, as a nod to the radioactive lume of yesteryear referenced in the Old Radium name, the watch has Super-LumiNova on the hands and numerals.
What separates the “Black Ink Bronze” from previous Old Radiums is a gorgeous black lacquered dial. The dial lives up to the watch’s name, with the appearance of a deep pool of black ink that Isotope says was inspired by rock'n'roll music like The Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black" and, befitting its collaborator, the ink used to print a magazine.
The inky black dial and the bronze of the case, hands, and indices are a beautiful color combination that make the watch incredibly versatile. It can be dressy and classy or edgy and rock’n’roll depending on how you style it.
Now the sad part: only 65 of these watches have been made. At $1,262.00 plus import tax, the “Black Ink Bronze” may not sell out immediately, but it will sell out.
The Isotope Old Radium ‘Black Ink Bronze’ x Espiral Do Tempo is available to purchase in stores and at ISOTOPEWATCHES.COM.
More shots of the watch:
Gorgeous watch and a fine review.