For most people around the world, times are really strange due to COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to many regions Australia (in particular South Australia) is relatively unscathed. However, with no effective vaccine on the market, there is no room for complacency. Every day when I turn on the TV the news is dominated by heartbreaking stories. This means long term economic implications and a potential global recession. Nevertheless, in true survival spirit, people are trying to adapt to this situation in the best way possible. A great example can be found in Hong Kong-based watch brand OLTO-8, who have just released an amazing watch called ‘INFINITY’.
Over the last few years, the watch industry has been in turmoil mainly due to the ‘Smartwatch’ revolution. A few months ago, one of my favourite brand’s RJ Romain Jerome became a casualty of COVID-19. Although it is not completely surprising because their watches (as brilliant as they are) were beyond most people’s budgets. That is why there has been an emergence of new micro brands designing very innovative timepieces at a realistic price point. This has been achieved by selling directly on crowdfunding websites like Kickstarter. Certainly, this channel was effective for OLTO-8 who have already secured full funding for their amazing Avant-Garde ‘INFINITY’ watch.
In the last decade, watch design has gone through a renaissance period. This is mainly due to luxury brands like Cabestan, De Bethune, Hautlence, MB & F and Urwerk etc. Subsequently, this inspired like Sevenfriday to create timepieces with a similar aesthetic at an attainable price point. They achieved this by using Japanese Miyota movements instead of more expensive Swiss counterparts. OLTO-8 have also employed this strategy with their distinctive ‘INFINITY’ and for this particular watch have used the Calibre 8215. In my opinion, the company have really triumphed with this model.
A few years ago the iconic 40mm Rolex Submariner seemed chunky but nowadays buyers prefer larger watches. The ‘INFINITY’ is nicely proportioned at 46mm x 13.5mm but appears smaller because of the lugless design. It is available in either 316L stainless steel or CuSn8 tin bronze (various colour combinations) depending on your preference. I absolutely love the way time is presented in a cool retrograde format. This gives the INFINITY’ a distinctive three-dimensional appearance normally found on much more expensive timepieces. With the Swiss Super-LumiNova, the display is highly legible day or night. The watch also has a sapphire crystal lens, premium leather strap and is water-resistant to a depth of 50-metres.
For more information about OLTO-8 follow this link
