Isotope Old Radium ‘Black Ink Bronze’ x Espiral do Tempo

(Eng.) Limited Edition Isotope Old Radium ‘Black Ink Bronze’ x Espiral do Tempo

“Paint It Black”, sang The Rolling Stones in 1966. “Back in Black”, sang AC/DC in 1980. “Back To Black”, sang Amy Winehouse in 2007. Faced with the profusion of colourful dials that have characterized watchmaking in recent years, Portuguese magazine Espiral do Tempo chose to return to a primary and essential colour for its limited edition in partnership with British brand Isotope: black. In a run of 65 pieces, the Old Radium ‘Black Ink Bronze’ x Espiral do Tempo gives prominence to a completely black lacquered dial that is unprecedented in Isotope's Old Radium collection and pairs it with a bronze case that provides the ideal contrast for a watch that can be classic... but also very rock n' roll.

Black is the colour of rock n' roll. It's the colour of romance and magic; it symbolizes simplicity and elegance. But it's also the first colour used in a printer and the most used colour in the universe where Espiral do Tempo operates that of publication, printing, and reading. Black is the easiest colour to read in contrast to the white pages of the magazine; it's also the colour of text used against a white background for the best readability on our website espiraldotempo.com

BLACK AND BRONZE

Black is also the colour worn by the lead singers of the best known rock bands. The great mentor of the epic Portuguese Discoveries, Infante Dom Henrique, is traditionally depicted dressed in black — and the specific choice of the 40mm diameter by 10.1mm thick case material is precisely associated with Portuguese maritime history, as bronze has always been a widely used metal alloy in navigation due to its anti-corrosive properties. In addition to offering a beautiful contrast with the black dial, bronze also takes on a very special and personalized hue; because it's a living metal alloy, it acquires a patina that becomes unique in contact with each person's skin and considering the air quality or even the proximity to the sea.

The bronze chosen for the Old Radium ‘Black Ink Bronze’ x Espiral do Tempo is CuSn8 — an alloy with 92% copper, 7.7% tin, and 0.3% phosphorus that acquires a controlled patina for a unique look. All metal components of the case are bronze, except for the titanium case back that supports the sapphire glass.

Protected by an anti-reflective sapphire glass, the thin epoxy enamel dial has the style and readability of ancient aviator watches that inspired the Old Radium collection. The contour of the Arabic numerals, as well as the fill of the sword hands, is filled with Super-LumiNova luminescent material reminiscent of the aged radium of vintage watches from the first half of the 20th century; the golden hue of the bronze hands and numerals complements the bronze case, while the date window provides an essential calendar indication that blends discreetly with the dial. The titanium case back includes the engraving of the serial number and the sapphire glass allows for a view of the Swiss automatic calibre Landeron 24, with 40 hours of power reserve.

The textured black leather strap with bronze buckle serves as the perfect complement to the ensemble — alternatively, brown leather or beige suede straps can also be purchased for different visual combinations.

But the enamelled black dial is the essence of the Old Radium ‘Black Ink Bronze’ x Espiral do Tempo. Because black is a primary colour and very rock n' roll that always looks good in any circumstance!

About Espiral do Tempo / espiraldotempo.com

As it nears its 25th anniversary, Espiral do Tempo began as a watchmaking magazine but has since grown into a multifaceted project. Now, it serves as a platform for sharing the passion for watches, stories, objects, and places, fostering a community of enthusiasts. Espiral do Tempo is both a gathering place and a launchpad for new perspectives, revealing the rich stories behind clocks, time, and people.