From the guys who brought you bold, colorful iterations of their Hydrium dive watches, and more recently the dressy, mind-boggling, reflective Mercury in collaboration with us at Revolution, Isotope presents a new series of timekeepers they’re calling the Chronograph Compax Moonshot.

Presented in two versions, “Stealth” and “Terra Maris”, the debut chronograph model adopts a tricompax configuration within a double-domed sapphire crystal. Isotope describes a design that drew inspiration from 1970s space-age chronographs (think lugless cushion-esque case of the Telstar Chronograph, or the wide-set Hamilton Fontainebleau) and The Incal by Alejandro Jodorowsky, a French graphic novel set in a dystopian, intergalactic future with vivid illustrations by Jean Giraud.

The Moonshot Stealth is the more monochromatic of the two, with tone-on-tone registers to complement the DLC-coated sandblasted grade 5 titanium case. Tachymeter and pulsometer scales run along the periphery in bold white script. In low light conditions, the hands (recalling the “Lacrima” design on its Hydrium dive watches) and discreet chapter ring both stand out against the black embossed dial, thanks to the mint Super-LumiNova glow.

An interesting detail lies in these revolving registers. Instead of hands, the small seconds, and minute and hour measurements are read through a small cut-out in what Isotope terms “Moondiscs”, a display that plays on the waning and waxing of moon phases. “We meticulously calibrated the weight of the sub-dial discs to ensure precise rotation, providing a novel approach to time recording that we have patented,” said Isotope founder José Mendes Miranda.

The Swiss Landeron 73 movement, which has been affixed with an automatic-winding rotor, moves all these into place. It offers up to 42 hours of power reserve.

The second iteration, christened “Terra Maris” was created in collaboration with watch journalist Miguel Seabra. The name and earthy color palette recall the GMT 0º ‘Terra Maris’ launched two years ago, itself also a co-creation with Seabra. “I wanted it to reflect the stunning coastal environment where I reside,” explained Seabra of the brown and blue color palette. “[The colors] symbolize the land and the sea, capturing the essence of Cascais, the beautiful seaside resort at Europe’s westernmost point where the continent meets the ocean. Thus, the Latin name ‘Terra Maris’ — land and sea. We decided to patent the ‘Terra Maris’ nomenclature and extend this color scheme into a capsule collection, with the Moonshot ‘Terra Maris’ as its second embodiment.” 

In keeping with the Moonshot’s retro-futuristic spirit, the rich brown and blue hues were transformed into subtle, gradient tones that complement the matt finish of the Grade 5 Titanium case. 

For both models, the watch comes with two strap options: a three-link, tapered titanium bracelet and a blue FKM rubber strap, both featuring butterfly deployant clasps. Limited runs will begin in October, with additional batches slated for December and March.

Tech Specs: Isotope Chronograph Compax Moonshot

Movement: Automatic-winding Swiss Landeron 73; 42-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours and minutes; small seconds; chronograph; tachymeter; pulsometer
Case: 41mm × 15mm; sandblasted DLC-coated grade 5 titanium; water-resistant to 100m
Dial: Embossed in gray or brown gradient colors
Strap: Titanium bracelet or blue FKM rubber strap
Price: £2,250 (~US$3,000)
Availability: Limited to 25 pieces each