Optik Instruments Horizon
The Horizon was a Kickstarter campaign that had 1,042 backers. Though an independent company, Optik Instruments is a foray into quartz watches by the founders of another great brand with hand-wound watches, Marloe Watch Company. Regarding both companies, I love their philosophy, care for the craft, and design thinking.
The Horizon is different. It introduces a unique way of telling time, with a rotating disc instead of hands. You can read all about it on their website and campaign page, but it is a design that was brought about by, to modify a phrase, thinking outside the circle.
The review video: [https://youtu.be/eNhWsolyCEM]
The details:
- Model: Optik Instruments Horizon – Billet
- Diameter: 40mm
- Height: 10.5mm
- Weight: ~58g
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Swiss Ronda 515.24h
- Lume: N/A
- Accuracy: +-20 seconds/month
- Crystal: Sapphire, Domed
- Water Resistance: 100m/300ft
- Strap: 20mm
- Price: £399 (backed on Kickstarter for £199)
The review:
Pros:
- Design: One-of-a-kind, color/printing quality, symmetry
- Time telling: Although I thought it might be difficult, it is actually quite easy and natural to read the time this way. I do like the 15-minute increments and the constant marker on the outer ring while the disc rotates. No problems adapting between wearing “regular” watches.
- Packaging: Beautifully thought-through and executed
- Case: High-quality components
- Extra strap: The creators nicely threw in an extra strap for all backers. I do have my concerns about the quality of the leather, but time will tell.
- Production outcome: Backers on Kickstarter got their rewards.
Cons:
- Size: 40mm sounds like a perfect diameter for most people, but this watch has no lugs, so it looks and feels much smaller than 40mm. It still looks nice, but it really would have been better at 42mm.
- Production issues: Kickstarter campaigns are always a risk, but this one hit several hiccups due to the design. Such things are bound to happen when creating something that is new. Though backers got their rewards and the creators kept people fairly up-to-date, there were issues during production with straps, discs, crowns, etc. You can read about these elsewhere online if you wish. The issues did lead to a mild delay, but more importantly, the next two cons.
- Time setting (see time setting instructions further down): One of the very technical issues that I won’t duplicate the description of here results in needing to set the time with the precision-set only. To be honest, this is not a big deal to me since it is quartz (set and forget) and you can still spin the disc quite fast with the precision-set. However, some people might not like that they can’t use the quick-set option. If you use quick-set, the disc might not start turning for 8 or so minutes and thus the time is off.
- The future: Due to the costly production issues, the creators have stated that the company cannot afford to continue operating. The result of that decision is not only that OI may not make any more inspiring designs, but that there is no warranty or support for the Horizon. It very well could be a flash in the pan, which will probably result in the Horizon becoming a collectors item since no more will be made. But that does mean maintenance is self-serve. The creators had basically drawn the line that OI is done, but then in April 2019 we got an update that showed the prototype of what they had planned next, called the Orbiter. It is another very clever design and as it stands OI was surveying Horizon backers to see if people would support OI in another Kickstarter campaign to breathe new life into the company. From what I have read, the general consensus is yes, so we will see what happens.
The Unboxing
The packaging is some of the best I have seen from a Kickstarter campaign. Simple, but very effective and practical.
The Watch Box
Again, one of the best I have seen. Of particular note is the specs listed on the side as a reminder, including the battery number clearly stated.
The Watch
The Strap
The strap is alright. I am not sure of the durability yet, but we will see. It is comfortable, though it is a lightweight watch anyway. The spring bars are heavily curved, so even though curved spring bars can be found, and leather and rubber bend, the straps do have a custom design about them. I hear it can be hard to get them back on, though I have not tried a strap change yet myself. I can imagine it to be impossible without the quick-release bars. The watch has a look as if the strap runs through it. The buckle nicely matches the case and the OI logo is etched on it.
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On the wrist…
The pad printing is well done, numerals and markers are crisp and clear. But thank goodness the domed sapphire crystal has anti-reflective coating or it would be difficult to see in many settings. The fact that the disc is curved and there are no hands means the domed crystal reflects light in different ways than most watches. Again, the AR helps with that issue. From the side you can’t see much, as it looks like a bubble.
There is a faint blur in the actual horizon between the greys representing day and night. It is noticeable with magnification, but not to the eye.
Final Thought
The Horizon is unlike anything else I have seen. I am thrilled to have one of these in my collection and to have gotten it for the super-early bird price. If in fact Optik Instruments does not end up making any more, then I can see the Horizon becoming a true collectors item of Kickstarter watch lore. It would be nice if more companies would push the envelope in terms of design and mechanics. I really do hope to see more from OI in the future.