OCTO brings the 1970’s to the wrist with new OCTO 3003 World Timer
Andrew O'ConnorMany brands bring vintage influences into their modern watches, resulting in watches that are more modern reinterpretations of classic watch types and designs than faithful recreations. Modern case and bracelet construction and modern materials are often welcome, as they result in a more substantial-feeling watch and one that is more reliable for daily wear.
However, anyone who has even dipped their toe into vintage watches, even as recent as 5-digit Rolex references, knows that while the new ways of doing things may be qualitatively better, the “shortcomings” of vintage watches often add to their charm and appeal, and that is where OCTO steps in. Drawing on design cues from the late 1960s and early 1970s, the OCTO 3003 World Timer brings the “New Old Stock” experience to enthusiasts, without the downsides of questionable histories.
The case
The OCTO 3003 World Timer has a cushion-shaped stainless steel case measuring 38mm in diameter and 11.7mm thick, with 5 ATM of water resistance. Covering the dial is an acrylic crystal, which is significantly lighter, more shatter-resistant, and warmer to the touch than sapphire. While sapphire has its advantages, acrylic crystals have their own. While acrylic crystals are more likely to scratch, a tube of PolyWatch will solve any surface scratches, keeping the dial clearly visible something anyone can do at home. Should significant damage occur to an acrylic crystal, they are also cheaper to replace than sapphire. On the right side of the case, there are two signed crowns. The crown at 2 o’clock adjusts the internal chapter ring, and the crown at 4 o’clock adjusts the time.
The dial
Levity isn’t only provided by the lightweight crystal and bracelet for the OCTO 3003 World Timer. The main portion of the dial is silver with a sunray finish, and the OCTO logo is printed on the top half of the dial in white as well, creating a clean look that is almost devoid of branding. The dial features applied rectangular indices and baton hour and minute hands with applied lume. The city chapter ring alternates between silver and shades of light blue, and the 24-hour chapter ring is light blue for daylight hours and dark blue for night hours. The blue serpentine hand with a purple tip is used to read the 24-hour time for the world time function. At six o’clock there is a date window, which is often a welcome addition while travelling and referencing times in far-flung time zones. Between the silver and light blue hues, the OCTO 3003 World Timer aims to keep things light physically and visually.
The movement
Powering the OCTO 3003 World Timer is the Swiss-made Ronda 505.24H. This quartz-powered movement features hours, minutes, an independently adjustable 24-hour hand, date display, and a 10-year battery life. The running seconds have been removed for this model. While it makes for a cleaner dial, a running seconds hand would be a welcome addition when setting the time and to make sure the watch is running.
The bracelet
As already mentioned, OCTO has gone for the full vintage experience with its watches, opting for a bracelet with folded links and a stamped clasp with spring-bar fine adjustment. Not only does the 7-link design fit the 1970’s period aesthetic, but it will allow for more flexibility and movement between the links.
The verdict
OCTO’s ambition is to bring back the charm of vintage watches, but as brand-new timepieces. Solid metal links and sapphire crystals are replaced with lightweight acrylic crystals and thin folded bracelet links, resulting in a watch that is ultimately much lighter on the wrist. The physical reminder of your watch and its solid metal links is replaced by the auditory reminder of the bracelet and its hollow end links rattling. For some, these are an annoyance, but for those fans of vintage watches, these are features, not flaws. Recalling cushion-shaped cases and brightly coloured dials of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, the OCTO 3003 World Timer is for those wanting to dip their toes into vintage watches, without the potential pitfalls often associated with true vintage artefacts.
OCTO 3003 World Timer pricing and availability
The OCTO 3003 World Timer is limited to 200 pieces and sold in batches of 50. Batch 101-150 is available now on the OCTO website. Price: US$510
| Brand | OCTO |
| Model | 3003 World Timer |
| Case Dimensions | 38mm (D) x 11.7mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Acrylic crystal |
| Dial | Sunray white dial with blue accents |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Bracelet | Folded stainless steel bracelet with stamped clasp |
| Movement | Ronda 505.24H Quartz |
| Autonomy | 10-year battery life |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, 24-hour hand, date |
| Availability | Available now. Limited to 200 pieces, sold in batches of 50. |
| Price | US$510 |
Made in partnership with OCTO. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own, in accordance with our Editorial Policy