Oliver Gallaugher downsizes the starry-dialled Deep Space, introducing a new all-blue dial finish
Tom AustinIt’s said that patience is a virtue, and with bespoke watches, there’s rarely a truer statement. Yes, if you want something immediately, larger brands will happily oblige, with their shelves or display cabinets filled with choices. However, if you want something more specialist, you’re going to have to wait, and if you want it in another colour, you’re probably going to have to wait even longer. Back in August 2023, we introduced Oliver Gallaugher’s Deep Space, a uniquely designed watch defined by its incredible attention to detail. Now, having completed its full orbit, the Deep Space returns, re-emerging in its new shade of blue.
The case
At first glance, the case of Deep Space is reassuringly traditional, anchored by a clean, circular profile and slim, softly curved lugs that stay deliberately close to convention. What makes the Deep Space stray into less familiar territory is the finishing, with a combination of neatly polished and sandblasted surfaces, rather than brushing. It’s clearly not a tool watch or a sports watch trying to be dressy; it’s just different, and the 904L stainless steel surfaces offer a tactile experience. Wearability has been considered, too, bringing the proportions down to 38mm and a thickness of 8.8mm, putting it in that compact, comfortable zone that’s very on-trend right now, compared to the previous model, which was decidedly larger all around.
Another different detail is that this new model features a similarly thin bezel that allows a widescreen view of the dial, only this time it’s polished rather than finely sandblasted. While a departure from the initial style, it doesn’t hurt to differentiate this model a bit more, and it offers a more premium look and feel. Functionality has clearly been in focus, too, with a 5-layer anti-reflective coating finding its way onto the sapphire crystal, and a water resistance rating of 50 meters keeping everything safe. Each case is also individually numbered, up to a maximum of 35 pieces.
The dial
Oliver Gallaugher’s inspirations come from his family of engineers and decorative artists, and this is evident in the subtle attention to detail on the dial. The first thing you notice is the linear brushed blue lacquered finish, again a neat variation on the radial sunburst finish we’re so used to seeing everywhere. This is then subtly interrupted by uniquely engraved rhodium-finished stars, which appear to twinkle as light passes over the dial. The minute track appears to hover over the surface, as it’s been carefully engraved into the underside of the sapphire crystal, then filled with Grade X1 Super-LumiNova for legibility in the dark.
The bright lume continues onto the tips of the hands, made from 3D luminous ceramic, and it’s not just that detail that’s been considered. The hands themselves have been crafted from 904L stainless steel, then brushed and polished. Oliver Gallaugher claims this is the first time this has been done in watchmaking (although I must say, I can’t confirm this). The dial itself is clutter-free, allowing the finishing to do the talking, all apart from a white, pad-printed O.G logo at twelve.
The movement
If the front of the watch wasn’t stunning enough, flipping the watch over is a whole different story. The entire back of the watch is in open view, thanks to a flat sapphire exhibition case back, and I’m very glad to see it, too. This model opts for a Swiss-made movement over the German calibre that sat in the previous model, made by Le Temps Manufacturer in Val-de-Travers, Switzerland. Called the LTM5000-G, it’s a gorgeously decorated manually wound calibre featuring a semi-skeletonised design that allows you to see further into the movement than before. The bridges are decorated with Geneva striping, with high-polished chamfers finishing things off beautifully.
Despite there being no seconds hand on the dial, this new model now beats at a more traditional 4Hz, as opposed to the previous model’s 2Hz. However, power reserve has seen a significant bump to 60 hours, so there’s nothing to complain about there, as accuracy should improve thanks to the higher beat rate. Again, the attention to detail that flows into the movement is too clearly inspired by Oliver’s family, as no expense has been spared to ensure everything is perfect.
The strap
Talking about attention to detail, it even extends to the straps Oliver Gallaugher has chosen for the Deep Space, opting for handmade items from Handdn. Two tapered straps are available, both in calf leather Alcantara, finished in either blue or light grey, with matching stitching. Each strap is finished with a 904L stainless steel pin buckle, which features the same combination of polished and blasted surface treatment as the case. Finally, strap swaps are made easy thanks to quick-release spring bars, and with a 20mm lug width, the options for customisation are endless.
Oliver Gallaugher Deep Space Blue pricing and availability
The Oliver Gallaugher Deep Space Blue is limited to just 35 pieces. Each watch will be made to order, with an estimated delivery date of 8-12 months. Price: US$12,800
| Brand | Oliver Gallaugher |
| Model | Deep Space Blue |
| Case Dimensions | 38mm (D) x 8.8mm (T) x 44mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | 904L stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Brushed blue lacquer with hand-engraved rhodium stars |
| Strap | Calf leather alcantara in blue or light grey, pin buckle |
| Movement | LTM5000-G by Le Temps Manufacturer, manually-wound |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours and minutes |
| Availability | Limited to 35 pieces, made to order |
| Price | US$12,800 |
Made in partnership with Oliver Gallaugher. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.