The Isotope x Revolution Mercury Limited Edition Watch is the result of a collaborative effort between Revolution’s Wei Koh and Isotope founder José Miranda. This 150-piece limited edition timepiece is an exquisite fusion of design, craftsmanship, and polishing techniques, priced at £2388. Drawing inspiration from the many meanings of Mercury—a liquid metal, a streamlined train, and the Roman god of positive tidings—this watch is a tribute to ingenuity and excellence.
One of the most striking features of the Mercury Limited Edition is its fully polished stainless steel case and the world’s first mirror-polished convex dial. Achieving the perfect polish for the case, dial, and hands was a painstaking process, resulting in a watch that is a true work of art. The dial’s mirror finish, an incredibly challenging accomplishment, reflects the dedication and innovation that went into its creation. The abstract concept behind the design draws inspiration from the fluidity of liquid mercury, the Art Deco lines of the Mercury train, and the timeless mythology of the Roman god Mercury.
A consistent hallmark of Isotope watches is the subtle integration of the brand’s ‘lacrima’ logo (Latin for “teardrop”). This design element is cleverly incorporated throughout the watch, from the lugs to the markers and hands. The lacrima motif was inspired by the iconic Kitchen Clock designed by Max Bill for Junghans in 1956—a piece that played a role in José Miranda’s childhood. For the Mercury Limited Edition, the team further explored the idea of liquid metal, with a distinctive Isotope logo acting as the noon marker, composed of a primary droplet and a smaller residual droplet.
The case design pays homage to the Mercury train, a high-speed passenger train from the mid-20th century designed by Henry Dreyfuss. With rounded, sweeping lines and gentle curves, the 38mm case evokes the sleek, aerodynamic forms of the Streamline Moderne era. The lugs, derived from the brand’s lacrima logo, add a tactile quality that complements the polished finish, while the screw-down crown with its knurled and polished surface enhances the overall aesthetic. Despite being a dress watch, it boasts a water resistance of 100 meters, making it suitable for a variety of settings.
The watch’s hands, inspired by a laurel wreath—a symbol of victory in Roman and Greek mythology—are hand-crafted and polished, an exceptional feature at this price point. The hour and minute hands converge to form a laurel leaf, while the subsidiary seconds hand adds depth and detail. The convex dial, composed of three separate parts and topped off with Sallaz polishing, exemplifies the meticulous craftsmanship behind the watch, with each component undergoing several rounds of polishing to achieve a flawless mirror finish.
Powering the Isotope x Revolution Mercury is the hand-wound calibre I-7, based on the modified ETA/Peseux 7001 movement produced by Swiss Landeron. Originally introduced in 1971, the movement is adorned with blued screws, straight graining on the bridges, and perlage on the baseplate, adding a luxurious touch to the already impressive timepiece. The movement, visible through the sapphire caseback, offers a power reserve of 42 hours.
The Isotope x Revolution Mercury comes paired with a 20mm quick-release off-white suede leather strap and a polished steel buckle. With only 150 pieces available, this limited edition watch is a rare and remarkable blend of artistic design, technical mastery, and the pursuit of perfection.
