Time, much like the natural world, is in perpetual motion. It flows ceaselessly, marking journeys that span borders and connect disparate points, much like the great migrations birds undertake across the skies. Isotope, a brand known for imbuing their timepieces with unique narratives and bold design, captures this sense of movement and purpose in their Flyway collection.
The Isotope Flyway watch is presented as a direct tribute to movement, design, and the delicate balance between sportiness and classic elegance. And within this collection, the Cayana Blue edition takes flight, a vibrant expression of this concept inspired by the Blue Dacnis, a striking turquoise honeycreeper found in South and Central America whose vibrant colour and effortless agility perfectly reflect the essence of the Flyway: graceful, bold, and always in motion.
Designed for those who appreciate both resilience in construction and refinement in aesthetics, the Flyway’s 36mm case is immediately captivating. It’s shaped not just as a simple circle or square, but purposefully evokes the form of outstretched wings, soaring over the dial’s intricate texture.
This unique case form, crafted from three-piece 316L stainless steel, features a combination of polished, brushed, and sandblasted finishes, adding layers of visual depth and highlighting its sculptural qualities. The dimensions – a modest 36mm diameter, a wearable 12.3mm thickness, and a compact 42mm lug-to-lug – ensure it sits comfortably on the wrist. The dial itself, in the vibrant Cayana Blue, features a base texture of pyramids with a satin finish, a pattern reminiscent of the classic Clous de Paris but with a dynamic, modern twist that creates a captivating interplay of light and shadow, adding depth and character.
This intricate finish, rooted in 18th-century watchmaking, provides a sophisticated backdrop for the stainless steel indexes and numerals, which are filled with Super-LumiNova for excellent visibility in low light. The Lacrima-shaped hands, finished in gunmetal and also lumed, complete the composition with a strong yet refined presence.
Perhaps the most visually striking and technically intriguing feature is the crystal. The Flyway is topped with a very unique hyperbolic paraboloid sapphire crystal, a complex shape often described as resembling a Pringle or a saddle. This unconventional form isn’t just for show; its geometry is designed to eliminate distortion, ensuring clear legibility of the dial from any angle, all while adding a dynamic visual element.
Powering the Flyway is a Swiss Landeron Mechanical Movement. This automatic, self-winding calibre is a reliable engine, beating at 28,800 A/h (4Hz) with 25 jewels and offering a power reserve of 40 hours. Visible through the screw-in sapphire crystal exhibition case back, the movement features customised finishing including blued screws, Perlage, and Côtes de Genève – details that underscore the horological substance beneath the unique design.
While the stainless steel bracelet is elegantly crafted and designed specifically for the Flyway, seamlessly integrating with the case shape, it’s important to note that this is not an integrated bracelet design. This means you can easily swap straps using the 18mm quick-release system, allowing you to personalise the watch to match your mood and style – a practical touch for such a distinctive case. With 100m water resistance and a mirror-finished push-down crown at 3 o’clock featuring the Lacrima logo, the Flyway is built for everyday wear.
The Isotope Flyway Cayana Blue edition is now available and is limited to just 100 pieces, adding an element of exclusivity to its unique appeal. Offering this unique blend of design, Swiss mechanics, and limited availability at a price point of £1200, the Isotope Flyway Cayana Blue Watch is a compelling and beautifully executed timepiece that truly stands out.
