From the ateliers of Isotope, a horological tapestry woven with innovation and audacious design, a new chapter unfolds with the introduction of their inaugural chronograph series: the Chronograph Compax Moonshot®. Within this groundbreaking collection, the ‘Terra Maris’ edition emerges, a timepiece born from a captivating collaboration with the esteemed Miguel Seabra, and poised to redefine perceptions of chronograph aesthetics and functionality within the discerning world of haute horlogerie. This is not merely a chronograph; it is a design manifesto, a bold departure from convention, and a testament to Isotope’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of horological artistry.
The Isotope Chronograph Compax Moonshot® (£2970) immediately distinguishes itself through its revolutionary sub-dial architecture. In a world-first design innovation, Isotope has reimagined the traditional tricompax layout, streamlining its form to enhance legibility and intuitive operation for both timekeeping and chronograph functions. This is a masterclass in functional design, where innovation serves not merely for novelty, but for genuine user benefit.
The ‘Moonshot’ moniker itself speaks to the audacious spirit of the timepiece, its daring aesthetics further amplified by a uniquely sculpted double-domed sapphire crystal, positioning Isotope’s debut chronograph as a singular standout amidst its contemporaries. This is a watch that dares to be different, embracing a retro-futuristic ethos that pays homage to the space-inspired chronographs of the 1970s while remaining resolutely contemporary in its execution and vision.
Inspired by the seminal intergalactic graphic novel ‘The Incal’, a visionary work by Alejandro Jodorowsky and Jean Giraud (Moebius), the Moonshot ‘Terra Maris’ embodies the imaginative spirit of its muse. ‘The Incal’, renowned for its pioneering visuals and complex narratives, has profoundly influenced science fiction literature, and Isotope founder José Mendes Miranda, a devoted admirer of the graphic novel, channels its audacious aesthetic directly into the Moonshot’s design.
This influence manifests not as mere mimicry, but as a conceptual springboard, resulting in a timepiece that captures the novel’s visionary essence while forging its own distinctive horological identity. The ‘Terra Maris’ edition, in particular, bridges the vastness of space with the terrestrial beauty of coastal landscapes, a concept brought to life through a collaborative vision with Miguel Seabra.
The ‘Terra Maris’ colour palette, a harmonious blend of rich browns and blues, evokes the serene beauty of coastlines where land meets sea. This specific colour combination, previously featured on the Isotope GMT 0º ‘Terra Maris’ limited edition, a celebrated collaboration with Miguel Seabra two years prior, now finds a new expression within the Moonshot chronograph. As Miguel Seabra eloquently describes, the hues are inspired by the coastal environment of Cascais, Portugal, his home and the westernmost point of continental Europe. This ‘Terra Maris’ nomenclature, now patented by Isotope, signifies a capsule collection unified by this evocative earth-and-sea colour scheme, with the Moonshot ‘Terra Maris’ serving as its compelling second chapter. The gradient, subdued tones of brown and blue, meticulously applied to the embossed dial and Moondiscs, harmonize seamlessly with the matte finish of the Grade 5 Titanium case, creating a cohesive and sophisticated visual narrative.
Crafted from a single block of Grade 5 Titanium, the 41mm case of the Moonshot ‘Terra Maris’ is a testament to advanced CNC technology and meticulous hand-finishing. The DLC coating further enhances its robust allure, bestowing a sophisticated dark sheen and added scratch resistance. Beneath the double-domed sapphire crystal, the Swiss Landeron 73 automatic Compax Chronograph movement resides, a reliable and robust engine ensuring precise timekeeping and chronograph functionality.
Meticulously assembled and finished, this movement powers the Moonshot with a 42-hour power reserve and smooth 28,800 vibrations per hour. The watch is presented with both a Grade 5 Titanium bracelet, expertly tapered and finished with a DLC-coated butterfly deployant clasp, and a bespoke blue FKM rubber strap, also featuring a DLC-coated butterfly deployant clasp, offering versatility and comfort for diverse occasions.
The Isotope Chronograph Moonshot ‘Terra Maris’ is more than just a timepiece; it is a horological statement, a fusion of visionary design, collaborative spirit, and meticulous craftsmanship. It represents a bold stride forward for Isotope, establishing their chronograph lineage with a timepiece that defies convention and embraces innovation. For the discerning collector who appreciates both technical prowess and artistic expression, the Moonshot ‘Terra Maris’ offers a compelling and unique proposition, a tangible link to both cosmic imagination and terrestrial beauty, poised to grace the wrist with distinction and inspire conversations for generations to come.
