Man, brands hitting Kickstarter as of late have really been stepping up their game. Now, don’t get me wrong – there is still no shortage of watches that are of the “minimal, luxury watch market disrupter” vein, and those, well, I’m well and done with. However, hit me up with an interesting case and dial, and throw some mother-of-pearl in there? Yeah, you’ve got my interest. And wouldn’t you know it that’s what the Isotope Palloncino di Perle has on offer.
So, first up, that mother-of-pearl. This is a material that has long fascinated me, with the sort ethereal, iridescent cloud-like look that it brings to the table. Often, this is a small accent, but on the Isotope Palloncino di Perle, it’s a fairly big, central portion of the dial. It’s very much a “look at me” statement there, and the effect (particularly with the sub-seconds) certainly carries forward the balloon theme of the watch.
So, in my book, the Isotope Palloncino di Perle is off to a good start. Now, let’s pack that in (with the dial in brown, black or white) to a unique, almost mono bloc case that measures in at a rather compact – for this day and age – 38mm. Which means that central statement will, in the end, be a bit more subdued, but that’s ok in my book – the restrained use should enhance the effect.
All of this is topped with a sapphire crystal, which helps to put keep the Ronda quartz movement protected to a 50m WR rating. Now, for the really fun part of the Isotope Palloncino di Perle – early bird pricing starts at only $117, which seems like a bargain for a watch with these looks, even if it’s not a daily driver sort of a piece for you. The campaign is currently running at about 17% funded, with things wrapping up on September 2. I personally think it’s an interesting looking piece, and really hope this is one that gets funded and we see on peoples wrists. campaign page
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Brand & Model: Isotope Palloncino di Perle
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Price: earlybird pricing starts at $117
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Who we think it might be for: You want (and who wouldn’t?) a little bit of MOP in your life
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Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen? I could certainly see that occurring
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If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: A midnight or royal blue could be quite lovely here
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What spoke to me the most about this watch: The MOP, of course, along with the case shape
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38mm Original Stainless Steel case
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Water Resistant up to 50 Metres/5 ATM
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Sapphire Crystal (Scratch resistant)
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Sandwich dial with central balloon shape in Mother of Pearl
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Austrian Stone at 6 o’clock over White, Black or Brown Sunburst Dial
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Isotope hands with Luminova for night reading
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Quick Release Leather Strap with signed Butterfly Clasp
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Italian Mesh bracelet (available as option)
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Swiss Made Quartz movement (Slimtech Ronda 1069)
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Battery life: 25 to 34 months
