Quick facts
Description
If ever there was a watch that encapsulates what the Second Hand Watch Collective is about, this is probably it. This is the second Isotope that I’ve had. The first I'd heard of Isotope was when a fellow watch enthusiast — someone I've bought from and sold to several times over the years — got in touch to ask if I'd be interested in one. The name intrigued me, so I did what we all do and headed to Google.
Up popped Isotope. A brand that was completely new to me, but one that immediately caught my attention. The designs were different, the spec is quality and, most importantly, they are rowing their own boat as a micro brand.
The Hydrium Pro is unmistakably a dive watch, but one viewed through Isotope's own design language rather than a vintage Rolex or Tudor reference book. The distinctive hands, unique dial layout and bold use of colour give it a character that's entirely its own, while still remaining practical and highly legible.
This particular example is the Hydrium Pro Nordblad Limited Edition, produced in collaboration with Finnish freediver and ice-diving world record holder Johanna Nordblad and limited to just 100 pieces. Normally I'm fairly sceptical of ‘celebrity’ collaborations, but Nordblad's story is extraordinary. After a severe leg injury left her dealing with chronic pain for years, she discovered that cold-water immersion provided relief, eventually leading her into the world of ice freediving. In 2021 she became the first person to swim 103 metres beneath ice without fins.
Thankfully, the watch itself doesn't rely on the story. The Hydrium Pro stands on its own merits. The 40mm micro-blasted case is beautifully executed, the design is distinctive without being eccentric, and the legibility is excellent. It's rated to 300 metres, fitted with sapphire crystals throughout, powered by a regulated Swiss automatic movement and built to a specification that exceeds ISO 6425 dive watch requirements.
The longer I spend around independent watchmaking, the more I appreciate brands willing to take risks. Not every experiment works, but watches like this remind me why collecting remains interesting. You simply won't find anything quite like a Hydrium Pro from one of the major Swiss brands. It's unusual, brilliantly executed and the chances of you seeing another one in the wild are between nil and none.
Which is exactly why it belongs here.
Condition and performance
The watch is in excellent condition with no obvious signs of wear.
Case: No issues
Bezel: Clean
Crystal: Clear, no marks
The watch is currently fitted to a rubber strap.
Comes boxed with papers.
Timegrapher: Approximately +3 seconds per day.
Strap options
Please send us a message if you would like any other strap option.
We also offer 10% off our straps and bracelets listed on our sister site, Ward Hoard, in Accessories purchased alongside a watch.
Simply add the accessory to your basket and use STRAP10 or BRAC10 at checkout on Ward Hoard.
Specifications
Questions
If you have any questions about this watch or strap options, or would like to reserve it, just get in touch. We’re always happy to help.
Quick facts
Description
If ever there was a watch that encapsulates what the Second Hand Watch Collective is about, this is probably it. This is the second Isotope that I’ve had. The first I'd heard of Isotope was when a fellow watch enthusiast — someone I've bought from and sold to several times over the years — got in touch to ask if I'd be interested in one. The name intrigued me, so I did what we all do and headed to Google.
Up popped Isotope. A brand that was completely new to me, but one that immediately caught my attention. The designs were different, the spec is quality and, most importantly, they are rowing their own boat as a micro brand.
The Hydrium Pro is unmistakably a dive watch, but one viewed through Isotope's own design language rather than a vintage Rolex or Tudor reference book. The distinctive hands, unique dial layout and bold use of colour give it a character that's entirely its own, while still remaining practical and highly legible.
This particular example is the Hydrium Pro Nordblad Limited Edition, produced in collaboration with Finnish freediver and ice-diving world record holder Johanna Nordblad and limited to just 100 pieces. Normally I'm fairly sceptical of ‘celebrity’ collaborations, but Nordblad's story is extraordinary. After a severe leg injury left her dealing with chronic pain for years, she discovered that cold-water immersion provided relief, eventually leading her into the world of ice freediving. In 2021 she became the first person to swim 103 metres beneath ice without fins.
Thankfully, the watch itself doesn't rely on the story. The Hydrium Pro stands on its own merits. The 40mm micro-blasted case is beautifully executed, the design is distinctive without being eccentric, and the legibility is excellent. It's rated to 300 metres, fitted with sapphire crystals throughout, powered by a regulated Swiss automatic movement and built to a specification that exceeds ISO 6425 dive watch requirements.
The longer I spend around independent watchmaking, the more I appreciate brands willing to take risks. Not every experiment works, but watches like this remind me why collecting remains interesting. You simply won't find anything quite like a Hydrium Pro from one of the major Swiss brands. It's unusual, brilliantly executed and the chances of you seeing another one in the wild are between nil and none.
Which is exactly why it belongs here.
Condition and performance
The watch is in excellent condition with no obvious signs of wear.
Case: No issues
Bezel: Clean
Crystal: Clear, no marks
The watch is currently fitted to a rubber strap.
Comes boxed with papers.
Timegrapher: Approximately +3 seconds per day.
Strap options
Please send us a message if you would like any other strap option.
We also offer 10% off our straps and bracelets listed on our sister site, Ward Hoard, in Accessories purchased alongside a watch.
Simply add the accessory to your basket and use STRAP10 or BRAC10 at checkout on Ward Hoard.
Specifications
Questions
If you have any questions about this watch or strap options, or would like to reserve it, just get in touch. We’re always happy to help.
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