I’ve always like the Isotope Hydrium in its various expressions such as the Alba, but I love the new Hydrium Grey Reef Shark. It reimagines the model in a brutalist, monochrome fashion that works really well with the collection’s existing shape language. It’s also presented with the collection’s first steel bracelet, which is a cool next step for the range.
Let’s start with the case, which measures 40mm in stainless steel with a micro-blasted finish. That finish gives it a darker, matte appearance compared to more traditional brushing or polishing, enhancing the utilitarian, industrial vibes. The design has also been pared back to its most essential components. For example, the unidirectional rotating dive timer bezel is made from a single piece of metal with the five minute intervals marked with embossed Arabic numerals or recessed dots.
A similar approach of minimalist design has been taken on the grey dial. The Isotope logo at 12 o’clock has been simplified compared to previous Hydrium models and now only consists of the brand’s name without the symbol that used to accompany it. It’s also presented in white to maintain the greyscale palette in conjunction with the black hour, minute and second hands. The overall layout of the display is unchanged with the raised Lacrima motif in the centre and a peripheral chapter ring bearing the hour and minute scales.
The choice of this brutalist, greyscale monochrome aesthetic was inspired by grey reef sharks, hence the model’s name. To be clear, it’s not a shark themed watch in the same way that the Spinnaker Croft Dolphin Project is a dolphin themed watch with pictures of dolphins on its dial. It’s a shark themed watch in that it carries the moody, brooding, menacing character of an apex predator. It also has 300m water resistance so you can wear it while on a shark encounter dive experience should you so wish.
Inside, the Isotope Hydrium Grey Reef Shark houses the Swiss Landeron 24 automatic movement with 40-hour power reserve. It’s visible through the exhibition caseback where you can see a plethora of finishes ranging from brushing to Côtes de Genève and perlage. Around the edge you can also see an inscription bearing the limited edition number out of 200.
As I briefly noted in the introduction, this watch debuts the new Hydrium stainless steel bracelet – something that Isotope collectors have been requesting for a while. It’s a three-link bracelet with quick-release spring bars and a micro-adjustment clasp. It has a bead-blasted finish to match the finishing of the case. It’s also compatible with every Hydrium produced to date and is available to purchase separately from the Grey Reef Shark if you own an older model. The Grey Reef Shark itself is presented with both this new bracelet and a grey FKM rubber strap if you prefer that.
The 200-piece limited edition Isotope Hydrium Grey Reef Shark is priced at £1,300 while the individual bracelet is £268. Both are available to order from today, September 10th, 2026.
Price and Specs:
More details at Isotope.
