The launch of the SpaceOne WorldTimer is something we’ve been waiting for with bated breath ever since we first saw it in the metal in Geneva all the way back in April. It’s the third act from young French brand SpaceOne, who first emerged in 2023 with their distinctive modern aesthetic and space inspired horology. This latest release brings things back firmly to Earth with the addition of a WorldTimer, designed to help global travellers rather than cosmic passengers.
On first look, the watch feels almost inscrutable due to its asymmetrical design with triple dials and a hyper modern shape. However, take a moment to take in each of the dials and the watch is surprisingly easy to read. The rotating disc at 6 o’clock displays the hours and the two rotating discs at 3 o’clock show the minutes and seconds. It’s sort of a handless interpretation of a regulator display, stylised in a space age fashion.
The large dial at 9 o’clock then serves as the titular worldtimer function, the rotating discs showing a 24-hour function and 24 of the world’s most significant cities to represent each of the time zones. So while the watch is bonkers and futuristic with that Avant Garde, brushed titanium case (available in grey, blue or black), in terms of functions it shows the same information as a traditional worldtimer like the Raymond Weil Freelancer GMT Worldtimer.
On the wrist, I would say it doesn’t feel as large as it first appears, though it certainly is big. It measures 41.9mm lug-to-lug with a length of 52.7mm and a thickness of 15.88mm to the peak of the domed sapphire glass over the worldtime display. The main takeaway of that should be that if you wear 42mm watches, you can probably wear this without much issue at all. Obviously because of the shape it feels very different but you’re only going to buy this watch if you like the shape to begin with, so I don’t really see that as a problem.
One of the most impressive things, at least to me, about the SpaceOne WorldTimer is that inside it houses a very ordinary movement. It’s the Soprod P024 that you might find in any number of microbrand and independent releases. Yet SpaceOne have given it a custom module produced in France to achieve the dynamic and distinctive layout. The positioning of the rotating discs means the internal architecture must be impressive, though sadly it’s hidden by a solid caseback. The Soprod P024 itself has a 38-hour power reserve.
The SpaceOne WorldTimer is priced at €2,700 excl. taxes (approx. £2,300) and is available in an initial production run of 600 pieces. Pre-orders begin of 26th June at 3pm BST. It’s not the style of watch I typically enjoy but it’s one of the best interpretations of that hyper futuristic style of design I’ve seen. If you’re looking for an accessible alternative to MB&F, you may have found your answer.
Price and Specs:
More details at SpaceOne.
So, a world timer is supposed to cover this world (the planet earth) and not some other cosmic location, so why does this watch look as though it’s been purloined from some forthcoming Sci-Fi epic, it begs the question, will the next version transport the wearer to an as yet unexplored world.
Another silly watch, but at least not as silly as some other recent releases, but, at least this one has a realistic price tag, unlike I few others recently reviewed here on OT.
Is there really a market for these things?
Need to maintain space from these contraptions, so beam me up Scotty.