Amida Launches Its Digitrend NASA Edition Into The Space-Loving Watch Community
Last year, at Geneva Watch Days, Nacho and I went to the Amida stand in one of the rooms of the Beau Rivage. There were a few watches there to check out, but we also got a little tag to hang around our necks. An Amida representative also told us to go to another floor and a specific room in the hotel, knock on the door, and use the password “The Worm.” It all sounded a bit spooky, but we did it. After being blinded with a flashlight, we entered a darkened room, handed in our phones, signed our lives away, and were presented with “Project Enterprise.” Now, half a year later, we can finally tell you more about the Amida Digitrend NASA Edition.
Just like the original Amida Digitrend, the first Space Shuttle Enterprise was presented by NASA in 1976. Their aerodynamic shapes are also quite similar, and they both had very futuristic designs for their time. Besides, the Amida Digitrend was often referred to as the space watch of its era. Let’s take a look at what this new Amida Digitrend NASA Edition looks like.
The Amida Digitrend NASA Edition
If you’re familiar with the “regular” Amida Digitrend, the NASA Edition’s shape won’t surprise you. However, the materials used certainly will. Let’s start with the familiar dimensions. The Digitrend’s case measures 39.6mm wide, 39mm long, and 15.6mm thick. That thickness might throw you off, but because of its unusual, aerodynamic shape, the Amida Digitrend feels thinner and rather comfortable on the wrist.
Usually, the Digitrend’s case is stainless steel. The black part of the NASA Edition’s case is also stainless steel, but this one has a black DLC coating. In addition, it features engraved horizontal lines to accentuate its unusual shape. The glossy white shell with the former red NASA logo, also referred to as the “worm” logo, is made of ceramic. That makes it very hard and resistant to scratches, just like the Space Shuttle Enterprise’s shell.
A spaceship’s cockpit
In this space-related context, the Digitrend’s Light Reflecting Display kind of looks like a spaceship’s cockpit. A prism displays the jumping hours and scrolling minutes, each through an aperture with a red border. The display also proudly shows the Amida Digitrend logo. The jump-hour module is an in-house Amida invention and sits atop a Swiss Soprod Newton P092 automatic movement.
You can operate the movement with the crown on the right side of the case. It runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour, has 23 jewels, and offers a 44-hour power reserve. You can look at the skeletonized rotor through the sapphire case back. On their, you’ll also find the motto “per aspera ad astra”, which means “through hardships to the stars.” It’s associated with space exploration and honors the astronauts who gave their lives in pursuit of it.
Another thoughtful detail is the strap’s material. This strap is made of black rubberized leather and Beta cloth, the latter of which is the same material that NASA used to manufacture space suits. It looks great with the black-and-white Digitrend case and fastens to the wrist with a Velcro closure.
Feel like an astronaut
The Amida Digitrend is a favorite of mine. Its quirky case with the jump-hour display behind the sapphire prism always gets me. On the wrist, it feels like a specialized tool, and that’s even truer of the NASA Edition. The Space Shuttle Enterprise theme perfectly suits the Digitrend’s aerodynamic case shape, and the white ceramic and black PVD parts nicely accentuate its peculiar form. I’m pretty sure this watch was never used during any space mission, and it probably never will be. However, when I wore this watch, I did feel a little like an astronaut. It’s kind of like having a little personal Space Shuttle Enterprise on the wrist.
The Beta cloth and rubberized leather strap is a nice addition, but it might be a bit much for my taste. The combination of materials works, but I can also imagine the watch would look great on a white rubber strap, for example. Finally, I truly appreciate the “worm” logo on top of the case. For some reason, this is the logo I think of when I think of NASA. It’s just such a minimal, futuristic, and recognizable logo. Now that I think about it, all my space toys in the ’90s had this version of the NASA logo.
Only 100 pieces are available now
The Amida Digitrend NASA Edition is available now exclusively via the brand’s website. It costs CHF 3,400 (excluding taxes), but be quick because only 100 will be made. If you’re into space exploration, know a bit about NASA’s history, and like watches, I’m sure this timepiece has already piqued your interest.
What do you think of the new Amida Digitrend NASA Edition? Let me know in the comments below.
