Introducing: The Isotope Flyway Fata Morgana — A Mirror-Polished Optical Illusion
The Flyway Fata Morgana is the latest addition to Isotope’s collection of characterful, design-first watches. Inspired by the rare optical phenomenon in which land and sky appear to merge, it represents perhaps more of a poetic concept than a mere wristwatch. This new 36mm model introduces a mirror-polished titanium dial to an already rather exotic collection. I haven’t handled the watch yet, so I cannot judge the effect in person, but the idea is undeniably intriguing.
Interestingly, Isotope offers the Flyway Fata Morgana with a choice of two Swiss movements at different price points while keeping all other specifications identical. It’s a limited run of 100 pieces, available now directly from the brand. Let’s take a closer look at where this watch fits in Isotope’s lineup and at the natural illusion that inspired it.
The Isotope Flyway Fata Morgana in context
The Flyway Fata Morgana builds on Isotope’s existing Flyway collection, which already includes several creative and technically distinctive models. With each new release, the UK-based brand explores fresh aesthetic territory while maintaining a consistent design language. This latest Flyway variation may be the most conceptually ambitious yet.
A Fata Morgana is a rare atmospheric mirage that occurs when layers of warm and cold air bend light near the horizon. It can make distant ships appear to float in the sky or cause coastlines to shimmer and distort. The phenomenon is named after the sorceress Morgan le Fay from King Arthur’s legends, and it creates an uncanny blend of reality and illusion. That’s precisely the effect Isotope aims to evoke through its mirror-polished titanium dial.
Specs of the Isotope Flyway Fata Morgana
The Isotope Flyway Fata Morgana features a 36mm stainless steel case built in three parts, featuring polished, brushed, and sandblasted finishes. With a 12.3mm thickness and a 42mm lug-to-lug, it is compact yet substantial. A Clous de Paris bezel frames the dial, while the brand’s signature hyperbolic paraboloid sapphire crystal enhances clarity and gives the watch its sculptural presence. The mirror-finished push-pull crown at 3 o’clock is signed with the brand’s Lacrima logo. The Flyway Fata Morgana comes on a steel bracelet with 18mm-wide quick-release end links and a butterfly clasp. Isotope rates the watch’s water resistance at 100 meters.
Buyers can choose between two Swiss automatic movements. The Landeron 24 caliber offers a 40-hour power reserve, beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and runs within ±12 seconds per day. It features blued screws, perlage, and Côtes de Genève finishing. Alternatively, the La Joux-Perret G101 Soigné movement delivers a longer 68-hour reserve, tested accuracy of ±7 seconds per day in four positions, and Isotope’s custom Lacrima rotor. Pricing reflects the choice — £1,200 / €1,172.95 / US$1,362 for the Landeron version and £1,496 / €1,461.95 / US$1,698 for the La Joux-Perret. It’s worth noting that the UK prices include VAT, but orders from other countries will be subject to local taxes and duties
The dial is where the Isotope Flyway Fata Morgana truly comes alive. Made from mirror-polished titanium, it reflects light in constantly shifting tones. Heat-blued Lacrima hands with Super-LumiNova cut through the reflections, preserving legibility amid the shimmering surface. The result is designed to mimic the disorienting beauty of a Fata Morgana, though I have yet to see whether the illusion translates as intended in person.
Initial impressions
I have to say I am intrigued by the Isotope Flyway Fata Morgana for several reasons. For starters, I find the concept rather interesting. Both the Fata Morgana theme and the fact that buyers can opt for differently tiered movements are refreshing.
Looking at the provided photos of the watch, I cannot say I find it particularly beautiful. The design looks fragmented, almost granular. The Clous de Paris bezel is probably the primary cause, as it breaks the otherwise more consistent design language. That said, I kind of like the odd experience triggered by the sight of the Flyway Fata Morgana. It puts me on my toes, which isn’t a bad thing for a conceptual watch like this.
I also like the subtlety with which Isotope pursued the Fata Morgana theme. Many brands would have been tempted to play with faded horizons or similarly convoluted ideas. Instead, Isotope just puts a completely sterile, polished titanium dial front and center. This shows the kind of restraint that I like to see in watch design. I am looking forward to an opportunity to go hands-on with this watch to see the effect in real life.
What do you think of the Isotope Flyway Fata Morgana? Let us know in the comments section below!
