The New Amida Digitrend Open Sapphire Takes Its Hood Off For Summer
In its original form, the Amida Digitrend is already quite an impressive wristwatch. Its unusual shape and size make it the perfect conversation starter. And that’s not even considering the dial with the sapphire prism and the jump-hour module behind it. Well, get ready for an even bolder iteration because here’s the new Amida Digitrend Open Sapphire. It features a big, curvy sapphire window that lets you see what’s under the hood. Be quick, though, because only 150 pieces will be made.
Last year, designer Matthieu Allègre and Depancel founder Clément Meynier brought back the Amida Digitrend. First, there was the Take-Off Edition, which sold out very quickly. Then, they introduced three regular-production models in steel, black DLC, and 4N gold PVD. If you thought those were extravagant, think again. The new Amida Digitrend Open Sapphire will undoubtedly make many heads turn.
The Amida Digitrend Open Sapphire Limited Edition
In principle, the limited-edition Amida Digitrend Open Sapphire is the same watch as the previous editions. That means the case is 39.6mm wide, 39mm long, and 15.6mm thick. However, this time around, its construction consists of 2/3 sapphire and 1/3 steel. Usually, when you look at the Amida Digitrend from the top, you see a large vertically brushed metal surface. This time, though, there’s a big, curvy sapphire window through which you can see the transparent hour and minute discs with their signature orange numerals.
Adapting the case and crafting the custom sapphire glass takes an impressive 24 hours for each watch. But the craftsmanship doesn’t stop there. The case’s visible interior also features a nice finish, combining Geneva waves, faceting, stippling, and anglage. There’s also an Amida logo, and you even get a peek at the gears and axles underneath the rotating discs.
The time is projected onto the black dial through the same sapphire prism that was already there on previous versions. It displays the jumping hours and scrolling minutes and still features the Amida Digitrend branding. The watch comes on an appropriate anthracite Alcantara strap with an orange leather lining.
Soprod Newton P092 inside
On the bottom of the case, there’s also a big sapphire window. Underneath is the Swiss-made Soprod Newton P092 automatic movement that powers the Amida Digitrend. It runs at a frequency of 28,800vph, features 23 jewels, and holds a power reserve of 44 hours. On top of it is an in-house nine-piece jump-hour module that drives the horizontal discs rather than a set of conventional hands. The case back also tells you that the Digitrend is water resistant to 5 ATM.
Gentlemen, start your engines!
As I said in the introduction, the Amida Digitrend has always been a showstopper. But with this big and bold sapphire window on top, it’s even more than that. It’s almost like having a little Porsche 911 Targa on the wrist. I’ve always liked the quirky Amida, but the large brushed surface on top always seemed a bit awkward. The new sapphire window makes the watch look lighter since it isn’t such a big piece of steel. The view you get in return is quite out there, but I’m sure lots of enthusiasts would be happy to peek at the Amida’s engine once in a while.
The limited-edition Amida Digitrend Open Sapphire costs CHF 4,500 (ex. VAT) and is available now. Beware, though, because only 150 will be made, so if you want one, you’d better start your engine now and drive to the Amida website to secure yours.
Let me know in the comments below what you think of this bold new version of the Amida Digitrend.
