By Brent Robillard
A decade of daring vision meets UFO-inspired watchmaking
Ten years deep into his independent journey, José Miranda once again challenges the horological status quo with the OVNI Jumping Hour–Founders Edition—a timepiece that boldly declares it’s not just a watch, but an airborne artifact from an alternate dimension.
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First impressions: Prototypes up close
I’ve had the rare privilege of seeing prototypes of the OVNI on two separate occasions. Far from static, these early models seemed to shimmer with latent possibility. Even at that stage, the engineering was compelling, and the evolution seen in the final renders is a testament to Miranda’s devotion to the minute. But it’s this relentless pursuit of detail that turns watchmaking into artistry.
The vision behind the design
Miranda’s love for cinema and science fiction, already evident in the Moonshot and its moondisc pilgrimage à la The Incal, is here elevated to another plane. The OVNI is less a predictable descendant and more a new species—a saucer-shaped silhouette, a doughnut-style sapphire crystal, and luminous numerals that emerge like signals in the void. A UFO you can wear, grounded in engineering poetry.
For those unaware, OVNI is the translation of UFO into Portuguese (and French)—Miranda’s native tongue.
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What we know: Specs that fuel the fantasy
- Water Resistance: 30 meters, reminding us this is more art than diver’s tool.
- Case: The 904L stainless steel is circular brushed and 40 mm in diameter (including lugs) and a lean 13.6 mm tall.
- Crystal: The doughnut-shaped sapphire, treated with anti-reflective coating, gives the dial space to breathe, spotlighting the disc-driven display beneath.
- Movement: Powered by a Swiss La Joux-Perret G101 Soigné movement—tuned to ±7 s/day and a hefty 68-hour reserve—it’s augmented by Isotope’s proprietary jumping disc module, where time is revealed in sudden bursts rather than a sweeping arabesque.
- Lume & Dial: Aluminum dial with recessed minute markers on the fives and a bespoke numeral font beneath, layered in Super-LumiNova®
- Strap: A utilitarian yet refined quick-release grey FKM rubber band (20 mm tapering to 18 mm) with an Isotope clasp offers ease and subtle branding underneath.
- Case Back: Attached by six screws with an exhibition portal that lets enthusiasts glimpse the machinery and engraved rotor—the metaphoric propulsion system—within.
Comparing the Moonshot and Flyway to the OVNI
To appreciate the OVNI’s significance, it helps to look back at two previous Miranda creations. The Moonshot was a nod to graphic novels and science fiction—a moondisc complication inspired by The Incal that hinted at narrative-driven watchmaking. Collectors embraced it as a bold, imaginative step for the young brand, applauding its use of story and complication to create something far outside the mainstream.
The Flyway, by contrast, was a study in technical audacity, introducing a hyperbolic paraboloid sapphire crystal that seemed to warp time itself. Its inventive geometry and fresh take on pilot-inspired design further cemented Isotope’s reputation as an independent unafraid of risk.
The OVNI draws DNA from both. Its disc-based jump hour echoes the conceptual daring of the Moonshot, while the architectural dial and crystal work recall the Flyway’s willingness to defy conventional geometry. But here, the ideas have matured: the OVNI is less playful experiment and more cohesive thesis—a space-age culmination that bridges whimsy and precision. It’s a watch that doesn’t just borrow from these earlier hits; it refines them, closes the circle, and points toward a future where Miranda’s imagination has no ceiling.
Final Thoughts
The OVNI Jumping Hour – Founders Edition captures exactly what makes Isotope distinct: an unbridled imagination, unafraid of stepping beyond horological convention, and yet grounded in mechanical excellence. The piece feels like a capsule propelled from some cinematic narrative like an artifact rather than an accessory. Miranda’s devotion to aesthetic and functional finesse comes through in every refined edge, illuminated numeral, and pulse-jump of the hour.
Crafted for serious collectors with an appetite for the unexpected, the OVNI feels destined to become a future icon—not merely a milestone for Isotope, but a star in its own orbit.
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A Collector’s Dream Realized
Isotope is making the Founders Edition accessible: pre-orders begin August 25, 2025, and run through September 13, 2025, for £1,500 (or £1,800 including VAT), before ascending in price later to £2,400 (or £2,880 with VAT). Limited to just 150 individually numbered pieces, this edition isn’t just a watch—it’s a monument to Isotope’s first decade as a brand. As Miranda eloquently puts it, “…this is what watch collecting should be: thoughtful, unhurried, and deeply rewarding.” A sentiment reflected in everything about the OVNI’s release strategy—no frenzy, no lottery, just curated intention.
You can register your interest directly with the brand here (Subject line: OVNI). Or use this link (after August 25th) to place your order.
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About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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Love the implementation of the jumping hour here. Lots of fun.
I have recently seen a video of the finished watch. The jump is so quick and smooth and precise!
I can’t wait to see what these look like on-wrist. Some watches that present “futuristic” actually look quite natural with a variety of styles and draw less attention to themselves than thought. I’m anxious to see where this lands.
I have not seen the finished watch–only the prototype. But I understand it wears quite well.
Isotope is doing some cool stuff. I love their stuff being quirky and creative without being outlandish.
It’s a fine line to tread, but I think they do it well
That looks great… Wild design and overall idea it’s crazy that it works
Man this looks nice!
Great watch!