By Brent Robillard
The Perfect Storm
When I first discovered Isotope Watches, it was like I had stumbled upon a secret handshake in the watch world. Somehow, the handshake isn’t so secret anymore. And I couldn’t be happier about that. I had the chance to try on the new Isotope Moonshot Thunderclap at Intersect New York last week, but I had to wrest it away from a booth that was beset by enthusiasts two and three people deep most of the day. When I did manage to escape with the watch, within seconds it was clear: this is still very much a Moonshot—but it’s one that crackles with new intent.
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Key Features of the Isotope Moonshot Chronograph Thunderclap
Flagship
The Moonshot platform has become something of a flagship for Isotope. Or, at least I see it that way. It carries the brand’s distinct Lacrima hands, the Moondisc sub-dials, and that industrial, turbine-inspired architecture that makes it instantly recognizable across a room. Thunderclap keeps all of that intact. The proportions are the same. The architecture is unchanged. The attitude, however, has shifted.
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Teenage Grandpa
This might have something to do with the fact that this watch is a collaboration with Toronto-based designer Matt Smith-Johnson, aka Teenage Grandpa. Smith-Johnson is responsible for a number of industry collabs including Laco, Seals, Dietrich, and Vero. Upon meeting the driving force behind Teenage Grandpa, Isotope’s co-founder, José Miranda was struck by his keen mind and energy. “The result is bold and unexpected,” says Miranda of the Thunderclap, “a version that could only come from the mind of Teenage Grandpa.”
Limited Edition
Limited to just 30 pieces worldwide, Thunderclap introduces a dramatic grey-and-purple palette that feels surprisingly cohesive in person. The sandblasted Grade 5 titanium case is left uncoated this time—no DLC—allowing the natural matte character of the metal to speak for itself. It’s light on the wrist and very much in line with the Moonshot’s technical personality.
Of course, the colour hits immediately.
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The embossed grey “storm cloud” dial provides texture, while the metallic purple Moondisc sub-dials catch light in a way that shifts from subtle to electric depending on the angle. The purple chronograph pushers are a bold move, but they work—adding just the right voltage at the case flank.
Storm Tracking
The biggest evolution, though, is functional. Thunderclap marks the first time Isotope has added a telemeter scale to the Moonshot. The telemeter is traditionally used to measure the distance between a visible event (like lightning) and the sound that follows. So, with this watch, you could realistically measure the distance of a storm’s approach. Tell me you didn’t do this as kid!
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Swiss Calibres
Mechanically, nothing changes. Thunderclap runs on the same proven Moonshot calibres, powered by either the ETA Valjoux 7753 or Swiss Landeron 73 automatic chronograph movement. You still get 100 metres of water resistance, 28,800 BPH, a 44-hour power reserve, and that familiar tri-compax layout.
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Bracelet
One other welcome update: the new sandblasted titanium bracelet. Tapered, screwed, quick-release, and finished to match the case, it gives the Moonshot a more integrated, cohesive feel compared to earlier strap-first releases. In fact, it reminds me of the bracelet on my Speedmaster 125. But frankly, it’s better designed.
Pricing & Availibility
With only 30 pieces available, I feel a feeling that this particular storm likely won’t linger for long. You can own one for £2,400 (approx. $4365 CAD) on the fitted FKM rubber strap, or £2,720 (approx. $4945 CAD) with both the strap and matching titanium bracelet. See the brand website for more information.
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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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I think what Isotope is doing is just great. So many others are chasing the same vintage look. Their watches stand out.