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The OSO watch company is a Singaporean-based microbrand which were founded in 2020. As the brand is so new, they have currently only released one style of watch – albeit hugely popular, the OSO orbit.
In a similar fashion to other brands, OSO gained funding through its kickstarter page. If you are not familiar with kickstarter, it is essentially a crowdfunding company that allows new ideas and projects to get traction and sell their products without the need for corporate or angel investors. In most cases, you will be able to “invest” small amounts of money. You will not receive any equity in the business, but you will receive products from the company.
In the case of OSO, the kickstarter was successful beyond belief in which they were able to secure full funding in 48 hours. The brand managed to attract over $42000 from 141 people during this time, which works out at just under $298 per donor.
Table of Contents
About The OSO Orbit Chronograph
Strangely enough, the inspiration for the OSO orbit comes from the desire for human discovery and innovation (space exploration). This design idea is continued in the case back engraving, in which there is a picture of a mountainous space region. In all honesty, this probably fits the Quasar model the best compared to the other two color designs, as it does look more futuristic. It is also a nice change of pace to see a brand that is making a new design from something other than a vintage racing-themed chronograph.
The OSO Orbit uses a Seiko VK64 movement. This is a very unusual mecaquartz movement, so you’re unlikely to have come across it before. Essentially, this is a quartz movement that uses a (mechanical) module to run the chronograph. Due to this, the large chronograph hand will sweep around the dial, rather than tick like a typical quartz movement. It should be noted that the battery is used to power the chronograph and that the watch will not need to be wound.
Using a 1970’s inspired tonneau shape case, the watch already stands out from the hundreds of fashion-based micro brands such as Filipo Loretti who continue to reinvent the wheel and constantly refer to their products as “luxury”. OSO watches on the other hand, are exactly what they claim to be. OSO Orbit watches are directly inspired by the original Seiko Astron which was the first quartz watch ever released. The case size of the orbit is 40mm and a thickness of 12mm.
This is a pretty standard size and suitable for most men. Whilst 40mm using a square case would have been considered large during the 1970s, we are now 50 years on from this time period and it is perfectly normal. As for the thickness, there is not really too much to say about this, it’s an ideal size.
As for the dial. The watch uses a sapphire crystal in a domed shape. Thankfully domed style crystals are becoming more popular, they don’t really cost any more to make but are definitely a nice addition. The hour indicators and hands are coated with Swiss Super-Luminova C3. I won’t pretend to know much about lumes, although I can tell you that Luminova is one of the top brands in this field.
The standard watches come with a leather strap featuring a signed buckle. One other nice feature that the brand offer is the chance to buy a Nato strap that directly matches the color scheme of the dial. Whilst I am not a massive fan of Nato straps, in this case I would make an exception. Their straps are very reasonably priced on their website and match up really well. The Quasar dial/strap is probably the best looking of all 3.
OSO Orbit Models
All models are pictured from the OSO website. It should be noted that there are two variations of each model, that with a stainless steel case, or gold plated. All styles are the same price.
OSO Orbit Abyss
As Friedrich Nietzsche famously wrote, “When you gaze long into the Abyss. The Abyss gazes also into you”. I am not really sure what this means, but the Abyss certainly does have a cool panda dial that you will be gazing at for a very long time. It should be noted that the version with the stainless steel case is incredibly popular and regularly sells out.
Check Watch On The Official OSO Website
OSO Orbit Mirage
The Mirage is the smartest/most casual of the 3 designs. Its royal green dial ensures that the watch is suitable for both work and leisure activities. You wouldn’t look out of place wearing this color in the boardroom on a weekday, the same can be said if you are just wearing it to a restaurant on the weekend.
Check Watch On The Official OSO Website
OSO Orbit Quasar
The Quasar is the most space age looking piece. Although the overall style of the watch is that of a traditional racing chronograph. Strangely enough, this color with a vintage design seems to work together really well. I will imagine that not everyone feels the same way about this, so the Quasar is likely going to be something you either love or hate.
Check Watch On The Official OSO Website
Other
Lastly, OSO gives free international shipping on all of their watches, which is great if you live in the USA – as the company is based in Singapore. They also offer a 30 day return period, which is useful. Although it is pretty unlikely you will return anything as their watches are both unique and great value for money.
