Almost 50 years after the launch of the first Digitrend model back in the 1970s, Amida has announced its revival with a Limited ‘Take-off Edition’.

Amida made waves during the 1976 Basel Fair by introducing the Digitrend model, a mechanical Swiss timepiece with a jump hour complication. This innovative watch featured unidirectional jumping hours and trailing minutes, displaying the time through a prism. Resembling a luminous or electronic display, the time is actually read through an optical effect created by an optical-grade sapphire crystal in the shape of a prism. The movement operates horizontally, while the ‘image’ of the hour and minute discs is projected vertically, with the prism magnifying the numerals for better legibility. This ingenious system was patented by Amida back in 1973 as LRD (Light Reflecting Display).

The truly remarkable timepiece has been modernized for its comeback, but the 2024 version still stays true to the original concept and appearance. The 39.6 mm x 39 mm case, shaped just like the fluid body of a supercar, is machined from a single block of 316 L stainless steel and slightly refined for a sleeker look and finish. At 15.6 mm thick, the watch is only 1 mm thicker than the original. The Swiss-made automatic Soprod NEWTON P092 movement features just 9 mechanical components and 6 screws, is water-resistant up to 50 meters, and has a power reserve of 44 hours. Completing the watch is a charcoal Alcantara strap lined with matching orange calfskin and a stainless steel buckle, along with an additional stainless steel bracelet.

The 2024 Amida Digitrend is priced at CHF 2,900 (excluding VAT), with pre-orders available later in May.