Here we are with another Olto-8 watch. I love this brand because they are always doing things a little different. They are also the first brand to approach me to to review a watch many years ago. I still have it!
This is their latest watch the Chrono Gate and this by their standards is quite tame but equally as fascinating as all the others. This difference here is they are bringing back a complication that has been long forgotton. This watch has a party trick being at the stroke of 12 the numbers will change to 24 or 12 hour respectively. This is all done mechanically with some levers, cams and springs.
The dial is beautifully sculped with all that texture and pattern with the cut out showing the mechanism responsible for the changeover. At first when I saw it I thought they had just adapted a date wheel to perform this complication but on further inspection it seems to be its own bespoke complication. This in my view has to be applauded. There are not many microbrands doing this, usually opting for an off the shelf movement like a Miyota or a Seiko.
Now this complication is not something completely new as it was around many moons ago as a way for the wearer to know what time of day it is. In todays world this might seem crazy but 60-70 years ago explorers, pilots and alike may need to know if its night or day in extreme conditions or in polar regions where there is 24 daylight at times of year.
Whilst with modern technology in 2026 this is really not an issue its still great to see something mechanical that can achieve this and the nostalgia that in the past it was a mechanical watch and engineering that was able to solve this problem.
Olto-8 logo is an infinity sign and they have incorporated this into the design of the watch and you will only see it at 12. When both hands align at 12 the circles align to make an 8 or infinity if you will. A design que I really like.
The watch comes in many colours and now also with a display caseback to show off rather pleasant skeletonised movement. Sadly for me my model has a steel back.
If you are interested in these then go and check out Olto-8 site. Olto-8 Chrono-Gate
I did a full and indepth review of this watch which you can watch here.
