Latest Review
The Duo 24 is the newest timepiece to be released by Botta Design, and features a very unique two-handed, two time-zone GMT functionality. Each hand functions independently, as though two one-handed watches were combined. Specifically, it is a hybrid of Botta’s Uno and Uno 24 watches. Somewhat complicated to describe, the Duo’s functionality is actually quite beautifully implemented using clean lines and function driven design.
Case: Stainless steel
Movement: Swiss RONDA 515.24H quartz
Function: Simultaneous 12-hour and 24-hour
Dial: Two-tone grey
Lens: Sapphire
Strap: Choice of vegetable tanned leather wrist strap, steel link or rubber strap
Diameter: 40 mm
Thickness: 7.5 mm
Warranty: 2 years
Botta Design is a German firm that has been around for over 25 years, is deeply rooted in the Bauhaus tradition and has collected dozens of awards for their horological and industrial design. So, its seems only appropriate that Botta would take on the challenge of creating a watch that tells time in two time zones, with the use of only two hands and no rotating bezel.
The overall aesthetic of the Duo 24 is reminiscent of the Braun series of watches in case design and color palate, with both adhering to the classic Bauhaus school of design. There are no frills to the Duo, just cleanly designed indexes that maximize legibility.
The first time zone is read along the elevated outer ring of the Duo’s face using the 12 hour markers and the large yellow hour hand. Meanwhile, the second time zone is read using the internal 24 hour markers and the smaller black hour hand. There is also a day/night indication on the Duo for the GMT function, thought you may not notice it at first. Look closely however, and you’ll notice that the top half of the Duo’s face is slightly lighter than the bottom, indicating daytime hours. Essentially, the inner area is an Uno 24, which is a one-handed watch that is meant to indicate the course of the day, rather than the specific hour. You’ll notice that 0 is at the bottom of the index rather than the top, allowing for 12 to sit at a sort of “high-noon” position, aiding in a natural read of the day.
The Duo 24 is currently available for pre-order from Botta Design for $400.
