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This Motorsports-Inspired Mechanical Watch Features Unique Semi-Circular Display

You don’t have to burn a hole through your wallet to get a quality, limited-edition timepiece, though no one would hold it against you if you did; to each their own. For regular but still fashionable gentlemen, OLTO-8 has an interesting proposition.
The Infinity II is inspired by racing cars, features speedometer-inspired semi-circular display 11 photos
Photo: OLTO-8
The Infinity II is inspired by racing cars, features speedometer-inspired semi-circular displayThe Infinity II is inspired by racing cars, features speedometer-inspired semi-circular displayThe Infinity II is inspired by racing cars, features speedometer-inspired semi-circular displayThe Infinity II is inspired by racing cars, features speedometer-inspired semi-circular displayThe Infinity II is inspired by racing cars, features speedometer-inspired semi-circular displayThe Infinity II is inspired by racing cars, features speedometer-inspired semi-circular displayThe Infinity II is inspired by racing cars, features speedometer-inspired semi-circular displayThe Infinity II is inspired by racing cars, features speedometer-inspired semi-circular displayThe Infinity II is inspired by racing cars, features speedometer-inspired semi-circular displayThe Infinity II is inspired by racing cars, features speedometer-inspired semi-circular display
OLTO-8 is a Hong Kong-based company that’s not new to the world of timekeeping. This is its second automatic watch, which it hopes to bring to mass-production with help from customers via crowdfunding on KickStarter. Much like with predecessor Infinity, the Infinity II is designed for men with a soft spot for cars and all things mechanical, looking for a watch that is stylish and not widely accessible.

Infinity II is a mechanical watch inspired by racing cars, so it’s pitched as the perfect companion for whoever shares the bug. Its highlight is the unique, 180-degree semi-circular display that bears a very clear resemblance to a car’s odometer and that presents three different hands and five different layers to tell the time.

The Infinity II is inspired by racing cars, features speedometer\-inspired semi\-circular display
Photo: OLTO-8
To be sure, there is nothing subtle or delicate about this watch. Then again, neither is there about a racing car or its inner workings, so that’s the whole point. It is a very busy piece at first sight and, at the same time, one that could potentially get you scratching your head as to how it works. A single closer look at it shows that, as always, appearances can be deceiving. Despite what you might think, Infinity II is easily legible.

Robust, rugged, and with a design that stands out, Infinity II is presented with various color choices, both for the watch and the rubber strap: black, white, red, blue, yellow, and green. That said, each color version will be limited to just 500 units, which equates ownership to entrance into a rather exclusive club.

The dial shows two rows of numbers, one for the minutes on the outer ring, and one for the hours on the inner ring. Then, there’s the off-center subdial for the seconds. The numerals for the hours can be either Roman or Arabic, but the style is pretty much the same: one that evokes speed and edginess. The hands for the hours and minutes are coated in Swiss Super Luminova, which makes reading the watch a breeze even at night. The White version comes with dedicated Night Vision, which is also shown in the video below.

The Infinity II is inspired by racing cars, features speedometer\-inspired semi\-circular display
Photo: OLTO-8
Inifinity II is based on a redesigned MIYOTO 82S5 automatic movement with 21 jewels, which is partially visible through the dial. OLTO-8 says it’s been specially adapted to work with the semi-circular display.

The 44-mm case itself is also meant to recall the complexities of an automobile. Made of 316L stainless steel with Ceracote coating (for the white and green versions) and PVD coating (for the blue and black versions), the case has 44 individual facets that are all hand-polished. The result is a complex, visually intriguing piece that aims to be—and will hopefully deliver—a “conversation starter.”

The top and bottom of the Infinity II are covered in sapphire crystal glass for scratch-resistance and durability. The interchangeable Fluoro rubber strap adds a touch of style without compromising on that durability promise. OLTO-8 promises that the watch has been tested on both counts and has performed satisfactorily. Moreover, it comes with a 5 ATM waterproof rating, meaning it can withstand a pressure of 5 bar or a depth of 50 meters (164 feet).

The Infinity II is inspired by racing cars, features speedometer\-inspired semi\-circular display
Photo: OLTO-8
“Our designs are defined by the way we want to live our life. We believe in the quality of life, where life is created equally into 8 hours, to sleep, work and have fun!” the company writes in the description on KickStarter.

Early pledgers can get the Infinity II for $329 or $359, depending on which color model they choose, with add-on straps offered at $25. Deliveries are scheduled for May this year, with worldwide shipping.

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About the author: Elena Gorgan
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Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends.
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