Inspired by aviation cockpit instruments, the Alcadus OPUS draws its design style from the idea of functionality, a well-versed trait throughout aircraft’s cockpit. Simply designed, the OPUS Collection of watches is uncluttered, legible and highly conventional. Modern lines and a sophisticated style seem to be the obvious visceral attributes of the OPUS, and like many a watch before it with similar characteristics, there is a consistent element of quality found throughout.
Measuring 39mm across, made in stainless-steel and available in three versions, the OPUS collection is varied and offers a fair amount of differentiation. Each model is available in a limited-run of 300 individually numbered pieces. Two models of the OPUS models have a lacquered dial, one in Jet Black and the other in Argent White, with the third model featuring a Phantom Grey aesthetic with a dial that is completely luminescent.
The stainless-steel case is exceptional and features a variety of finishing patterns and brushing directions, all enhancing the OPUS’ luxurious yet versatile look. The thin polished bezel contrasts really well with the brushed case and bracelet, and the custom-made riveted crown rounds off a very sharp and clean package. The case also features a high-tech scratch resistant coating, rated to a hardness level of 800 HV (just for comparison’s sake, a common stainless-steel 319L case, which many watchmakers use, has a hardness rating of only about 200 HV). The OPUS’ case also has drilled lug holes, enabling the wearer to quickly and easily change their straps.
As is in a traditional flieger watch, the OPUS features a triangular index at 12 o’clock, traditionally enabling a pilot to quickly determine the upright position of the watch and the 12 o’clock indicator. This index has actually been redesigned to depict the Alcadus logo. This functional theme continues on to the custom seconds hand, again featuring their logo. The hands are all covered in a luminescent coating, aside from the Phantom Grey version whose dial is completely luminescent and the Argent White version which has flame blued hands.
The OPUS Collection is powered by an ébauche movement, in this case the Swiss-made ETA 2892-A2, with a custom skeletonised rotor. This is a movement that many high-end watchmakers use, including Bell & Ross, Panerai, IWC, Omega, Breitling and Hublot. With a power reserve of just 42-hours, a beating frequency of 4 Hz and a hacking seconds feature, the ETA 2892-A2 was the ideal choice for the OPUS.
Available on Kickstarter from the 28th of June and with an estimated delivery date of February next year, the Alcadus OPUS will be made available with a brushed steel bracelet, an Italian leather strap and a premium leather watch roll as part of its initial pledge.