The O&HoraPictor Smoked Ocean Volcano Grey Explores Enamelling, at a Fair Price

While O&HoraPictor might be a young brand we only discovered recently, our first experience with one of their watches left us very content with what they have to offer. The brand takes the centuries-old tradition of enamelling and gives it a new spin with fresh textures and colours, at attainable prices. This isn’t a revolutionary concept per se, but the work is very impressive so far. Following the debut of the Duet collection over the summer, we now turn to the Smoked Ocean range, which is inspired by the silent but immense power of underwater volcanoes. Split between the Starshine Ocean and Volcano Grey, we take a closer look at the latter. 

The Smoked Ocean collection uses only one case size, as opposed to the three sizes you can select for the Duet. The relatively simple yet elegantly proportioned case measures 38mm in width and 11.75mm in height, which is very acceptable given its automatic movement. The lug-to-lug size comes in at 45.5mm only, making for a very enjoyable fit on the wrist. The flattened crown has a rope-like knurling along its flanks to make setting the time a breeze, and there’s a sapphire crystal on either side to protect the dial and movement.

The main focal point for the Smoked Ocean Volcano Grey, or the Starshine Ocean, for that matter, is the dial. A hand-formed layer of silver leaf is applied to a dial blank to create a unique texture. And since it’s made by hand, no two patterns will ever be alike, only elevating the appeal. The silver leaf is then coated with multiple layers of translucent grey enamel, which are individually fired in a kiln, gradually building up its depth and lustre. Once the desired thickness and depth of colour are achieved, the dial is polished to a mirror-like finish. The markers, numerals and details that make up the hour and minute scales are then printed in crisp white, with elegantly shaped pen hands keeping you on time. The finishing touches are the blued central seconds hand and the printed logo in the top half.

For the movement, we’re treated to the Sellita SW200 automatic, an alternative to the ETA 2824 here in Elaboré grade, meaning it’s detailed rather nicely. On top of that, literally, sits a custom O&HoraPictor rotor that’s finished by hand on the top plane, with blued screws securing a curved plinth with the name of the brand. This plinth, or cartouche if you will, is finished with translucent enamel, to tie it in with the brand’s devotion to the enamelling craft. As is expected, the movement itself runs at 28,800vph and delivers 41 hours of power reserve.

The Smoked Ocean Volcano Grey by O&HoraPictor is available on a wide range of straps, varying in type of leather as well as colour. You can also select the length of the strap, and it has a width of 20mm at the lugs, tapering to a steel pin buckle. The price for the Smoked Ocean Volcano Grey, and the Starshine Ocean, for that matter, is set at EUR 2,306 excluding taxes.

To be honest, similar to the Duet Bee we covered, that’s again a pretty impressive deal considering the craftsmanship poured into it. The dial is exquisite and shows a lot of character and depth, luring you into the deep, if it were. Plus, the addition of the custom rotor, finished by hand and with an enamelled cartouche bearing the company’s name, is a very pleasant detail. It gives what is basically an off-the-shelf movement a more personal touch and appeal, and fully warrants an open caseback.

For more information, please visit HoraPictor.com.