Time Reimagined: The AMIDA Digitrend's Stylish Comeback

A Journey Through Time: From 1976 to 2024

The Swiss watchmaking industry has witnessed the resurgence of a remarkable timepiece, the AMIDA Digitrend. Originally launched at Baselworld in 1976, the Digitrend was ahead of its time, a unique hybrid that merged mechanical ingenuity with the bold aesthetics of the era’s sports cars. This distinctive watch featured a mechanical movement paired with an original LED-style display, capturing the essence of futuristic design long before digital displays became mainstream.

The Modern Renaissance of the Digitrend

Fast forward to 2024, AMIDA reintroduces the Digitrend with enhancements that underscore both its heritage and its advancement in watchmaking technology. The newly reborn Digitrend retains its classic appeal while embracing modernity. It now boasts a more refined finish and is powered by an automatic movement equipped with a jumping hour module. A key feature is the sapphire prism that enhances the side display, offering a clear and precise “digital” readout reminiscent of its 1970s precursor.

Technical Enhancements and Aesthetic Refinements

The modern Digitrend is not just about nostalgic appeal; it introduces technical innovations that set new standards in precision and efficiency. The in-house developed module features a unique dual-disc construction consisting of only nine components, serving dual purposes as both a plate and a casing ring. This innovative design ensures the tightest tolerances and incorporates jumping hours, enhancing the watch’s functionality.

Aesthetic improvements include a redesigned minute window and typography that stays true to the original model’s vibrant orange digits, a staple of 1970s style. The watch’s visual identity has been refreshed by Johann Terrettaz, a renowned typeface and graphic designer known for his work with luxury brands like Urwerk and Akrivia.

Specifications at a Glance

Case: Stainless steel, satin-brushed and polished, dimensions of 39mm x 36mm x 15.6mm.
Crystal: Sapphire crystal reflective prism.
Back: Partial display back.
Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters.
Movement: Swiss automatic Soprod caliber NEWTON P092, featuring 23 jewels, 28,800 vph, and a 44-hour power reserve. Includes Cotes de Genève, sandblasted, circular-grained finishes, and a skeletonized rotor.
Dial: Dual disc setup for hours and minutes, known as LRD (Light Reflective Display).
Strap: 22mm charcoal Alcantara lined with orange calfskin, steel pin buckle.
Price: 2,900 Swiss Francs.

At the end of the day…

The AMIDA Digitrend is a bridge between the past and the present, embodying the spirit of innovation that defined the 1970s and continues to drive the watchmaking industry today. With its blend of vintage aesthetics and modern mechanics, the Digitrend is poised to captivate a new generation of watch enthusiasts who appreciate the fusion of history with cutting-edge technology. At the end of the day, this rebirth pays homage to its origins but also sets the stage for the future of novel timekeeping!