What is the new AMIDA Digitrend OSII Black?
The AMIDA Digitrend OSII Black is an alternative “digital” time-display watch powered by a mechanical movement. It continues the legacy of the iconic 1976 original and is an evolution of the brand’s modern Digitrend concept.
“The mid-century design movement gave us a baseline of audacity that was abandoned too soon. My role is to pick up from where AMIDA left off. We do not look back to copy the past. We look back to resume the work. We are finally building the machine they dreamed of making but couldn’t.” – Matthieu Allègre, AMIDA co-founder.
How is the time displayed?
The “digital” time display comprises of jumping-hours and scrolling minutes. The technology used is LRD, or Light Reflective Display with prism technology. The Arabic numeral hours and minutes on their respective discs and “framework accents” is coated with BGW9 Super-LumiNova.
“There is no luminous or electronic display. So what is the secret? AMIDA’s idea is more than ingenious. The readout is actually an optical effect created by a crystal in the shape of a prism. The movement operates horizontally, but the ‘image’ of the hour and minute discs is projected vertically. AMIDA called its system LRD (for Light Reflecting Display), which was patented under No.3,786,626 on April 5, 1973. A remarkable and singular proposition in horology that makes the Digitrend a watch truly extra-ordinary.”
What kind of movement powers it?
The movement comprises of two parts: a) a proprietary in-house jumping-hour module b) that is powered by the Soprod NEWTON P024, a mechanical automatic movement.
Jumping-hour module: Height: 2 mm. Mechanical parts: 9. Screws: 8.
Soprod NEWTON P024: Height: 4.6 mm. Jewels 25. Frequency: 4 Hz or 28,800 vph. Power reserve: 38 hours. Movement finishing: Rhodium-plated. Skeletonised automatic winding rotor features “Côtes de Genève, sandblasted and circular-grained finishes.”
“Featuring an in-house developed module with a unique dual-disc construction of only 9 components, doubling as both a plate and a casing ring, this modern movement, with the tightest tolerances, incorporates jumping hours for exceptional efficiency and precision. These technical improvements find themselves amplified by aesthetic refinements, like the redesigned minute window and completely redesigned typography–true to the original orange digits emblematic of the 70s.”
What are the case features?
The case is made from 316L stainless steel with a satin-brushed and polished finish. It features a sapphire hood, which is a “single-block machined sapphire top shell.” The display or “dial side” features a sapphire crystal with a reflective prism. The case measures 39.6 mm (width) * 39 mm (length) * 15.6 mm (height). Lug-to-lug distance: 39 mm. Water resistant up to 5 ATM or approximately 50 metres.
“The Internal Framework (Structural internal): With the interior now visible, the design must extend inward. A new DLC-coated 316L steel internal framework creates a structured construct that is integrated into the architecture of the jumping-hour module. This deliberate, sculpted form replaces the hidden utilitarian parts of the past, ensuring that every internal component is a contribution to the aesthetic.”
The watch is available with either a charcoal-coloured Alcantara strap with orange calfskin lining fitted with a stainless steel buckle or a 316L stainless steel bracelet. Quick-release spring bars enable the wearer to change straps and bracelets.
What do we think?
The Digitrend OSII Black with its transparent hood crafted from sapphire and featuring a fully luminous display has transformed a cool watch into an even cooler and desirable one. I was fortunate enough to handle AMIDA watches at their booth at the Beau-Rivage hotel in Geneva in 2025. I was impressed. The watches are iconic 1970s designs reinterpreted as present-day creations featuring modern day materials and construction and obtainable at an accessible price point.
The Digitrend OSII Black promises to be a conversation starter at watch GTGs and non GTGs; it is sure to attract attention (the right kind) at a supermarket or café. There are only 150 pieces, grab one while you can.
Additional Details
Name: Digitrend OSII Black
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 5,150 (excluding taxes) – Alcantara strap version
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 5,500 (excluding taxes) – Metal bracelet version
Limited edition of 150 pieces,
Two-year international warranty.
Please visit amida-watches.com to learn more and order.
