SpaceOne Worldtimer

The French watchmaking scene has been a hotbed of innovation, and at the forefront of this new wave is SpaceOne. A venture born from the collaboration of independent watchmaker Théo Auffret and watch entrepreneur Guillaume Laidet, the brand has carved a niche for itself by creating timepieces that defy conventional design and mechanics. Following the successful launches of their Jumping Hour and Tellurium models, SpaceOne introduces its third act: the WorldTimer. This new creation aims to ground the brand's cosmic inspirations with a practical complication for the modern global traveler, continuing its mission of delivering technical, innovative, and accessible horology.



SpaceOne was established in 2023 with a clear objective: to blend avant-garde aesthetics with novel complications. In a short span, the brand has delivered over 1,200 watches, a testament to its appeal among enthusiasts seeking something different. The initial models explored celestial themes, with the Jumping Hour offering a unique digital time display and the Tellurium showcasing a miniature representation of our solar system. For 2025, the brand shifts its focus from the cosmos to the globe. The WorldTimer is designed for those who navigate different time zones, whether for business or pleasure, yet it retains the core DNA of space-age inspiration that defines the brand.



The design language of the WorldTimer is once again penned by Olivier Gamiette, a designer known for his work with Peugeot and his futuristic vision. The watch's aesthetic is a compelling fusion of space shuttle architecture and automotive design cues. Its form is unconventional, eschewing the traditional round, square, or tonneau case for something more organic and futuristic. The case has an asymmetric profile that flows seamlessly, with integrated lugs that appear to emerge directly from the main body, creating a cohesive and ergonomic silhouette that looks engineered to hug the wrist.



Visually, the watch makes a strong statement. It is offered in three distinct variations of its Grade 5 titanium case, each providing a different character. One version presents the titanium in its natural, brushed state, giving it a raw, technical, and tool-like appearance. Another is rendered in a striking anodized blue, a vibrant and electric hue that highlights the case's complex curves and angles. The third option is a blackened titanium, offering a stealthy, modern, and almost aggressive look. This trio of choices allows the wearer to select a finish that best suits their personal style, from understated to bold.



At the heart of the WorldTimer's uniqueness is its method of displaying time. SpaceOne has done away with traditional hands entirely, opting for a system of rotating discs that presents the information in a "digital" format. This layout is both intuitive and visually engaging. The architecture of the dial is spread across four distinct points. At the 3 o'clock position, a disc indicates the minutes. At 6 o'clock, a separate disc displays the hours on a 12-hour scale. A central disc sweeps to count off the seconds, providing a constant sense of animation to the display.



The centerpiece of the complication resides at the 9 o'clock position. Here, under a prominent sapphire dome, two coaxial discs work in unison to provide the world time function. The outer disc lists 24 reference cities from around the globe, while the inner disc shows the corresponding time on a 24-hour scale. This arrangement allows for an at-a-glance reading of the time in any of the listed zones, directly linking the local hour display with a global perspective. The entire display is a feat of micro-mechanical engineering, presented with clarity and a distinct futuristic flair.



The case construction is a testament to the brand's commitment to high-performance materials and finishing. Crafted from Grade 5 titanium, the WorldTimer is both lightweight and exceptionally durable. This specific alloy is favored in the aerospace and medical industries for its high tensile strength and excellent corrosion resistance. The complex case shape is enhanced by a sophisticated mix of polished, brushed, and sandblasted finishes. This interplay of textures allows the watch to catch light in dynamic ways, accentuating its futuristic lines and bold character.



The dimensions of the case are substantial yet thoughtfully considered for wearability. It measures 52.7 mm in length and 41.9 mm in width (lug-to-lug), with a total thickness of 15.88 mm. Much of this height is due to the pronounced sapphire domes that protect the delicate disc mechanisms at 9 o'clock and 6 o'clock. These domes not only provide physical protection but also act as magnifying lenses, enhancing the legibility of the displays and adding significant visual depth. The case back is also notable, featuring an engraving of the world map, reinforcing the watch's global theme.



Powering the WorldTimer is the Soprod P024 automatic movement, a reliable and robust Swiss-made caliber. This choice continues the partnership between SpaceOne and the Swiss manufacture Soprod, who also supplied the movements for the brand's first two models. The P024 operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, or 4Hz, which ensures a smooth sweep of the central seconds disc and contributes to its overall accuracy. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 38 hours when fully wound.



While the base movement is Swiss, the star of the show is the complication built on top of it. SpaceOne has developed its own in-house WorldTimer complication, which is assembled in their workshop in Paris. This module is the result of meticulous engineering by Théo Auffret and his team, designed specifically for this watch. This process of using a Swiss caliber as a base and then adding a French-developed and assembled complication perfectly encapsulates the brand's ethos: creating technically proficient and disruptive watches that remain accessible.



The ingenuity of the WorldTimer extends to its operational simplicity. The setting mechanism is controlled by a single crown with three distinct positions, engineered for intuitive use. The first position is for manually winding the movement, a standard feature for any mechanical watch. Pulling the crown out to the second position engages a specially designed quick-set function for the city disc, allowing the user to easily align their desired reference city.



The third and final crown position provides simultaneous adjustment of both the 12-hour local time disc and the 24-hour home time disc. This thoughtful system ensures that setting the watch when traveling is a straightforward process, free from the complexity that can sometimes plague world time watches. This focus on user experience makes the WorldTimer an ideal companion for discerning travelers and collectors who value both form and function.



The watch is secured to the wrist by a strap that complements its technical aesthetic. The strap measures 22 mm at the lugs and tapers down to 18 mm at the buckle, a proportion that enhances wearing comfort by reducing bulk. Paired with the strap is a custom buckle also crafted from Grade 5 titanium, matching the case material and ensuring a cohesive look and feel throughout the entire piece. The overall water resistance is rated at 3 ATM, or 30 meters, sufficient for protecting the watch against splashes and daily wear.



The success of SpaceOne is rooted in the synergistic partnership of its founders. Guillaume Laidet is a prominent figure among the new generation of watch entrepreneurs. His strategy revolves around a digital-first business model, utilizing online sales to make high-quality, Swiss-powered watchmaking more affordable and accessible to a global audience. He is the driving force behind the revival of Nivada Grenchen and also manages collections for Vulcain, bringing a wealth of industry experience to the SpaceOne project.



On the other side of the partnership is Théo Auffret, an accomplished independent watchmaker based near Paris. Trained in both France and Switzerland, Auffret is a skilled prototyper and builder who operates his own eponymous brand. His personal creations, such as the Tourbillon à Paris, have been pre-selected for the prestigious Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) and are highly sought after by collectors. His technical expertise is the engine behind SpaceOne's original complications.



The visual identity of SpaceOne is shaped by the creative vision of Olivier Gamiette. As a designer for Peugeot, Gamiette is immersed in the world of automotive design, but his passion for horology has led him to create some of the most futuristic watch designs in recent memory. His collaboration with SpaceOne allows him to explore his creative universe, bridging the gap between automotive forms and the aesthetics of space exploration. His unique approach is evident in the fluid, daring lines of the WorldTimer.



SpaceOne positions itself as a brand for both seasoned collectors searching for a unique addition and for curious newcomers making their first foray into complicated timepieces. The brand's philosophy is to continuously challenge traditional watchmaking norms through audacious designs and original mechanical solutions. Each new release is a statement of intent, pushing the boundaries of what is expected at its price point.



The WorldTimer serves as a clear demonstration of this philosophy in action. It builds upon the narrative established by the Jumping Hour and the Tellurium, solidifying the brand's reputation for boldness and technical know-how. With this model, the world time complication is transformed from a simple utility into an interactive experience, where cutting-edge design and mechanical innovation merge to offer a completely new way of perceiving and reading time across the globe.



This timepiece represents the third major chapter for the young French maison. It demonstrates a maturation of the brand, moving to incorporate a highly practical and popular complication into its unconventional design framework. By keeping development and assembly in-house, SpaceOne maintains control over the quality and uniqueness of its product, ensuring that each watch is a true reflection of the founders' original vision.



The SpaceOne WorldTimer is positioned as a premium yet accessible piece of avant-garde horology. It will be available for pre-order starting on June 26th at 4 pm French Time, exclusively through the official SpaceOne website. The price is set at €2,700 before taxes for all three titanium versions. The initial production run will consist of a batch of 600 pieces, with deliveries scheduled to be completed before the end of 2025, making it a highly anticipated release for the watch community.



Case: Grade 5 titanium with polished, brushed, and sandblasted finishes; 52.7mm x 41.9mm x 15.88mm; Sapphire domes over displays; Water resistant to 3 ATM (30 meters).

Movement: Soprod P024 automatic base caliber; In-house developed WorldTimer complication assembled in Paris; 28,800 vph (4Hz) frequency; 38-hour power reserve.

Dial: Handless display with rotating discs; Minutes at 3 o'clock, 12-hour display at 6 o'clock, central seconds, and coaxial 24-hour/city discs at 9 o'clock.

Strap: 22mm strap tapering to 18mm; Grade 5 titanium buckle.

Price: €2,700 (excluding VAT).

Notes: Design by Olivier Gamiette and concept by Théo Auffret. The first batch of 600 pieces will be delivered before the end of 2025.