FANOS [fæˈnuːs]

A term of Greek and Egyptian origins which translates into lantern; a guiding light.

As watch geeks and enthusiasts with a passion for divers, we wanted a timepiece that was not only affordable, but that could go toe to toe with some of the offerings from the larger brands. So started our 18-month journey into imagining, designing, redesigning and prototyping the Fanos Osimiri. After reworking the different elements of the project, we are proud to present the Osimiri, a modern diver merging a minimalistic aesthetic with functionality.

We were looking for a workhorse movement that was both affordable, reliable, and well regarded among watch enthusiasts. This narrowed down our search to the ETA 2824-2 automatic Swiss movement. This selection is in line with our goal of offering a high-quality movement at a very reasonable price. Furthermore, we wanted to ensure that this watch can easily be serviced, which it certainly can, as the ETA 2824-2 is recognized by watchmakers worldwide.

Along with a 120 click coined edge titanium bezel, the Osimiri has a ceramic bezel insert that is scratch resistant and comes in a sleek and elegant matte finish. As with the rest of the watch, the markers are filled with BGW9 Super-LumiNova that allows for wonderful visibility in the dark.

Credit: Relative Time

Matching the color of the bezel, the dial will also come in a grainy matte finish. The indices are nestled within a raised chapter ring that has cutouts to integrate them. The white hour and minute indices provide a stark contrast to the dial and are raised, as well as lumed with BGW9 Super-LumiNova, to again allow for clear visibility in all conditions. A date window has been seamlessly integrated at the 6 o’clock position, in order to make it more fitting with the design. We wanted to make sure that the date would not be an eyesore but rather a complementary element.

FANOS Hardened Titanium vs. Regular Titanium

We were looking for a case material that was durable, lightweight, and scratch-resistant. This led us to make the choice of a grade 2 titanium material with a brushed finish, that has been treated with a protective coating and hardened to 900HV. Not only is it extremely scratch and corrosion-resistant, but even after prolonged use, the watch will continue to look and feel like new. The video above shows the outstanding difference between a regular titanium material compared to the material we are using. For further perspective, 316L stainless steel, used in the great majority of divers, has an HV value of 140, effectively making the Osimiri over 6 times harder than most other divers.

Credit: Relative Time

In homage to classic divers, we have opted for a plongeur hand-set in a white color contrasting the dial. Wanting the look of the second hand to be cohesive with the design of the minute indices, we choose a similar oval shape but on a smaller scale. Like the rest of the watch, the hands are coated in BGW9 Super-LumiNova for optimal visibility.

The Osimiri crown is just large enough to provide a comfortable grip, all the while complementing the overall aesthetic of the watch, with an etched logo that is also lumed. To allow for the 500m depth rating, the crown has a screw-down functionality that aids in water resistance.

To allow for optimal viewing and resistance to deeper depths, the slightly domed sapphire crystal has 3 layers of anti-reflective coating on the underside. The sapphire crystal provides a more durable surface making it highly more resistant to scratches compared to a mineral crystal.

As a tool watch that is designed for extreme conditions, we have included a helium escape valve. Our vision is to provide a rugged but elegant tool that is ready for the harshest environments, whether or not it encounters them.

Used in saturation diving, a helium escape valve is a device that allows the pressure inside and outside the watch case to be equalized in a diving chamber. This one-way valve will allow the helium molecules to leave the watch during decompression as it returns to a neutral pressure environment.

Credit: Relative Time

We are offering the Osimiri with 2 strap options. The first is a hardened and custom-fitted titanium bracelet which will come with a milled stainless steel clasp following feedback from the community.

Like the titanium material used in the case, the bracelet has also been treated to a hardness of 900HV in order to withstand impact, wear and tear as well as scratches. 

The second option is a black rubber strap that has been custom molded for maximum comfort. The rubber is UV, dust, and chemical resistant and has been curved to perfectly complement the case.

Given that the majority of the funding is going towards stringent quality controls and high-grade materials, only one of the two options of your choice is included with your Osimiri. 

Credit: Relative Time

Credit: Relative Time

Following popular demand, the Osimiri will be available in two color options. In line with the theme of the sea, a dark navy blue colored watch face is available. More specifically the dial and the bezel will be available in a PMS 289 Navy Blue color. But for those who want a more understated look, the matte black option is ideal.

Credit: Relative Time