October 11, 2007 Sports watch maker Reactor has announced a new range of watches aimed at the action sports enthusiast. Starting with the "Graviton", a water-sports watch featuring a pre-programmed database of tide information for 275 worldwide locations, the new watches adhere to six key attributes that Reactor calls the “DNA” of the brand: all cases and bracelets are solid 316L stainless steel; all watches have screw-in crowns with crown guards; the bracelet/case interface has a stainless steel screw bar attached with allen-head screws; Swiss Superluminova on markers and hands; a forged caseback; and secure folding clasps on all metal bracelets.
Graviton
Aimed at boaters, divers and fishermen Reactor claims the Graviton is the “world’s most technically advanced tide watch” featuring a pre-programmed database of tide information for 275 worldwide locations and four custom settings that can accommodate nearly any beach.
The watch combines analog and digital displays with its “dual-mode analog-digital (ana-dig) design”. This allows the liquid crystal display (LCD) to be turned completely off, making the watch look and function like a standard analog model. A press of any button reactivates the LCD screen with digital time display, tide data, as well as the standard digital watch features like alarms and a 1/100th second chronograph.
In tide mode the watch displays the precise times of the next two hi-lo tide cycles, and can be advanced to view tide info for any date up to 10 years in the future, while a graph also displays whether the current tide is rising or falling, and shows relative tide height. The Graviton is depth-rated top 200M/660 feet and retails for US$300.
Neutron
If traditional analog is more your go then the Neutron might be more to your liking. This model features a large 45.5mm diameter case and boasts a retrograde quartz chronograph movement that Reactor claims is accurate to 0.05 seconds. The forged stainless steel case back and screwdown crown with tripe-o-ring seals give the Neutron a 200m depth rating while the K1 mineral glass lens is highly scratch resistant and, according to Reactor, provides five times the impact resistance of sapphire crystals typically found on high-end Swiss timepieces. The Neutron starts at US$475 for the rubber strap model, US$500 for stainless and tops out at US$550 for the inclusion of a 2-tone strap.
Flux
If you’re looking for something a little bit different then the uniquely shaped Flux might appeal. The watch features an hourglass shaped domed crystal face with oversized Superluminova markings and hands, which provide readability in complete darkness for up to 13 hours. The Flux also features free floating lugs which Reactor claims allows the watch to follow the natural contour of the wrist. The dial and movement are top loaded to allow for the curved case back and the watch is rated to a depth of 100m. A batter hatch positioned in the dead center of the case back allows for easy battery changes without compromising the water resistant integrity of the watch. The Flux retails for US$500 while a new elite edition available in men’s and ladies design is encrusted in .75 TCW diamonds and polished finish and will presumably set you back a little more.
