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Ianos Avyssos: A Swiss Made Diver with a Greek Soul

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The Avyssos (Greek for the abyss) is a divers watch from new brand Ianos Watches. This is the inaugural watch from this Athens-based brand, and was designed in Greece but is Swiss made. The inspirations for the watch come from the culture of sponge diving in Greece, where they free dive without compressed air, using “kampanelopetra” (large heavy stones) to rapidly descend to depths for sponge harvesting, and are then pulled back to the surface by attached ropes.
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Another inspiration is the Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient (circa 60-150 BC) Greek analogue computer used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses for calendar and astrological purposes decades in advance, and which was discovered by Greek sponge divers in 1901.
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The Ianos Avyssos has a number of unique features. It has a screw down crown, but a manual wind ETA 7001 movement (not automatic). This little quirk means you need to unscrew the crown to wind it, although when fully wound it has a 42 hour power reserve.
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The dial has a sandpaper texture to give the watch a more used and vintage feel, as inspired by the condition of the discovered Antikythera Mechanism. The dial is a sandwich dial with the numbers and minute indicators cut-out to reveal the Superluminova.
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Paying homage to the sponge divers who found the Antikythera wreck and the ancient freediving heritage, the hour markers are cut in the shape of the iconic "kampanelopetra.” There is no running seconds hand, which has been replaced with an Antikythera Mechanism-inspired small seconds mechanism, replicating the shape of the main gear of the ancient mechanism.
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The case back features a unique deep channel that holds and conceals the NATO strap, which keeps the watch low and giving a unique profile on the wrist.
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Being of Greek descent, I am very intrigued by this watch and the inspirations behind its creation. I am supporting the Kickstarter campaign for the reference IA02, the blue dial, stainless steel version. Watches are expected to be delivered in September and I will definitely be posting wrist checks of this unique beauty when I receive it.
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You can read more about the Ianos Avyssos and the Antikythera Mechanism at the following links: Antikythera Mechanism: http://www.antikythera-mechanism.gr/ Ianos Watches: https://www.ianoswatches.com/ Watch Reviews: https://wornandwound.com/first-look-ianos-avyssos/ https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-ianos-avyssos https://www.fratellowatches.com/about-the-ianos-avyssos-divers-watch/ https://timeandtidewatches.com/hands-deep-diving-greek-ianos-avyssos/ All pictures are from one of the watch reviews or from Ianos Watches.
(Edited)
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Very interesting case back!
Xpiotos52
1186
Apr 2, 2019
Something else for me to check & consider !
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